Hexagram 17: Following

Hexagram 17, Following (Suí, 随), is formed of the upper trigram Lake (兑) over the lower trigram Thunder (震). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Trigrams

The outer (upper) trigram Lake describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Thunder describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of Following.

The Six Lines

• 初九 · Line 1 Duties shift. Steadfastness brings good fortune; engaging beyond one's door brings achievement.官有渝，贞吉；出门交有功。
• 六二 · Line 2 Clinging to the boy, one loses the strong man.系小子，失丈夫。
• 六三 · Line 3 Clinging to the strong man, one loses the boy. Following, one finds what one seeks. Abide steadfastly.系丈夫，失小子；随有求得，利居贞。
• 九四 · Line 4 Following that grabs for gain: persistence bodes ill. But sincerity on the right path — what blame?随有获，贞凶；有孚在道，以明，何咎？
• 九五 · Line 5 Sincere toward the good. Good fortune.孚于嘉，吉。
• 上六 · Line 6 Bound and held, then willingly following: the king makes offering on the Western Mountain.拘系之，乃从维之；王用亨于西山。

Reading Hexagram 17 for Your Question

When Following appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of Following to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.