Marriage as Mutual Influence

I Ching

This flow follows the bodily imagery of Influence as a gradual account of attraction, restraint, and the risks of acting before being moved.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Influence Begins at the Toes Influence Begins at the Toes from "I Ching". A Small Movement Starts the Bond The first sign of response The first line describes movement in the great toes.

Influence Begins at the Toes from "I Ching". A Small Movement Starts the Bond The first sign of response The first line describes movement in the great toes.

A Small Movement Starts the Bond The first sign of response The first line describes movement in the great toes. Legge says the influence is weak because a small bodily movement cannot yet carry a person forward. The relationship is only beginning to form. An incomplete connection Although the line has a counterpart above, it cannot yet produce effective movement. Attraction remains present as possibility rather than action. The sequence begins with a feeling whose meaning is not yet settled.

The Calves Move Too Soon The Calves Move Too Soon from "I Ching". Desire Seeks an Answer Movement follows movement The calves respond to the feet but cannot move by themselves.

The Calves Move Too Soon from "I Ching". Desire Seeks an Answer Movement follows movement The calves respond to the feet but cannot move by themselves.

Desire Seeks an Answer Movement follows movement The calves respond to the feet but cannot move by themselves. Legge sees their motion as evidence of anxiety to influence another person. The subject would do better to remain quiet until acted upon. A bond requires patience The line warns against forcing a response through nervousness. The relationship becomes healthier when one party can wait for genuine influence instead of manufacturing it. Restraint protects the emerging connection.

The Thighs Follow the Mind The Thighs Follow the Mind from "I Ching". Desire Becomes Purposeful A movement with intention The third line describes the thighs, which cannot move without the body's direction.

The Thighs Follow the Mind from "I Ching". Desire Becomes Purposeful A movement with intention The third line describes the thighs, which cannot move without the body's direction.

Desire Becomes Purposeful A movement with intention The third line describes the thighs, which cannot move without the body's direction. Legge reads the image as a subject who follows another with an active purpose. The relationship risks becoming calculated rather than responsive. Regret follows pressure The line warns that forward action under these conditions will produce regret. Influence is strongest when it remains free of coercive motive. The bond falters when desire tries to control the other person.

The Heart Learns Constancy The Heart Learns Constancy from "I Ching". A Relationship Tests Its Motive Steadiness makes influence effective The fourth line warns the subject to be firm and correct.

The Heart Learns Constancy from "I Ching". A Relationship Tests Its Motive Steadiness makes influence effective The fourth line warns the subject to be firm and correct.

A Relationship Tests Its Motive Steadiness makes influence effective The fourth line warns the subject to be firm and correct. If his movements are unsettled, only friends will follow his purpose. Influence that lacks constancy cannot reach beyond a familiar circle. A quieter response The fifth line locates movement behind the heart and presents an influence free from selfish motive. Legge reads it as less effective but not blameworthy. The bond improves when intention becomes honest, even if it remains understated.

Words Become Mere Flattery Words Become Mere Flattery from "I Ching". Connection Through Speech Fails The mouth moves without depth The last line depicts the jaws and tongue in motion.

Words Become Mere Flattery from "I Ching". Connection Through Speech Fails The mouth moves without depth The last line depicts the jaws and tongue in motion.

Connection Through Speech Fails The mouth moves without depth The last line depicts the jaws and tongue in motion. Legge reads the image as talkativeness and flattery, a weak substitute for genuine influence. The relationship has reached its most superficial form. A warning at the end Words can invite attention but cannot guarantee sincere attachment. The movement of the tongue becomes a sign of the bond's failure when feeling has not been grounded in conduct. The sequence ends by distinguishing verbal charm from mutual influence.

At the first line of Influence

At the second line of Influence

At the third line of Influence

At the fourth and fifth lines of Influence

At the topmost line of Influence