I Ching · No.17 · Sui / Following

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

Translation

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune will start moving next year, and will fully expand only in five years.
• Wealth 财运: Accumulate inventory, there will be profits next spring.
• Household 家宅: Guard against alarm and fear.
• Health 身体: Rest and recuperation are advisable; danger of imprisonment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is ordinary; it is advisable to temporarily remain hidden. Next year is favorable for traveling far, and by the fifth year, profits can be gained.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to retreat and defend. Next year there will be a minor achievement, but one must wait for six years before all the enemies are bound and captured.
• Business 营商: Goods are difficult to sell for the time being, but profits can be made next spring.
• Household 家宅: Guard against hidden anomalies, which may cause much alarm and fear at night.
• Litigation 讼事: Fearing danger of imprisonment, and guard against military draft or distant travel next year. Inauspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: It is advisable to look for it between the pillow and the mat.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Travelers 行人: Returning soon.
• Travel 出行: Favorable to travel next year.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

• Overall Image 大象: Zhen wood is beneath Dui marsh. Wood must float along with the water. Following means complying.
• Fortune 运势: There is an auspicious sign of discarding the old and welcoming the new. It is advisable to cooperate with others to obtain substantial profits; avoid being half-hearted, or acting arbitrarily and going it alone.
• Career 事业: With a correct evaluation of society and life, valuing interpersonal relationships, and being good at cooperating with others, your career will go very smoothly. To ensure further success, you must not covet small gains, but learn from those who are better than you, follow what is good, maintain sincerity and trust, and strive to expand your career.
• Business 经商: Smooth. Through sincere cooperation with others, the expected goals can be achieved. In competition, one should maintain a clear mind, consider things from a broad and long-term perspective, abide by business ethics, and maintain an attitude of utmost sincerity toward customers and peers to preserve a competitive edge.
• Seeking Fame 求名: On the basis of one's own hard study, humbly learn from virtuous and talented teachers and elders, and use external forces to promote faster progress and realize personal ideals.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both parties are compatible and can succeed, leading to family harmony; however, if they become obsessed with romance, it will affect their respective careers, which must be guarded against.
• Decision 决策: The path of personal growth is not very smooth, but due to humility, easygoing nature, and good interpersonal relationships, especially receiving high regard from elders, various matters can succeed with the help and concern of others. However, one must pay attention to maintaining the proper stance and principles when following others, and must not fawn upon the influential, which would invite misfortune.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows us one changing the object of his pursuit; but if he be firm and correct, there will he good fortune. Going beyond (his own) gate to find associates, he will achieve merit.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: An incident occurs in the lodging affairs; divining this line is auspicious. Going out to travel together brings benefits. The Image says: The official mishandled the affairs; returning to the correct path brings good fortune. Going out to travel together brings benefits, because one does not deviate from the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will gain much profit. Officials are in the midst of good fortune, with opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At the turning point of fortune, favorable for changes.
• Wealth 财运: Selling goods externally can yield profits.
• Household 家宅: Renovate and relocate.
• Health 身体: Change medication; seek medical advice from afar.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently at the time of changing fortune, entering into a new luck. Any move will be good, especially favorable for going out.
• Business 营商: Goods should be transported and sold outside, yielding profit.
• Household 家宅: Renovation should be auspicious, or relocating elsewhere is even more beneficial.
• Warfare 战征: Changing from attacking the east to attacking the west, and from attacking the south to attacking the north, is auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Fearing that the medicine does not suit the illness, it is advisable to change the medication for good fortune. Or seeking medical treatment in a distant place is even more beneficial.
