First Nine (初九)
"Changing the object of his pursuit; if firm and correct, good fortune."
Release old attachments and step forward with intention. When you move beyond your familiar circle to seek worthy companions, your efforts bear fruit.
Hexagram 17
Suí 隨
Upper · Duì (Lake) | Lower · Zhèn (Thunder)
Following · adaptability · flexibility · moving with the times · responsiveness · natural change
What does Hexagram 17 mean?
Hexagram 17, Suí (隨), is about following, adaptability, and flexibility. Following brings great flourishing when guided by what is right and true.
The Judgment
"Great progress and success; but it will be advantageous to be firm and correct."
Following brings great flourishing when guided by what is right and true. The wisdom here lies not in blind obedience, but in reading the moment and moving with integrity. When you align yourself with worthy direction and maintain your principles, you move without error.
The Lines
Second Six (六二)
"Cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience."
Clinging to what is small or inferior causes you to miss what is greater. Guard against being drawn to lesser things when better paths are available.
Third Six (六三)
"Cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go the little boy."
By choosing what has true worth, you gain what you seek, even if smaller things fall away. Hold to what is sound and correct, and the outcome will serve you well.
Fourth Nine (九四)
"One followed and obtaining adherents; though firm and correct, there will be evil."
When others gather around you, sincerity and transparency in your conduct become essential. If your heart is true and your way is clear, no harm will come.
Fifth Nine (九五)
"Sincere in fostering all that is excellent; there will be good fortune."
When you commit yourself to what is genuinely good and beautiful, fortune naturally follows. Your integrity draws the right people and circumstances to you.
Sixth Six (上六)
"Sincerity firmly held and clung to; the king presents his offerings on the western mountain."
By binding yourself steadfastly to what is right, you reach a place of honor and fulfillment. Deep commitment to principle brings lasting blessing.
Hexagram 17 FAQ
What does Hexagram 17 mean for career?
Pay attention to how your field is evolving and develop the skills that matter now. Rather than rigidly holding to one path, remain open to growth and new opportunities. Following a mentor or leader of genuine wisdom can accelerate your progress.
What does Hexagram 17 mean for love and relationships?
Meet your partner with flexibility and genuine respect for their rhythm. Avoid imposing your way; instead, honor the natural unfolding of connection. When both people move together with care and openness, the relationship deepens naturally.
What does Hexagram 17 mean for study and personal growth?
Embrace new methods and stay current with how knowledge is evolving. A good teacher's approach is worth following closely, as it can speed your learning. Remain curious and willing to adapt your study habits as you discover what works best.
What does Hexagram 17 mean for business and money?
Stay alert to shifts in the market and your customers' needs. The ability to pivot quickly while maintaining your core values is what separates thriving businesses from those that stagnate. Rigid adherence to old ways invites decline.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 17?
Blind following strips away your judgment and leaves you vulnerable. Not everything deserves your allegiance—discern carefully between what is worthy of your commitment and what is not. Keep a clear standard for what you will and will not follow.
What if Hexagram 17 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.