Xian

Judgment

咸 亨 利貞 取女 吉

It will prosper, it is beneficial. it is good to marry.

Interpretation

The Ham hexagram has Tae (Lake) in the upper trigram and Kan (Mountain) in the lower trigram. The image of the Ham hexagram is a lake on top of a mountain. When a lake is on top of a mountain, the mountain and the lake interact with each other. Ham means "to respond" or "to resonate."

In the commentary, Chwi (which means "to marry") is used to convey a sense of mutual response or resonance. Mutual resonance leads to success, so whatever question is being asked, it will lead to favorable outcomes. When men and women resonate with each other, marriage will be auspicious.

For someone who receives this hexagram, it suggests that they are in a time of emotional resonance rather than rationality. If they act with sensitivity and emotional awareness, things will proceed smoothly. The image of the lake on the mountain represents the interaction between yin and yang, between men and women, indicating mutual emotional exchange. This resonance leads to success, and the question asked will likely result in favorable outcomes. In relationships, when both partners are sensitive and emotionally in tune, marriage is likely to succeed.

However, if emotions are excessive, there is a risk of losing rationality. Being overly preoccupied with emotions may lead to mental exhaustion and physical weakness, so it is wise to restrain excessive emotional tendencies.

初六 咸其拇

Initial Six: Salting the thumb.

'Ham' means to feel, and from a male perspective, it suggests caressing. 'Mu' refers to the big toe. The symbolic act of caressing the woman's big toe represents the beginning of a sexual relationship, as the man and woman start their intimacy. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation of intense focus and immersion into the act, suggesting that the matter inquired about will be auspicious.

六二 咸其腓,凶,居,吉

Six Second: Salting the calf, dangerous, residence, good fortune.

The character "Remark" refers to the calf, and "Reject" means to stop or stay. The situation described involves a man touching a woman’s calf, which is seen as improper. The person drawing this hexagram is in a situation where they are paying attention to trivial matters that are of no real use. The work they are asking about will not be successful, but if they let go of these distractions, they will find success.

九三 咸其股,執其隨,往吝

Nine Third: Salting the thighs, holding the following, regretful.

The term "go" refers to a leg, and "jip" refers to holding or touching. This hexagram speaks of increasing difficulties as a man becomes obsessed with a woman, and the situation escalates. The person receiving this hexagram is facing a situation where the task will become increasingly suffocating, with difficulties ahead.

九四 貞吉,悔亡.憧憧往來,朋從爾思

Nine Fourth: Firm, good fortune, regret is gone. The companions come to you.

The task is progressing smoothly, and the individual will not regret their actions. The situation is favorable, and the task will be completed successfully without any negative consequences. Everything is in alignment, and the outcome will be positive.

九五 咸其脢,无悔

Nine Fifth: Salting the back, no regret.

After intimacy, the man tenderly caresses the woman’s back, leaving both satisfied with no lingering thoughts. The task at hand will flow smoothly, free of concerns, as mutual contentment ensures no regrets.

上六 咸其輔頰舌

Top Six: Salting the cheeks and tongue.

After intimacy, the man kisses the woman’s face lightly, a calm after the storm. The task at hand has reached peaceful completion, already fulfilled, promising great prosperity.