I Ching · Hexagram 17 of 64
17. Suí 隨 · Following
By Destiny Kua · Updated
Adapt to the times and follow what is right.
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震
What hexagram 17 means
Suí shows thunder resting within the lake: the season when energy withdraws and adapts. It is about following: adapting to the times, following a good lead, and letting yourself be influenced by what is right. You can only lead well if you know how to follow.
Hexagram 17 in daily life
At work
Adapt to change rather than fighting it. Follow the lead worth following.
In relationships
Respond to the other person rather than insisting on your agenda.
For yourself
Rest when the day ends. Let your habits follow natural rhythms.
The six changing lines
If your cast included changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read the matching lines below. Line 1 is the bottom line.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | The standard is shifting. Stay true and go out to meet others: good fortune. |
| Line 2 | Holding on to something small, you lose something great. Choose. |
| Line 3 | Holding on to something great, you let the small go. Stay firm in the choice. |
| Line 4 | Followers gather, but are they following you for the right reasons? Stay sincere. |
| Line 5 | Sincere in the good: good fortune. |
| Line 6 | Firmly bound in loyalty; the connection is honoured at the highest level. |
The two trigrams
The lower trigram, Thunder 震 (Zhèn), stands for your inner state and the root of the situation. The upper trigram, Lake 兌 (Duì), stands for the outer circumstances. In element terms this is Metal over Wood. Thunder is the trigram of Kua 3 and Lake is the trigram of Kua 7.
Related hexagrams
- Opposite (every line changed): 18. Gǔ 蠱 · Repairing
- Inverted (read upside down): 18. Gǔ 蠱 · Repairing
- Trigrams swapped: 54. Guī Mèi 歸妹 · The Marrying Maiden
Questions to reflect on
- What or whom am I truly following?
- What small thing do I need to let go of?
- How can I adapt without losing myself?
Our line summaries are written in plain English in our own words, based on the traditional meanings. For reflection and entertainment, not prediction or professional advice.