AsterNymAsterNym

I Ching · Hexagram 17 Following

Hexagram 17 for decisions: Following

隨 Suí · A decision

Choose the option that adapts to the situation as it is. If it means following someone else's lead, do it wholeheartedly or not at all; half-following is the worst of both.

Thunder below, lake above: movement within joy, thunder resting in the lake in autumn. Following describes the art of adapting, of going with the time rather than against it, and of leading by being worth following. The tradition's judgement promises success with persistence, and the condition is that what is followed must be good. This is not passivity or drifting. It is the choice to serve something you believe in, to let others serve you only when you have earned it, and to rest when the season asks for rest.

Advice
Follow what is worth following, wholeheartedly, and adapt to the time.
Warning
Following the wrong person, or following out of weakness rather than choice, loses the way.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 17 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 45 Gathering Together

    The standard changes. Persistence brings good fortune. Going out of the door to mingle brings achievement. Adapt to the change and go out to meet people unlike yourself.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 58 The Joyous

    Clinging to the little boy, one loses the strong man. Let go of the lesser attachment; it is costing you the greater one.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 49 Revolution

    Clinging to the strong man, one loses the little boy. Following, one finds what one seeks. Persistence furthers. Give up the comfortable thing for the worthwhile one, and stay with it.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 3 Difficulty at the Beginning

    Following creates success; persistence brings misfortune. Sincerity in the way brings clarity. How could there be blame? If people follow you, keep your motives transparent and serve the cause, not the following.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 51 The Arousing

    Sincere in what is good. Good fortune. Commit sincerely to what is good and let that be what draws others.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 25 Innocence

    Firmly held and bound. The king offers sacrifice on the western mountain. Honour the bonds that outlast their purpose; they are the real ones.

Hexagram 17 in fullLove & relationshipsCareerMoney

Ask the I Ching about your decision

The topic is pre-selected. The hexagram is not: the coins decide it.

Ask the I Ching →