• Lost Items 失物: Look for it outside the door, and it will be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ts'ui (Gathering Together). Prosperity. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is advantageous to see the great man, leading to success; this is a favorable and correct omen. Offering great sacrificial animals (oxen) is auspicious, and having a destination to go to is advantageous. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, Dui is the Lake; the lower trigram is Kun, Kun is the Earth. The lake water overflowing onto the earth is the image of Ts'ui. The gentleman, observing this image, takes warning from the overflowing floods and gathering disasters, thereby repairing weapons to guard against unexpected rebellions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Abundant resources and rich gathering; guided and assisted by nobility, everything is favorable. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram enjoy excellent fortune, receive help from benefactors, reap abundant profits, and succeed in all endeavors.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Kun below, Dui above). Kun is Earth and yielding; Dui is Lake and water. The lake overflows and submerges the earth, and with many people contending, crises will lurk everywhere. One must obey Heaven and employ the worthy, prepare for a rainy day, remain gentle yet cheerful, bring out the best in one another, and live and work in peace. Ts'ui means gathering and unity.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the little boy, and lets go the man of age and experience.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: Capturing the underage slave, but losing the adult slave. The Image says: Capturing the small but losing the big means that both cannot be obtained at the same time.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line will find no peace, or may suffer from the plots of petty people, with continuous disputes. Officials should retreat and defend; those who seek to advance must have self-awareness.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The situation is reversed; it is best to be cautious.
• Wealth 财运: Coveting small gains and losing big ones, clearly unfavorable.
• Household 家宅: The head of the household is burdened; marriage is unsuitable.
• Health 身体: Attending to one thing while losing another.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is reversed; it is advisable to be self-cautious.
• Business 营商: Fearing coveting small gains and losing big ones.
• Household 家宅: Yin and yang are reversed; there is a sign of women and petty people wielding power, resulting instead in the head of the household being controlled.
• Warfare 战征: Only capturing enemy soldiers, without achieving the victory of slaying generals and seizing flags.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Lost Items 失物: Small items can be recovered, but large items will surely be lost.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Fearing it is not a good match.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows us one who cleaves to the man of age and experience, and lets go. the little boy. Such following will get what it seeks; but it will be advantageous to adhere to what is firm and correct.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: Capturing the adult slave, but losing the underage slave. It is better to hold onto what is currently gained than to hope for no loss. Divining this line, inquiring about one's dwelling is auspicious. The Image says: Capturing the big while losing the small means one's will is set on pursuing the big and discarding the small.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will achieve their goals in planning, but it is advisable to follow the correct path to obtain benefits. Officials will receive recommendations and have hope of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Seeking wealth and fame are both in proper fortune.
• Wealth 财运: The small departs and the great arrives; profit can be expected.
• Household 家宅: Savings are successful; care for one's children.
• Health 身体: No harm to adults, but unfavorable for children.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently entering a proper fortune; seeking wealth and fame, everything goes as desired.
• Business 营商: The small departs and the great arrives; profit is certain.
• Warfare 战征: Indicates capturing the enemy general alive, surely obtaining a great victory.
• Household 家宅: The family is prosperous, but guard against disasters among the young children.
• Illness 疾病: No harm to adults, but there is fear of adversity for the young.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Fearing that the child may be born but not survive.
• Lost Items 失物: Found.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Indicates marrying into a higher-status family.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows us one followed and obtaining (adherents). Though he be firm and correct, there will be evil. If he be sincere (however) in his course, and make that evident, into what error will he fall?

