I Ching · No.31 · Hsien / Influence (Wooing)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

Translation

Hsien Hexagram. Prevalence. A favorable oracle. Marrying a maiden brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The lower trigram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Dui, representing lake. A lake on the mountain; the mountain air and the water's breath interact and influence each other. This is the image of Hsien. In accordance with this, the superior man, taking pattern from the deep valleys and the vast lakes, keeps his mind open and humble, receiving instruction from others with humility.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Mutual attraction of the two sexes, responding according to the righteous path; things resound when struck, recognizing the times and understanding the moment of opportunity. Small Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should treat others with humility, which will bring good luck and success in undertakings. However, do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treat others with humility, and you can preserve your fame and position.
• Wealth 财运: Transporting and selling goods will surely yield a profit.
• Household 家宅: Knowing where to stop; harmony between the two sexes.
• Health 身体: Physical weakness, nourishment is advised.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: When the army advances, guard against pitfalls and traps, and watch out for ambushes in mountain valleys. When defending the city walls, guard against the enemy secretly digging tunnels. Extreme caution is required in all these matters.
• Business 营商: Mountains and lakes are places where wealth is generated, representing sources of revenue. 'Receiving people with humility' implies purchasing local products and transporting them for resale, which will surely bring great profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'On the mountain' is an image of lofty heights. 'A lake on the mountain'—the lake is a low-lying place where water accumulates. This implies remaining mindful of danger when in high positions. Only by humbling oneself and treating others with humility can one's fame and position be long preserved.
• Household 家宅: This residence must be nestled against mountains and facing water. Knowing where to stop brings good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: This is an illness of physical weakness; it is advisable to take nourishing tonics.
• Marriage 婚姻: The hexagram represents the mountain and the lake sharing their breath, indicating harmony between the two families. Very auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Both parties must be young people arguing out of youthful impulsiveness. It is best to resolve the litigation through mediation and stop.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: It must have fallen into a hollow, watery place, and cannot be recovered.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Dui above). Gen is mountain; the lake is water. Dui (yielding) is on top, and Gen (firm) is below. The water seeps downward; the yielding is above and the firm is below, interacting and influencing each other. Influence leads to completion.

• Overall Image 大象: The young man is below the young woman, influencing each other, symbolizing a new marriage and the mutual attraction of the sexes.
• Fortune 运势: Favorable and auspicious, but do not let improper passions disturb your mind and lead you astray.
• Career 事业: Harmony is precious, and harmony brings prosperity to all undertakings. One must move others with sincerity and treat people with honesty. Make wide circles of friends, remaining humble and polite. Set noble ambitions and stick to your views; do not blindly follow the crowd. In times of adversity, keep still and wait for the opportunity; do not act rashly or force things.
• Business 经商: Profitable. However, one should maintain a pure mind, treat others with sincerity, and strengthen cooperation. If the market is sluggish, by no means act rashly or force matters, but quietly wait for developments. Listen to differing opinions with an open mind.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Ambitions should be grand and feet kept on the ground. Humbly seek advice from others, making them respond with pleasure, so that they will help and place you in important positions. Do not isolate yourself, and never become cold or antisocial; develop yourself with a broad mind.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Highly likely to succeed. The two parties share deep affection, but motives must be pure for the marriage to be happy and enduring.
• Decision 决策: Auspicious and smooth. Excellent interpersonal relationships, good at socializing. Navigating the world with a sincere attitude and a selfless heart will bring no disadvantage. When cooperating with others, adhere to principles. Do not be indecisive in taking action. In times of adversity, halt operations, sum up experience, and plan for future development. Be earnest with others, but do not associate with deceitful and talkative petty persons, so as to prevent being deceived.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first six, divided, shows one moving his great toes.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Wounding one's big toe. The Symbolism says: 'The big toe is moving' shows that the mind is set on going abroad.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line act too hastily, making success difficult. Officials must cultivate their character and wait for the opportunity; officials in the capital may be dispatched, and idle officials may be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be the first to arrive and win fame overnight.
• Wealth 财运: Goods have been prepared but not yet shipped/released.
• Household 家宅: Relocating to another place; the beginning of a marital alliance.
• Health 身体: Foot ailment is being treated.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: This represents the initial clash of weapons; it should happen on the fourth day, and victory can be won.
