Hexagram 31

Influence

泽山咸 · 咸 · Xián | Lake over Mountain

Lake rests on mountain; mutual attraction draws hearts together.

AttractionSensitivityCourtshipResponsiveness

Upper trigram

兑 · Lake

Lower trigram

艮 · Mountain

The Judgment

“Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningInfluence felt in the big toe.

Six in the second placeInfluence felt in the calves. Misfortune. To stay still brings good fortune.

Nine in the third placeInfluence felt in the thighs; he clings to whatever follows him. To go on brings regret.

Nine in the fourth placePerseverance brings good fortune; regret vanishes. If you let your thoughts come and go restlessly, only friends will follow your wishes.

Nine in the fifth placeInfluence felt in the back of the neck. No regret.

Six at the topInfluence shown in jaws, cheeks, and tongue — mere talk.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

The lake settles upon the mountain in gentle, mutual influence. This is the hexagram of attraction, courtship, and the stirring of genuine feeling.

Guidance

Let influence be mutual and sincere; remain open and responsive, and connection forms naturally.

When This Hexagram Appears

The beginning of relationships or partnerships, built on genuine, reciprocal attraction.

FAQ about Hexagram 31

What does Hexagram 31, Influence, mean?

Influence (泽山咸, hexagram 31 of the I Ching). The lake settles upon the mountain in gentle, mutual influence. This is the hexagram of attraction, courtship, and the stirring of genuine feeling.

What is the Judgment of the Influence hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.” Lake rests on mountain; mutual attraction draws hearts together.

What guidance does Hexagram 31 offer?

Let influence be mutual and sincere; remain open and responsive, and connection forms naturally.

When does the Influence hexagram apply?

The beginning of relationships or partnerships, built on genuine, reciprocal attraction.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 41 · Decrease

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 32 · Duration

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.