咸
Hexagram 31 · 咸
Upper trigram: 兌 · Lower trigram: 艮
Xian (Influence): the hexagram of mutual response. Make room for others, notice attraction without rushing, and let sincerity guide closeness.
The image
The lake rests above mountain, openness meeting stillness. Yielding above and firmness below respond across the whole figure. Xian means influence or mutual feeling. The image presents attraction as a relationship that develops through receptiveness rather than calculated pressure.
Judgment
亨。利貞。取女吉。
Flourishing. Constancy is beneficial. Taking a wife brings good fortune.
The commentary links stillness and joy with two forces responding freely to one another. In present-day relationships, genuine attention often creates more room for closeness than a rehearsed effort to produce a particular response.
Great Image
山上有澤，咸；君子以虛受人。
A lake above the mountain: Influence. The exemplary person accordingly empties the self to receive others.
Making room does not require having no opinions. Setting aside an immediate rebuttal during a conversation can reveal what the other person is actually trying to say.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
咸其拇。
Influence reaches the big toe.
Six in the first place is yin at the first stirring of response. The Small Image points its intention outward, like noticing an initial interest without treating it as a fully formed commitment.
Line 2 · 六二
咸其腓，凶，居吉。
Influence reaches the calf. Misfortune. Remaining still brings good fortune.
Six in the second place is central yin able to moderate an impulse to move. The Small Image favors responsive stillness, like waiting before sending an emotional message written in haste.
Line 3 · 九三
咸其股，執其隨，往吝。
Influence reaches the thighs. Holding to what follows another, going forward brings humiliation.
Nine in the third place is yang pulled into following without independent judgment. The Small Image criticizes that low attachment, like accepting every social invitation merely to stay close to an admired person.
Line 4 · 九四
貞吉悔亡，憧憧往來，朋從爾思。
Constancy brings good fortune and regret disappears. Restless coming and going: friends follow your thoughts.
Nine in the fourth place is yang near the heart of the response, corresponding with the first yin. The Small Image finds restless influence narrow, like winning agreement from familiar friends without truly hearing other perspectives.
Line 5 · 九五
咸其脢，无悔。
Influence reaches the flesh along the back. No regret.
Nine in the fifth place is central yang with a restrained, limited response. The Small Image calls its purpose peripheral, like staying composed in a conversation while recognizing that genuine engagement remains incomplete.
Line 6 · 上六
咸其輔，頰，舌。
Influence reaches the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.
Six at the top is yin expressing influence chiefly through speech. The Small Image describes a flowing mouth, like an eloquent promise that needs practical follow-through before it deserves trust.
When asking about
Career
Influence often grows through attentive listening. Seek genuine understanding before trying to win agreement.
Love
Mutual attraction can develop through patient openness. Let both people choose their pace without pressure.
Money
Social influence can shape financial choices. Pause to distinguish your own priorities from a persuasive friend's enthusiasm.
Home
A receptive conversation may soften tension. Give others room to explain before offering your solution.
Study
Discussion often reveals perspectives solitary work misses. Listen actively while keeping independent judgment.
Health
Quiet pauses can help you notice mood and daily rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Make room for a response you have not scripted. Notice the difference between sincere connection, restless pursuit, and words unsupported by action.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.