Hexagram 17, Line 1

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line, at the very beginning of the hexagram of Following, signifies a crucial moment of transition. The "official standard" (官) represents the established rules, the leader you follow, the principles you adhere to, or the prevailing circumstances. The word "changing" (渝) indicates that this foundation is shifting. The old ways are no longer sufficient or applicable. This can be unsettling, but the line advises against rigidly clinging to the past. Instead, the path to good fortune (吉) lies in "perseverance" (貞). This is not perseverance in the old, obsolete ways, but perseverance in what is fundamentally right and true. You must use your judgment to adapt. The line concludes with a clear directive: "To go out the gate and associate with others brings merit." This means you cannot navigate this change in isolation. You must actively engage with the new environment, seek new allies, gather fresh information, and broaden your perspective. By stepping out of your familiar circle, you will find the right people and ideas to follow, leading to success and achievement (功).

Guidance for Action

The situation you are in is undergoing a fundamental change. The leader, rules, or guiding principles you once relied upon are shifting. Do not resist this change or stubbornly cling to the past. Your task now is to be flexible and adaptable. Re-evaluate your allegiances and methods. While you must remain true to your core principles of integrity and correctness, you need to be open to new ways of thinking and operating. The most important action you can take is to step outside your comfort zone. Network, explore new groups, seek different opinions, and build new relationships. Your progress depends on your willingness to engage with the world beyond your immediate, familiar surroundings. Isolation will lead to stagnation; connection will lead to achievement.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line suggests that the old "rules of engagement" or the dynamic between you and your partner are changing. Perhaps one person's goals have shifted, or external circumstances are forcing a new reality upon you. Clinging to how things "used to be" will cause problems. The key is to remain steadfast (貞) in your love and commitment while being open to adapting your roles and expectations. For couples, this is a time to "go out and associate" together—to bring new friends, activities, and energy into your shared life to break out of a rut. For a single person, this line is a powerful directive: your old standards or "type" may be holding you back. It is time to go out, be social, and meet people who are different from those you have previously pursued. Success in love requires you to leave the house and engage with new circles.

For Career & Business

A significant change is happening in your professional environment. This could be a new boss, a company merger, a change in corporate strategy, or a shift in your industry. The way you have been working is becoming obsolete. To succeed, you must adapt. While maintaining your professional ethics and commitment to quality (貞吉), you must be open to new methods, new roles, and even new leadership. The advice "go out the gate and associate" is critical. This means networking beyond your immediate team, attending industry events, talking to mentors, and learning new skills. Your career advancement now depends not on hunkering down, but on actively connecting with new people and ideas that will guide your path forward.

For Financial Matters

Your current financial strategy or a primary source of income is facing a change. The market conditions, regulations, or investment principles you have been following are no longer as reliable as they once were. It is a time for re-evaluation. While you should stick to the fundamental principles of sound financial management (e.g., avoiding excessive debt, being prudent), you must be willing to change your specific tactics. This is not the time to be passive. "Go out and associate" means you should seek new financial advice, research different types of investments, or explore new potential income streams. Diversifying and gathering new information from credible sources will be the key to navigating this shift successfully and achieving financial merit.