I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 17: Following
Sui · 隨
Knowing how to follow in order to be followed. Adapt to the moment's demands and honor the hours of pause.
- adaptation
- following
- flexibility
- rest
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震 · Movement
The Judgment
FOLLOWING attains sublime success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.
The Image
Thunder in the middle of the lake: the image of Following. Thus the superior man goes indoors for rest and repose at nightfall.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Following' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and initiating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Lake above Thunder suggests a natural dynamic of joy over movement.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Following — the matter is adaptation: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 17 mean?
Following (Sui): The hexagram 'Following' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and initiating inwardly.
What does hexagram 17 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 17 say about work?
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.