Hexagram 17 · 隨

The lake lies above thunder, holding movement within an atmosphere of openness. Activity and enjoyment respond to each other. Sui means following, including the choice of whom and what to follow. The picture favors adapting to the time without surrendering discernment.

1. Line 1 · 初九

   官有渝，貞吉。出門交有功。

   The office changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going beyond the gate to associate with others brings achievement.

   Nine in the first place is yang whose orientation can change toward what is right. The Small Image favors outward contact, like learning a better working method from colleagues beyond one's usual circle.

2. Line 2 · 六二

   係小子，失丈夫。

   Binding oneself to the little boy, one loses the mature man.

   Six in the second place is central yin choosing between nearby attachment and correspondence with the fifth. The Small Image says both cannot be retained, like choosing easy approval over a demanding mentor.

3. Line 3 · 六三

   係丈夫，失小子。隨有求得，利居貞。

   Binding oneself to the mature man, one loses the little boy. Following brings what one seeks. It is beneficial to remain constant.

   Six in the third place is yin turning toward stronger guidance above. The Small Image describes leaving the lower attachment, like exchanging a distracting social routine for a serious professional commitment.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。

   Following brings a following of one's own. Constancy brings misfortune. With sincerity on the proper way and clear understanding, what blame is there?

   Nine in the fourth place is yang gaining influence near authority. The Small Image values transparent achievement, like a popular deputy keeping decisions open rather than building a private faction.

5. Line 5 · 九五

   孚于嘉，吉。

   Sincere trust in what is good. Good fortune.

   Nine in the fifth place is central and correctly placed yang. The Small Image grounds its good fortune there, like a leader consistently supporting competent, fair conduct rather than personal flattery.

6. Line 6 · 上六

   拘係之，乃從維之。王用亨于西山。

   Bound fast, then held by further cords. The king makes an offering at the western mountain.

   Six at the top is yin at following's extreme, where attachment becomes complete. The Small Image notes that limit, like a long-serving member considering whether loyalty still serves the group's original purpose.

Choose your influences deliberately. Adapt to the moment, remain honest about your reasons, and stop following when the path loses its worth.

• Nuclear漸53
• Inverted蠱18
• Opposite蠱18
• Previous豫16
• Next蠱18