Hexagram 17 · 随 · Suí
Following
- Element:
- Lake over Thunder
- Key themes:
- adaptability, guidance, trust, flexibility, harmony
Image
A lake following the movement of thunder, symbolizing adaptability and the act of following a natural flow.
Overall message
Hexagram 17 represents the concept of following and adaptability. It emphasizes the importance of being open to guidance, choosing the right influences, and maintaining flexibility. Success comes from aligning yourself with the natural flow of events, building trust, and knowing when to take the lead.
Be adaptable and open to following the natural flow of events. Trust in the guidance of others and remain flexible. Success comes from aligning yourself with the right influences and maintaining harmony.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.
Image. (The trigram for the waters of) a marsh and (that for) thunder (hidden) in the midst of it form Sui. The superior man in accordance with this, when it is getting towards dark, enters (his house) and rests.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · End of Following
The period of following comes to an end. It is time to take the lead.
Recognize when it is time to stop following and take the lead. Be prepared to guide others.
Line 5 · Mutual Following
Mutual trust and following lead to harmony and success.
Build mutual trust and cooperation. Success comes from harmonious relationships and shared goals.
Line 4 · Following with Integrity
Following with integrity and honesty leads to success.
Act with integrity in your following. Ensure that your actions are honest and aligned with your principles.
Line 3 · Overcoming Resistance
Resistance may arise, but it can be overcome with persistence and flexibility.
Stay persistent and adaptable. Overcome obstacles by remaining flexible and open to change.
Line 2 · Choosing the Right Path
It is important to choose wisely whom or what to follow.
Be discerning in your choices. Follow those who are trustworthy and aligned with your values.
Line 1 · Initial Following
The beginning of following. Be open to guidance and new directions.
Stay open-minded and willing to follow. Trust in the process and be adaptable.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 18 · 蛊 · Gǔ. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 53 · 渐 · Jiàn. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 45 · 萃 · Cuì
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 58 · 兑 · Duì
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 49 · 革 · Gé
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 3 · 屯 · Zhūn
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 51 · 震 · Zhèn
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 25 · 无妄 · Wú Wàng