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Hexagram 17: Following

䷐ 隨 (Suí) · Following. Adapt, and earn trust by being trustworthy.

adapting, trust, joining, rest

Lower trigram: Thunder ☳ · Upper trigram: Lake ☱

The judgment

Following goes well when it is freely chosen. To be followed, first learn to follow: adapt to what the moment asks, and people will trust you because you are trustworthy. Stay true to what is right, and joining in brings no regret.

The image

Thunder rests inside the lake, like the year's energy settling down for winter. When the day grows dark, go home and rest; moving with the rhythm of the time is a strength, not a defeat.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.

• Line 1 (bottom): What you have been holding to is shifting. Step outside your usual circle and listen to people who think differently; a fair mind finds good company there.
• Line 2: Clinging to what is small and easy can cost you what is worthwhile. Choose your company with care, because you cannot follow both.
• Line 3: Letting go of a lesser attachment frees you to follow something truly worthwhile. You lose some comfort and gain direction; stay steady in that choice.
• Line 4: People begin to follow you, some only for what they can gain, and holding on to such a following brings trouble. Check your own motives and keep your purpose honest; that clarity keeps you free of blame.
• Line 5: Your faith in what is good is sincere. Following what you truly value brings good fortune now.
• Line 6 (top): Someone who had stepped away is held fast by those who need them, and comes back. A bond this deep is honored, and your experience is asked for again.

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