I Ching · Hexagram 31 of 64
31. Xián 咸 · Influence
By Destiny Kua · Updated
Mutual attraction; openness invites connection.
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌
- Lower trigram
- Mountain 艮
What hexagram 31 means
Xián is a lake resting on a mountain: the mountain supports and the lake refreshes. It is mutual attraction and influence, especially between people. The advice is openness and receptivity. Influence works when it is gentle and heartfelt, not manipulative.
Hexagram 31 in daily life
At work
Good time for connection and persuasion. Listen before you pitch.
In relationships
Mutual attraction is strong. Be open and sincere.
For yourself
Stay open to being influenced by good people.
The six changing lines
If your cast included changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read the matching lines below. Line 1 is the bottom line.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | The influence is only in the toe. It hasn't moved yet. |
| Line 2 | Influence in the calves. Acting now brings misfortune; wait. |
| Line 3 | Influence in the thighs. Rushing to follow brings regret. |
| Line 4 | A steady heart brings good fortune. Restless thoughts only draw a few friends. |
| Line 5 | Influence at the back of the neck. No regret, but no deep feeling. |
| Line 6 | Influence only in words. Talk alone doesn't change anything. |
The two trigrams
The lower trigram, Mountain 艮 (Gèn), stands for your inner state and the root of the situation. The upper trigram, Lake 兌 (Duì), stands for the outer circumstances. In element terms this is Metal over Earth. Mountain is the trigram of Kua 8 and Lake is the trigram of Kua 7.
Related hexagrams
- Opposite (every line changed): 41. Sǔn 損 · Decrease
- Inverted (read upside down): 32. Héng 恆 · Duration
- Trigrams swapped: 41. Sǔn 損 · Decrease
Questions to reflect on
- Who is influencing me, and how?
- Am I open or guarded?
- Is my influence heartfelt?
Our line summaries are written in plain English in our own words, based on the traditional meanings. For reflection and entertainment, not prediction or professional advice.