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: Pursuing fame and chasing profit, being greedy for more and striving to acquire, the divination yields an inauspicious sign. Escorting captives on the road, if one is clear in setting boundaries and constraints, there will be no disaster. The Image says: Pursuing fame and chasing profit, being greedy for more and striving to acquire—it is only right for such a person to encounter danger. Maintaining sincerity and strictly adhering to the correct path is the result of clear insight into achievements.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will be promoted by good people, turning misfortune into good fortune. Officials will hold key positions; those who strive to advance can achieve success and gain fame and fortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good and bad fortunes are intermingled; next year will be auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Although there is profit, beware of accidents.
• Household 家宅: Unsuitable to purchase a house.
• Health 身体: First inauspicious, then auspicious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently there is both bad and good fortune; favorable in odd-numbered months, unfavorable in even-numbered months, and next year will be auspicious.
• Business 营商: After making profits, guard against unexpected disasters; one must wait until matters are clarified before proceeding.
• Household 家宅: Whether newly purchased or newly built, both are inauspicious.
• Warfare 战征: After a small victory, guard against a major defeat.
• Illness 疾病: First inauspicious, then auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: First trial is inauspicious, but appealing to a higher court brings no blame.
• Lost Items 失物: Difficult to find for the time being, will appear later.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows us (the ruler) sincere in (fostering all) that is excellent. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Capturing many fine people, auspicious. The Image says: Keeping trust in the path of centrality and correctness, all matters are auspicious, because the Nine Five line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, resembling a person maintaining centrality and correctness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will achieve their goals in planning, with many celebratory events. Officials will be promoted or experience many joyful events.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Right in the middle of good fortune, all matters are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Goods are of high quality, yielding significant profits.
• Household 家宅: A family that accumulates goodness; marriage is joyful.
• Health 身体: No need to worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently in a flourishing fortune; all matters obtain good fortune.
• Business 营商: Due to the excellence and beauty of the goods, profits will be a hundredfold.
• Household 家宅: It must be a family that accumulates goodness, trusted and followed by all, serving as the hope of the local region.
• Warfare 战征: The troops are of one mind, surely obtaining victory and success. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚嫁: A harmonious union for a hundred years, very auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Reconciliation.
• Illness 疾病: Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Zhen Hexagram. When the sacrifice is approached, the sound of thunder arrives, making some people tremble with fear; yet shortly afterward, they talk and laugh as usual. A sudden clap of thunder shocks a hundred li, yet some remain calm and composed, holding the sacrificial ladle without spilling a single drop of wine. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Symbols) says: The upper and lower trigrams of this hexagram are both Zhen, and Zhen is thunder. Thus, successive claps of thunder form the image of the Zhen Hexagram. The gentleman, in accordance with this, stands in awe and dread, examining and cultivating his character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Successive thunderclaps resound; one should exert oneself and strive for progress. First difficult, then easy; first bitter, then sweet. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should rise up and strive, for much can be achieved; however, while the surface appears prosperous, there may be hidden difficulties within. One should be cautious in speech and behavior to avoid losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Zhen below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder. The doubling of Zhen creates a resounding echo, which clears away stagnant air, leading to smooth progress and prosperity. In daily life, one should prepare for danger in times of peace, harboring a sense of reverence and fear without daring to slacken, so that even in the face of sudden emergencies, one remains calm, talking and laughing as usual.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows us (that sincerity) firmly held and clung to, yea, and bound fast. (We see) the king with it presenting his offerings on the western mountain.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Detaining the captives and binding them tightly; King Wen of Zhou sacrifices them as human offerings to the spirits at the Western Mountain. The Image says: Being bound and detained is because the Top Six is at the end of the hexagram, resembling a person in a desperate situation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line will face many hardships and much dissatisfaction; those with severe illnesses will have their lives in danger. Officials must guard against the slander of petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Beset with difficulties, hard to go as desired.
• Wealth 财运: Play it safe and steady; unable to expand yet.
• Household 家宅: Family members complain; there is affinity for marriage.
• Health 身体: Pray with sincerity; the soul may depart.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently struggling to cope, not very satisfactory.
• Business 营商: Solid and firm, stable and doable, but not everything can be expanded.
• Household 家宅: Fearing that precautions and constraints are too strict, causing family members to complain and suffer.
• Illness 疾病: Praying for health brings good fortune.
• Marriage 婚嫁: There is the affinity of the red thread tied around the arm.
• Litigation 讼事: Fearing the danger of being fettered and imprisoned.
• Lost Items 失物: It was wrapped and hidden by oneself, not actually lost.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.