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I Ching · Hexagram 31 Influence

Hexagram 31 line 6: Influence, yin in the sixth place

Line 6 of a hexagram

I Ching 31.6

The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks and tongue.

Influence by talk alone: persuasion without feeling behind it. The line does not call it misfortune, only empty. Words that are not backed by the heart move nothing for long.

Advice. Say less; influence by talk without feeling is hollow.

What changes when line 6 moves

Line 6 of Hexagram 31 is yin, a broken line. When it is cast as old yin (a 6) it flips, and the hexagram becomes Hexagram 33, Retreat: A timely, dignified withdrawal: strength stepping back before it is forced to, with its integrity intact.

Read together, the reading moves from Influence toward Retreat. Mutual attraction: influence that works because it is felt, not forced, and the courtship that follows. Mountain below, heaven above: heaven receding from the mountain. Two yin lines are entering at the bottom and rising; the strong lines above withdraw in good order. The primary hexagram describes the situation; the changing line is the point of movement in it; the resulting hexagram is where that movement leads. Both hexagrams belong to the reading, and the changing line is the hinge between them.

Hexagram 31 changing to 33 →

Line 6 in context

Love & relationships
Say less; influence by talk without feeling is hollow. In love and relationships, Hexagram 31 reads: The reading for love itself: genuine mutual attraction. Let it work at its own pace. The lines warn against pushing with the body before the heart has spoken, and against influencing by talk. Receptivity is what draws the other person.
Career
Say less; influence by talk without feeling is hollow. In career, Hexagram 31 reads: Influence that comes from openness rather than pressure. People approach a person who is receptive. Persuade by listening. The reading favours partnerships and alliances that form naturally.
Money
Say less; influence by talk without feeling is hollow. In money, Hexagram 31 reads: Attraction of the right people and opportunities through openness and good faith. Not the time to push a deal; the time to be approachable and let it come. Beware of influence exercised through mere talk.
A decision
Say less; influence by talk without feeling is hollow. In decisions, Hexagram 31 reads: Decide by what you feel drawn to, once you have distinguished the deep pull from the restless one. The reading supports commitment where the attraction is mutual and calm.

← Line 5Hexagram 31 in full

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