Lake above – Mountain below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Xian which translates to united, conjoin, come together. It has titles such as: Mutual Influence, Mutual Attraction, Reciprocity, Initiative. Xian represents the unseen dynamic of attraction and the experience of being moved and drawn into relationship through a sense of mutual influence. The structure of the hexagram itself, with Mountain reaching up and Lake sinking downward, illustrates the concept of mutual influence.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Mountain is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. One of Mountain’s characteristics is that it is solidly fixed in place and height allows it to tower above the landscape. Being fixed in place is symbolic of Mountain’s ability to act as a foundation for Lake and Mountain’s height shows its ability to reach up (from the lower trigram) to influence. The solid reality of Mountain lends a seriousness to the way influences are approached. Mountain’s attribute of individuality means one has autonomy to be able to evaluate the effect of external influences.
Trigram Lake is on top of trigram Mountain and because Lake is water, it has the characteristic of sinking downward (descending) to influence Mountain by providing nourishment. Conversely, the atmosphere created by Mountain’s structure causes rain to fall, which nourishes Lake. Lake, as the external trigram, provides the environment with joyfulness, an opening up to others and signifies the place where creatures meet for social interchange and enjoyment.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The two parts of the ideograph are almost merged. On top is xian which translates as together, all, unite. On the left is gan which meant “influence” but it may later have become xin when the ideograph for heart later appeared below it. When xin (heart) is below, it gives the total meaning of “moving one’s heart”.
In summary: Xian begins with impulses or motivations originating from one’s authentic inner self. These impulses set in motion the attraction of reciprocal impulses from the external environment, creating conditions for mutual influence. This hexagram illustrates the invisible energy of attraction which motivates people toward each other, certain things or circumstances. Mountain reaching up and Lake descending is the image of mutual influence. In order to succeed, one must take care to discern good from difficult or inferior influences and build from an inner quality of emptiness (free of self-centeredness and manipulation). Within the following lines we are shown ways in which the ego may prematurely try to move ahead and take control to influence rather than settling into the quiet sincerity of trust.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – This is an early stage of mutual influence and one may experience a triggering impulse. The ancient diviners described it as a sensation or feeling in one’s big toe, giving the impression that, although the motivation is there, perhaps you may tend to overestimate your abilities. Guidance suggests not jumping ahead too far based on this type of impulse.
Line 2 – There is a reference to a sensation in the calf which the ancient diviners saw as movement which is not efficient. The impetus to take some type of action may result in over-exceeding, rash or impatient behavior. Because all of the facts may not be in evidence yet, it is better to control impulses and allow the natural situation to evolve.
Line 3 – Restlessness or impulsive reactions are compared to moving only the thighs as opposed to being able to fully move forward. You may be tempted to run after that which is desired in the moment and this will not likely have a good outcome. Initial influence needs a good foundation and strong roots to grow into healthy interdependence.
Line 4 – Mutual influence depends on the quality of your own mind, but also your heart. The mind can sometimes bring us into the temptation to calculate or manipulate while the heart may flit back and forth. It is possible find good fortune within mutual influence, even in the midst of confusion or obstruction, by quietly persevering with sincerity and consistency.
Line 5 – This situation includes feelings that affect the back or back of the neck which are understood to reflect some rigidity of the spine. This indicates there is likely some degree of holding back, some ancient protective defensiveness which runs counter to the ease required for lasting influence. The most beneficial action at this time occurs if you very consciously take small, consistent steps.
Line 6 – Reference to jaws, cheeks and tongue in this situation suggests one may be tempted to talk at a superficial level, sometimes referred to as “sweet talk”. Talking about what is real to you can be beneficial (you may learn from it), but talk without action on your part results in others retreating from your influence.