Hexagram 17
Following
随 (Suí)
Lake over Thunder
The image is Thunder stirring beneath the Lake. Thunder represents movement and initiative, while the Lake represents joyful adaptation. The Lake, the younger trigram, follows the lead of Thunder, the elder. This dynamic symbolizes a natural and harmonious relationship where joyful yielding follows strong movement. It is the principle of adapting to the times and following a worthy lead.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The act of Following, when done correctly, leads to the highest success. This is not blind obedience, but a conscious and flexible adaptation to people and circumstances. To follow successfully, one must have a worthy goal or leader, and one must maintain their own integrity ("perseverance furthers"). When these conditions are met, aligning yourself with a greater movement is a blameless and powerful course of action.
The Image (象传)
This image points to following natural rhythms. Just as thunder becomes quiet and activity ceases at night, the wise person knows when to act and when to rest. Following is not just about moving with others; it's also about adapting to the cycles of time. By following the natural order of things—activity followed by rest—one conserves energy and maintains strength for the long term.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 17, it is a call to be adaptable and flexible. This is a time to align yourself with a positive trend, a worthy leader, or the natural flow of events. Rigidly insisting on your own way will lead to failure. The power of Following lies in its intelligence; you must choose carefully *what* or *whom* you follow. Ensure your goals are aligned with something noble and constructive.
This hexagram also contains the wisdom of leading. To be a leader worth following, you must be the "Thunder"—taking clear, decisive action—while remaining sensitive to the "Lake"—the needs and feelings of those who follow you. True influence is a dance between initiative and receptivity. Pay attention to timing and the natural cycles of your situation.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in fellowship brings achievement."
Your situation is in flux, and the old rules no longer apply. You must adapt. By associating with new, positive influences outside your usual circle, you will find success. Be open to changing your perspective and seeking new alliances.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"If one clings to the little boy, one loses the strong man."
You are attached to an inferior or immature influence, preventing you from connecting with a more worthy or mature one. You cannot have it both ways. You must let go of the lesser attachment to be free to follow the better path.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"If one clings to the strong man, one loses the little boy. Through following one finds what one seeks. It is favorable to remain persevering."
You make the correct choice. By letting go of the lesser influence (the little boy), you are able to align with the proper, stronger one (the strong man). This conscious choice to follow what is right will lead you to your goal. Stay firm in this decision.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To be sincere in the way brings clarity. How could there be blame in this?"
You are in a position of influence where others follow you. If you achieve success through this but your motives are selfish, it will ultimately lead to misfortune. Only by acting with sincerity and for the good of the whole can you find true clarity and remain blameless.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"Sincere in the good. Good fortune."
This represents the ideal of Following. You have aligned yourself with what is genuinely good and noble. Your devotion is pure and sincere. This simple, wholehearted commitment to the good brings undeniable good fortune.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"He meets with devotion, is bound to it and held fast. The king introduces him to the Western Mountain."
The cycle of following is complete. The leader you have followed recognizes your sincere devotion and elevates you to a position of honor and sanctuary. Your loyalty is rewarded, and you are firmly established in a place of rest and respect.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In romantic love, this hexagram signifies a harmonious give-and-take. It encourages adapting to your partner's needs and moods with joy, and in turn, inspiring them with your own energy. It's about following a shared path together. If you are single, it may mean following your heart toward someone new. The key is that the following is mutual and flexible, not one-sided subservience. Lines 2 and 3 specifically warn against clinging to an unsuitable partner at the expense of finding a better one.
Career & Business (事业)
This is a time to be a team player. Follow the direction of your company's leadership or the prevailing market trends. Adapt your strategy. This doesn't mean you can't be a leader; if you are in charge (line 4), your success depends on inspiring others to follow you through sincere and clear goals. The most important thing is to be flexible and align with the larger movement.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Your health improves by following the natural rhythms of your body, as suggested by the Image. Pay attention to cycles of activity and rest. Don't push yourself when your body needs to recover. Adapt your diet and exercise to what your body is telling you. Following a well-designed health plan from a trusted professional is also highly favored.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financial success comes from following prevailing market trends rather than trying to fight them. Be adaptable in your investment strategy. If a particular sector is growing, it is wise to align with it. However, this must be done with discernment—ensure you are not following a temporary or unsound fad. Following sound advice from a trusted financial expert is auspicious.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Growth comes from understanding the wisdom of letting go of your own rigid agenda. It is about learning to flow with life instead of constantly struggling against it. This might mean following a mentor, adapting to new ideas, or simply accepting circumstances as they are. This flexibility is not weakness, but a profound strength that conserves energy and leads to greater wisdom.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is right for adaptation and alignment. Do not force issues. Go with the flow, but be mindful of the direction of the current. The advice is to carefully choose what you follow—a person, a cause, or a trend—and commit to it with perseverance and sincerity. If you are leading, be worthy of being followed.
