Hexagram 17 of 64
Following 泽雷随
☱☳ Lake over Thunder
Following what is right.
Hexagram 17 is about following what is right. Thunder within the lake: movement settles into joy, and action adapts to the people involved. It encourages you to accept a change of role, reach out to new people, and rely on what deserves trust. It also warns that following without discernment can bind you to the small and cost you the greater.
Judgment
元亨利贞，无咎。
Sublime success through perseverance. No blame.
Image
泽中有雷，随；君子以向晦入宴息。
Thunder within the lake: following. At dusk the noble person goes indoors to rest.
The six lines
Read from the bottom line (the beginning) to the top line (the outcome). Each line gives the classical text, our English translation, and a plain-language reading.
初九：官有渝，贞吉。出门交有功。
Official duties change. Perseverance brings good fortune. Going out to make contacts brings merit.
If your role or responsibilities shift, staying steady serves you well. Reaching out beyond your own door brings results.
六二：系小子，失丈夫。
Bound to the young boy, one loses the mature man.
Clinging to an easy, small connection can cost you a larger opportunity.
六三：系丈夫，失小子。随，有求得利，居贞。
Bound to the mature man, one loses the young boy. Following brings gain when one seeks it; remaining steadfast is favorable.
Choosing one path means letting go of another. Decide deliberately what you are willing to leave behind.
九四：随有获，贞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎。
Following brings a catch, but holding on too firmly brings misfortune. With sincerity on the path and clear sight, there is no blame.
Gains from following a course can turn into trouble if you cling too tightly. Act openly and with clear purpose to avoid blame.
九五：孚于嘉，吉。
Sincerity toward what is excellent. Good fortune.
Trusting good people and worthy aims leads to good fortune.
上六：拘系之，乃从维之。王用亨于西山。
Seized and bound, then tied fast with cords. The king makes offerings on the western mountain.
Some commitments tie you down for a while. Keep them honestly, and let the bond become a source of steadiness rather than resentment.
In practice
Love and relationships
Choose your commitments by the quality of the relationship, not only by the comfort of the moment. Say clearly what you want.
Work and decisions
Accept a change of role with an open mind and reach beyond your immediate circle. Follow people with real experience, and keep asking questions.
Money
Choose options with a clear path, and read the terms before joining a project that others are pushing.
How to use this reading
Use this reading when you must decide whether to join a direction already set by others. Ask: is this path right, and what do I give up if I follow it?
New to the method? Start with the six-line basics.
For cultural reflection only. This is not a prediction guarantee or professional advice.