Influence
咸
Upper: 兑/泽 | Lower: 艮/山
Overview
Hexagram 31, Xian, is composed of Dui above Gen: the Lake over the Mountain. It represents influence, mutual attraction, resonance, and responsive feeling. The power of this hexagram does not lie in force or domination, but in sincere sensitivity and the ability to affect others through openness and restraint. The Judgment says, ‘Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune,’ indicating that when influence is grounded in correctness, integrity, and proper intention, it leads to harmony and fruitful union. Dui signifies joy and receptivity; Gen signifies stillness and self-control. Together they suggest a dynamic balance: one must remain inwardly steady while outwardly responsive. Xian is not limited to romance; it also applies to leadership, social influence, cooperation, persuasion, and the subtle way emotions shape action. Its deeper teaching is that the strongest influence often works quietly. When one empties the ego, listens deeply, and responds appropriately, one creates genuine connection rather than manipulation.
Judgment
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
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Get Influence ReadingJudgment Commentary
The Judgment, ‘Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune,’ teaches that influence can indeed bring progress, but only when it is anchored in correctness. The Tuan Commentary explains: ‘Xian means influence. The yielding is above, the firm below. The two energies stimulate each other and unite. Stillness and joy: the man places himself below the woman; therefore there is success, and perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune. Heaven and earth influence each other, and all things are transformed and born. The sage influences the hearts of people, and the world attains peace.’ This elevates the hexagram from personal attraction to a universal principle. Influence is the basis of generation, transformation, and social harmony. ‘Stillness and joy’ is crucial: Gen provides restraint and centeredness, while Dui offers warmth and receptivity. True influence begins from inner composure, not emotional impulsiveness. The phrase about the man placing himself below the woman points to humility, respect, and the willingness to approach rather than dominate. Thus Xian is not a license for seduction or manipulation. It is a lesson in ethical resonance: to move others rightly, one must first be sincere, self-controlled, and open.
Image
A lake on the mountain: the image of Influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him by his readiness to receive them.
Image Commentary
The Image says, ‘A lake on the mountain: Influence. Thus the superior person encourages people to approach him by readiness to receive them.’ The mountain is still, firm, and grounded; the lake is moist, joyful, and gently communicative. A lake resting upon a mountain creates an unusual yet meaningful image of mutual contact. Neither element overpowers the other. Instead, stillness supports receptivity, and receptivity softens stillness. From this, the noble person learns to ‘receive others with emptiness.’ This emptiness is not passivity or lack of principle. It means clearing away arrogance, prejudice, and self-occupation so that one can truly hear, feel, and respond. If the mind is too full of itself, no real connection can occur. The image therefore teaches that influence begins with inward spaciousness. The person who can remain steady yet open becomes quietly magnetic, inviting trust and closeness without coercion.
Interpretation
Xian symbolizes mutual influence and attraction. A lake atop the mountain moistens it below. Openness and receptivity attract others.
Line Texts
Six at the beginning: The influence shows itself in the big toe.
Influence begins at the big toe. The impulse stirs but has not yet led to action.
‘Influence in the big toe’ describes the very beginning of feeling or response. Like the movement of a toe, the impulse is slight and external, showing that influence has started but has not yet reached the center of the person. This is a stage for awareness rather than action. One should notice the first stirring without rushing forward recklessly.
Six in the second place: The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune.
Influence in the calves. Rushing forward brings misfortune; staying still brings fortune.
‘Influence in the calves brings misfortune. Remaining still brings good fortune.’ The calves suggest a readiness to move in response to outer stimulation. This line warns against impulsive following. If one is too easily led by emotion or external pressure, trouble follows. Stability and self-possession, however, turn the situation favorable.
Nine in the third place: The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating.
Influence in the thighs. Blindly following others leads to humiliation.
‘Influence in the thighs. Holding to that which follows. Going on brings regret.’ The thighs indicate stronger momentum toward action. Yet the key problem is attachment to following rather than acting from inner clarity. This line warns that being pulled along by desire, pressure, or fascination leads to embarrassment or regret.
Nine in the fourth place: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind and his thoughts go hither and thither, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thought will follow.
Perseverance brings fortune and remorse vanishes. Focus your thoughts, and friends will follow.
‘Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a person is agitated in mind, friends will follow his thoughts.’ This is the pivotal line of the hexagram. When one remains upright and centered, regret fades and influence becomes effective. Others are drawn not by manipulation but by the quiet force of conviction and sincerity.
Nine in the fifth place: The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse.
Influence in the back of the neck. Firm and resolute, no remorse.
‘Influence in the back of the neck. No remorse.’ This line points to a deeper, more interior level of response. Unlike superficial attraction expressed in gestures or speech, this influence works from a hidden inner center. Because it is not showy or impulsive, it is free of regret. Genuine influence often operates quietly and deeply.
Six at the top: The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
Influence in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue. Mere words without substance.
‘Influence in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue’ suggests that the process has become superficial, limited to facial expression and speech. This is influence by words alone, possibly flattering, performative, or manipulative. It warns against replacing sincerity with rhetoric. When influence loses inner truth, it becomes hollow.
Modern Application
matters, it favors leadership through communication, empathy, and example rather than blunt control. A manager who listens before speaking and understands before deciding will build stronger loyalty and cooperation
this hexagram is especially favorable for sincere attraction, mutual understanding, and the beginning of meaningful bonds. Yet it also warns that emotional impulses must be guided by respect, propriety, and clear boundaries. In financial matters, Xian does not suggest sudden windfalls; it is more supportive of gains through reputation, networks, partnerships, and trust-based opportunities. Chasing hype or reacting too emotionally to market movements can lead to poor judgment
the hexagram highlights the intimate link between emotion and the body. Stress, irregular sleep, digestive imbalance, and mood-related fatigue deserve attention. Overall, Xian is highly relevant wherever trust, persuasion, and human connection matter. Its message for modern people is simple but profound: lasting influence grows from inner steadiness, authentic feeling, and measured expression, not from manipulation or pressure
People Also Ask
What does Influence hexagram mean?▾
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
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Xian symbolizes mutual influence and attraction. A lake atop the mountain moistens it below. Openness and receptivity attract others.
Get AI Reading →Historical Story
Hexagram 31 is often associated with early Zhou ideas of courtship, marriage, and moral influence. The phrase ‘taking a wife brings good fortune’ was never understood merely as a prediction of marital success. Classical thinkers saw it as a statement that harmonious union arises when two sides are drawn together by virtue, respect, and proper conduct. A fitting historical image is King Wen of Zhou and Tai Si. Tradition presents Tai Si as dignified and virtuous, while King Wen was known for moral charisma and humane conduct. Their union came to symbolize not only domestic harmony but also the ethical foundation of political order. This reflects the spirit of Xian: true attraction is not driven by appetite alone, but by character responding to character. Whether in family or in government, influence is strongest when it wins willing hearts rather than outward compliance.
Related Trigrams
咸卦与三十二卦恒卦相连，咸主感应之始，恒主关系之久。先有真诚相感，后有恒常守持，方能使感情、合作与事业由一时心动转为长久成就。若只有咸而无恒，易流于短暂；若求恒而无咸，又失去生机。
References
Related Scenarios
Related Hexagrams
Further Reading
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