Xian · Attraction
咸卦 · 泽山咸
- Mutual influence
- Attraction
- Romance
- Open communication
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.
亨，利贞。取女吉。
The Image
A lake on top of the mountain: attraction. The noble one, in the same way, receives others with an open mind.
山上有泽，咸。君子以虚受人。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
A natural attraction is forming between you and someone or something. Xian is a lake on top of a mountain, the young man and young woman drawn to each other, a symbol of heart-to-heart resonance that is not forced. It might be a new relationship, a collaboration that just clicks, or a pull towards a new direction.
Where to put your effort
Respond to this attraction with sincerity and an open mind: set aside preconceptions and calculation, and really listen to the other side. Do not rush to settle the outcome or act on a passing impulse; attraction is a beginning, not an end. Move closer at a pace that suits you both and the bond will be more solid.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Treat people with humility and your position is secure.
- Wealth
- Trading goods onward is sure to profit.
- Family
- Know where to stop; harmony between partners.
- Health
- Weakness that needs building up.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine in the third placeThe 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.Moving
九三：咸其股，执其随，往吝。
Image：Moving the thighs: not staying still. The will is set on following others: what one holds to is low.
- Career
- Better to hold back; your name is not yet known.
- Wealth
- Joint ventures are difficult; the person in charge is ineffective.
- Family
- Moving away to follow others is unwise; the match is not a good one.
- Health
- Do not get lost in desire.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, 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.Moving
九四：贞吉悔亡，憧憧往来，朋从尔思。
Image：Perseverance brings good fortune, regret vanishes: no harm has been felt. Coming and going restlessly: not yet shining.
- Career
- Recognition comes, but without integrity it turns bad.
- Wealth
- Greed overrides principle; endless squabbling.
- Family
- Be careful in social dealings; guard against infidelity.
- Health
- Absent-minded and unsettled; rest is best.
Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance.Moving
九五：咸其脢，无悔。
Image：Moving the flesh of the back: the aim is superficial.
- Career
- What you seek has not come yet; wait a little.
- Wealth
- There is already a response; no need to worry.
- Family
- Peace can be kept.
- Health
- The illness is about to clear, and life may be prolonged.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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