• Business 营商: Must be a first-time trade; the goods have been prepared but not yet shipped.
• Fame & Career 功名: Sure to win fame overnight; a sign of being the first to arrive.
• Household 家宅: Indicating an intention to relocate to another place.
• Illness 疾病: A sore or infection just starting on the toe; it is advisable to treat it with topical poultices.
• Marriage 婚姻: First Six corresponds to Nine Four, representing a Gen male proposing to a Dui female, which is auspicious for marriage.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy, which is the first pregnancy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: Wounding one's calf; this is an evil omen. With the calf injured, it is not advisable to go out. Staying peacefully in place will naturally bring safety. The Symbolism says: 'Although meeting an evil omen, staying peacefully in place can turn misfortune into good luck.' Yielding to the oracle can avert disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will run about in vain; it is better to remain quiet rather than move. For officials, those in office have good fortune, while those on missions face danger.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreating and holding one's position is key; success depends on relying on others.
• Wealth 财运: Not suitable for traveling merchants, but suitable for stationary shopkeepers.
• Household 家宅: Changes in the marriage proposal; following and guarding one's place brings good fortune.
• Health 身体: Unable to walk.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Advisable to defend firmly and not move; thus harm can be avoided.
• Business 营商: Unfavorable for traveling trade, favorable for stationary shopkeeping.
• Fame & Career 功名: Can only achieve success by relying on others, unable to reach far.
• Illness 疾病: This refers to calf disease, which must be a condition of atrophy or numbness in the limbs; one can only sit or lie down, and cannot walk.
• Marriage 婚姻: Though the marriage is settled, there may be changes. If one can keep oneself in obedience, it will end in good fortune despite the initial ill omen.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Wounding one's thighs, and injuring the flesh below the thighs. Traveling with injuries will surely bring disaster. The Symbolism says: 'Moving one's thighs' means he is not at peace in his position. Since his mind is set on following others, the principles he holds are base and not worth adopting.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line had best retreat and hold their position; officials must be careful of being demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is best to retreat and hold one's ground; one's reputation will not be prominent.
• Wealth 财运: Partnerships are difficult; the person in charge lacks capability.
• Household 家宅: It is not advisable to follow others in relocating; the partner chosen is not a good match.
• Health 身体: Do not fall into lust and passions.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Advisable to retreat and defend, not to advance and attack.
• Business 营商: In business, combining capital is called sharing (literally 'thighs'). One person must be chosen to lead the business. If the leader cannot make independent decisions but merely follows others up and down, the business will surely struggle to make a profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Following the opinions of others to seek fame shows a base character; it will surely be hard to succeed.
• Household 家宅: The residence is near the Gen mountain and could have been a peaceful dwelling, but the querent does not wish to stay here and desires to follow others in relocating, which is feared to bring regret.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fault lies in listening too much to the matchmaker; there is fear that the partner is not a good match.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows that firm correctness whi.ch will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: A favorable oracle, no remorse. Friends come and go in a flurry, and they all follow your wishes. The Symbolism says: 'Perseverance brings good fortune; no remorse' because no harm has been done. Although a few friends come and go in a flurry, it still requires much mental effort.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will receive help from friends and can plan small matters, but big matters face difficulties and their mind is unsettled. For officials, governing with justice brings hope of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and position become prominent, but it turns bad if not righteous.
• Wealth 财运: Forgetting righteousness at the sight of profit; endless quarreling and scrambling.
• Household 家宅: Be cautious in social interactions; guard against lack of chastity/uprightness.
• Health 身体: Absent-mindedness and trance-like state; it is best to rest quietly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: An army relies entirely on the general as its heart. When ten thousand troops gather in confusion, a single general must stabilize them so that orders are obeyed and all remains quiet. Otherwise, confusion and disorder will prevail, and disasters will arise.
• Business 营商: Although business aims at profit, obtaining righteousness is still auspicious. If one forgets righteousness at the sight of profit, the crowd will scramble for it and will not be satisfied until they have seized it, causing unspeakable harm.
• Fame & Career 功名: Line four is a yang element in a yang position, close to the sovereign. Fame and position are prominent, symbolizing righteousness and good fortune. However, if not obtained through proper means, harm will follow immediately; extreme caution is advised.
