Hexagram 31: Attraction
咸 Xián · Lake over Mountain
There is a mutual pull here, an attraction or influence that moves between two sides. This hexagram is about the power of real feeling to bring people together. It asks you to stay open and receptive, keep your heart steady, and let influence flow naturally rather than forcing it. When you are calm and sincere inside, the right connection forms by itself.
| Number (King Wen order) | 31 |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 咸 (Xián) |
| Upper trigram | ☱ Lake (Duì): joyful, open |
| Lower trigram | ☶ Mountain (Gèn): still, resting |
| Unicode symbol | ䷞ |
On this page (9)
Hexagram 31 in plain words
The lake sits above the mountain. A lake on a mountaintop is fed by the mountain and in turn moistens it: each gives to the other. The lower trigram, the mountain, stands for the young man; the upper, the lake, for the young woman. The strong bows to the yielding and courts it, so tradition reads this hexagram as courtship, attraction, and the beginning of union. It is one of the classic signs of marriage and mutual influence.
In your situation, influence works best when it is gentle and mutual. Pressure, manipulation, or chasing push the other side away. Openness and receptiveness draw it near. The wise person keeps the mind empty in the right sense: free of fixed ideas, ready to be moved by others and to move them. The lines trace influence moving up the body, from the toe to the calf to the thigh and the heart, to the back of the neck and finally the mouth, and they warn about acting too early, acting on impulse, or talking without substance. Let the connection grow from steady feeling, not from restless wanting.
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: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).
The image
(The trigram representing) a mountain and above it that for (the waters of) a marsh form Hsien. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his mind free from pre-occupation, and open to receive (the influences of) others.
From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).
In plain words: A lake sits on top of a mountain, and the mountain takes in its water. Keep your mind open and free of fixed ideas so you can truly receive what others bring.
The six lines
Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.
Line 1 (bottom)
The first six, divided, shows one moving his great toes.
The influence shows in your big toe. Something has begun to stir, but it is too early to act on it.
Line 2
The second SIX, 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.
The influence moves into the calves. Rushing ahead on impulse goes badly; staying put for now brings good fortune.
Line 3
The third NINE, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret.
The influence reaches the thighs, and you follow blindly whatever moves you. Acting on every urge leads to embarrassment: hold back.
Line 4
The fourth NINE, undivided, shows that firm correctness which 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.
Steadiness brings good fortune and regret fades. If your thoughts dart back and forth, only those you focus on will follow; let your influence come from a calm center.
Line 5
The fifth NINE, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance.
The influence reaches the back of the neck. You are firm and not easily moved, so there is no regret, though you may have little effect on others.
Line 6 (top)
The sixth six, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue.
The influence shows only in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue. Talk alone changes nothing: let your actions speak.
Related hexagrams
| Opposite (every line changed) | 41. Decrease |
|---|---|
| Inverse (turned upside down) | 32. Duration |
| Nuclear (lines 2 to 5) | 44. Coming to Meet |
All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.
If one line changes
With a single changing line, hexagram 31 turns into:
| Line 1 changes | Hexagram 49, Revolution |
|---|---|
| Line 2 changes | Hexagram 28, Great Exceeding |
| Line 3 changes | Hexagram 45, Gathering Together |
| Line 4 changes | Hexagram 39, Obstruction |
| Line 5 changes | Hexagram 62, Small Exceeding |
| Line 6 changes | Hexagram 33, Retreat |
Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.
Hexagram 31 in love and relationships
In love, this is a strong hexagram for attraction and courtship. Be receptive and sincere, let feelings grow on both sides, and do not rush or pressure the other person.
Hexagram 31 for work and decisions
At work, influence comes through listening and openness rather than force. Build rapport, stay receptive to others' ideas, and let your actions back up your words.
Questions
What does hexagram 31 mean?
There is a mutual pull here, an attraction or influence that moves between two sides. This hexagram is about the power of real feeling to bring people together. It asks you to stay open and receptive, keep your heart steady, and let influence flow naturally rather than forcing it. When you are calm and sincere inside, the right connection forms by itself.
What does hexagram 31 mean in love?
In love, this is a strong hexagram for attraction and courtship. Be receptive and sincere, let feelings grow on both sides, and do not rush or pressure the other person.
What does hexagram 31 mean for work?
At work, influence comes through listening and openness rather than force. Build rapport, stay receptive to others' ideas, and let your actions back up your words.
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