Thirty-First Hexagram : The Wisdom of Influence

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the thirty-first hexagram of the I Ching, Xian (咸), which symbolizes 'Influence' or 'Wooing'. It represents lake over mountain, like the joyous lake stimulating the steadfast mountain, emphasizing mutual attraction, gentle persuasion, and the natural influence in relationships or alliances that leads to union. The hexagram statement is: "Xian: Influence (Wooing). Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune."

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

Ancient Tale: 'The Lake's Wooing, Attraction of the Mountain'

Once upon a time, in a serene valley where a joyful lake nestled above a steadfast mountain, a young prince felt the stirrings of influence toward a maiden from the mountain clan. Success came from persevering in gentle wooing, and taking her as wife brought good fortune to their union. At the outset, the influence touched his big toe, a subtle tingle prompting him to approach her tentatively.

The attraction moved to his calves, requiring him to tarry and not rush, as misfortune loomed in hasty steps; waiting brought good fortune in building the bond slowly.

The influence reached his thighs, holding to what followed; continuing impulsively would humiliate, so he restrained his desires.

His agitated mind from the growing attraction required perseverance; remorse disappeared as only true friends shared his conscious thoughts, guiding his sincere intentions.

The influence settled in the back of his neck, a steady pull without remorse, affirming the natural progression.

At last, the influence filled his jaws, cheeks, and tongue, expressing fully in words of courtship; the union was sealed in harmony.

How did you like the tale? Hope it was engaging! Now, let's break down each line based on the story. For each, I'll quote the matching part and annotate with the I Ching source. This connects the wisdom directly to the narrative for better recall!

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Six): The influence shows itself in the big toe.

This line represents the subtle beginning of attraction, tentative and initial. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, the influence touched his big toe, a subtle tingle prompting him to approach her tentatively." This symbolizes the first stirrings of mutual influence.

 

Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram first line: "The influence shows itself in the big toe."

Second Line (Six in the Second Place): The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune.

This line warns of rushing the attraction, advising patience for success. Matching part in the tale: "The attraction moved to his calves, requiring him to tarry and not rush, as misfortune loomed in hasty steps; waiting brought good fortune in building the bond slowly." Patience in progression. Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram second line: "The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing influence in calves misfortune but tarrying good fortune, representing Xian hexagram second line: patient building, approaching scene on mountain lake, earthy tones with subtle yellows for waiting."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating.

This line cautions against impulsive pursuit, as clinging too tightly humiliates. Matching part in the tale: "The influence reached his thighs, holding to what followed; continuing impulsively would humiliate, so he restrained his desires." Restraint avoids shame. Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram third line: "The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating influence in thighs holding following humiliating to continue, embodying Xian hexagram third line: restrained desires, desire scene with lake mountain, muted browns and reds for caution."

Fourth Line (Nine in the Fourth Place): Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, It is only his own friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts.

This line emphasizes persevering in sincere influence, remorse vanishing with focused intentions. Matching part in the tale: "His agitated mind from the growing attraction required perseverance; remorse disappeared as only true friends shared his conscious thoughts, guiding his sincere intentions." Focused perseverance succeeds. Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram fourth line: "Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, It is only his own friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying agitated mind perseverance remorse disappears fixed on friends, symbolizing Xian hexagram fourth line: sincere guidance, mind scene on mountain lake, serene blues and golds for focus."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): Influence in the back of the neck. No remorse.

This line represents steady, natural influence without regret. Matching part in the tale: "The influence settled in the back of his neck, a steady pull without remorse, affirming the natural progression." Steady pull affirms. Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram fifth line: "Influence in the back of the neck. No remorse."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing influence in back of neck no remorse natural progression, representing Xian hexagram fifth line: steady affirmation, neck pull scene with lake mountain, vibrant yellows and greens for nature."

Top Line (Six at the Top): The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue.

This line indicates full expression of influence through communication and union. Matching part in the tale: "The influence filled his jaws, cheeks, and tongue, expressing fully in words of courtship; the union was sealed in harmony." Full expression unites. Annotation: I Ching Xian hexagram top line: "The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting influence in jaws cheeks tongue full expression union, symbolizing Xian hexagram sixth line: communicative harmony, courtship words scene lake over mountain, luminous purples and oranges for sealing."

This blog should make the six lines of Xian hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~