Hexagram 17

Following

泽雷随 · 随 · Suí | Lake over Thunder

Adapt to the time and follow what is right.

FollowingAdaptationAlignmentTrust

Upper trigram

兑 · Lake

Lower trigram

震 · Thunder

The Judgment

“Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.”

The Lines

Nine at the beginningThe office is changing hands. Perseverance brings good fortune. Going out the door to mingle brings achievement.

Six in the second placeClinging to the little boy, one loses the strong man.

Six in the third placeClinging to the strong man, one loses the little boy. By following, one finds what is sought. It helps to abide in steadfastness.

Nine in the fourth placeFollowing brings gains, but perseverance brings misfortune. With sincerity on the right path, made clear — what blame could there be?

Nine in the fifth placeSincere toward the good. Good fortune.

Six at the topHeld fast and bound to him. The king makes offerings on the western mountain.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

Thunder lies within the lake, resting in its season. To follow is to adapt to circumstance and to align with worthy people and principles.

Guidance

Lead by serving the moment; follow what is right, and earn others’ willing allegiance in return.

When This Hexagram Appears

Adjusting course, aligning with the right leaders or trends, and letting mutual following build trust.

FAQ about Hexagram 17

What does Hexagram 17, Following, mean?

Following (泽雷随, hexagram 17 of the I Ching). Thunder lies within the lake, resting in its season. To follow is to adapt to circumstance and to align with worthy people and principles.

What is the Judgment of the Following hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame.” Adapt to the time and follow what is right.

What guidance does Hexagram 17 offer?

Lead by serving the moment; follow what is right, and earn others’ willing allegiance in return.

When does the Following hexagram apply?

Adjusting course, aligning with the right leaders or trends, and letting mutual following build trust.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 18 · Work on What Has Been Spoiled

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 18 · Work on What Has Been Spoiled

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.