What this hexagram is about
A lake upon the mountain, the two forces stirring each other — the image of mutual influence, of man and woman drawn together. It speaks of meeting with an open heart and moving others through sincerity: to influence by what is upright brings good fortune, while influence by mere contrivance cannot last.
The Judgment 卦辞
咸，亨，利贞。取女吉。
Success. Favorable to persevere. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：山上有泽，咸；君子以虚受人。
A lake rests on the mountain; so the noble person, empty of self, receives others.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
咸其拇，志在外也。
Influence reaching the big toe — the will is set on what lies beyond.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top咸其辅颊舌。
The influence rests only on the cheeks and the tongue — to move others by words alone is shallow and slight.
Nine in the fifth place咸其脢，无悔。
The influence reaches the spine — felt without calculation, answering in stillness and emptiness; there is no remorse.
Six in the fourth place贞吉悔亡，憧憧往来，朋从尔思。
Hold to the right and there is good fortune, and remorse fades; but if the mind is restless and one comes and goes unsettled, only the few like-minded friends will fall in with one's wishes.
Six in the third place咸其股，执其随，往吝。
The influence reaches the thigh, and one merely follows, moving as others move; to go on so brings regret.
Six in the second place咸其腓，凶，居吉。
The influence reaches the calf: to stir and act rashly brings misfortune, but to dwell quietly and keep to oneself brings good fortune.
Initial Nine咸其拇。
The influence reaches only the big toe — felt at the very start, its response still slight.