• Household 家宅: This residence must face a busy thoroughfare where the upright and the wicked mingle; one must select social contacts with the greatest care.
• Illness 疾病: This must be a disease of mental abstraction; it is advisable to rest quietly.
• Marriage 婚姻: Guard against lax domestic discipline in the bride's family.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Wounding the flesh of one's back, but no disaster. The Symbolism says: 'Moving one's back,' acting as if carrying a heavy load; it seems his mind is set on trivial matters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line experience discord in human relationships, and their undertakings are small. Officials are mostly at odds with their colleagues.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: What is sought is not yet achieved; wait a little longer.
• Wealth 财运: The influence is already felt; there is no need to worry.
• Household 家宅: Safety can be preserved.
• Health 身体: Illness will soon heal, and longevity may be increased.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Advisable to launch a sneak attack from behind to strike the enemy's back; there will be victory and no defeat.
• Business 营商: The Symbolism says 'the mind is set on trivial matters,' implying that the business scale is not large and the profit is also meager.
• Fame & Career 功名: The back also means defeat (turning one's back); it indicates that what is sought may not result in fame.
• Illness 疾病: A bent back is a sign of long life; the illness will heal, leaving no regret, and long life will be obtained.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Kuo hexagram. Success, this is a favorable divination. However, it is only suitable for small matters, not for great matters. A flying bird passes through the sky, leaving its voice by the ear, warning people: ascending leads to danger, while descending brings good fortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing Mountain; the upper trigram is Zhen, representing Thunder. Thunder over the mountain is the image of Hsiao Kuo. The superior man, observing this image, stands in awe of the heavenly thunder and dares not commit transgressions. Thus, in his conduct, he does not exceed in humility; in mourning, he does not exceed in grief; in expenditure, he does not exceed in thrift; he only seeks moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin is compliant and Yang is trapped; gentleness and flexibility are in action. Maintain caution and self-control; rapid advance is unfavorable. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against disputes and litigation arising from one's own mistakes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the overlapping of two different trigrams (lower Gen, upper Zhen). Gen is Mountain, and Zhen is Thunder. Thunder rumbles over the mountain, which cannot but inspire awe. Yang is great and Yin is small; the four Yin lines on the outside exceed the two Yang lines in the middle, hence it is called 'Hsiao Kuo' (Preponderance of the Small), indicating a small excess.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth six, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Wounding one's jaws, cheeks, and tongue. The Symbolism says: 'Wounding one's jaws, cheeks, and tongue' refers to the disasters invited by empty talk.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will face many verbal disputes; guard against being slandered by others. Good fortune for those engaged in speechmaking, arts, or commentary. Officials may face criticism or reprimand.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Outstanding eloquence; keep a righteous mind.
• Wealth 财运: Disaster from verbal disputes; one must be very cautious.
• Household 家宅: Verbal bickering; exaggeration by the matchmaker.
• Health 身体: Delirious speech; pray for peace and recovery.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Business 营商: Fear of disaster from verbal disputes.
• Fame & Career 功名: You may present strategies and speak your mind, which should lead to being summoned and employed.
• Household 家宅: Indicates discord among family members and verbal disputes arising.
• Illness 疾病: Delirious talking and sleep-talking, restless soul; it is advisable to pray.
• Marriage 婚姻: The words of the matchmaker (middleman) should not be fully trusted.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tun Hexagram. Success. A small advantage in perseverance. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, and Qian is Heaven; the lower trigram is Gen, and Gen is Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; Heaven is high and Mountain is distant—this is the image of Retreat. The superior man, observing this image, does not deal with inferior men by returning evil for evil, but adopts a strict attitude, resigning from office, content to withdraw and keep the inferior men at a distance.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Escape and retreat; what reaches its peak must decline. Strictly restrain speech and deeds; wait for an opportunity to rise again. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is suitable to retreat and not to advance. Defensive retreat can preserve oneself; acting rashly will bring disaster. One should be prudent in words and deeds, waiting for the right moment to act.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Qian above). Qian represents Heaven, and Gen represents Mountain. Below Heaven is Mountain; as the mountain rises high, Heaven retreats. Yin grows while Yang wanes; the inferior men gain influence, and the superior man retreats into retirement to preserve himself through wisdom, waiting for the opportunity to save the world.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.