Zhouyi, received text. Traditional characters are retained from the electronic reference; punctuation is editorial.
A contemporary perspective
Choose what deserves your attention. Adapt without surrendering independent judgment.
This is Fatefold’s original reflective interpretation, not a word-for-word translation or a classical prediction about a modern question.
Classical line statements · bottom to top
01
初九 官有渝，貞吉。出門交，有功。
02
六二 係小子，失丈夫。
03
六三 係丈夫，失小子。隨有求得，利居貞。
04
九四 隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎？
05
九五 孚于嘉，吉。
06
上六 拘係之乃從維之，王用亨于西山。
Read the structure
The lower trigram is Zhen · Thunder; the upper is Dui · Lake. The six lines describe positions and stages within one situation, rather than six independent answers. Choose what deserves your attention. Adapt without surrendering independent judgment.
Tuan commentary · reading the judgment
隨，剛來而下柔，動而說，隨。大亨，貞，无咎，而天下隨時，隨時之義大矣哉。
The Tuan discusses the judgment through polarity, position and timing. Its conditions belong with the judgment; an isolated favorable or unfavorable word does not settle a whole situation.
Great Image · from pattern to conduct
澤中有雷，隨。君子以嚮晦入宴息。
The Great Image turns Following into a model for conduct. Alongside divinatory language, this layer asks how to act. Consider whether your approach to following fits the actual conditions.
Line-by-line commentary
初九 · 1
官有渝，貞吉。出門交，有功。
《小象》：官有渝，從正吉也；出門交有功，不失也。
Changing responsibilities can open useful connections.
The first line concerns an initial stage and its readiness.
六二 · 2
係小子，失丈夫。
《小象》：係小子，弗兼與也。
Attachment to a lesser aim can displace a larger one.
Line two is central within the lower trigram; consider nearby coordination. Centrality is not an automatic favorable verdict.
六三 · 3
係丈夫，失小子。隨有求得，利居貞。
《小象》：係丈夫，志舍下也。
Following one aim means releasing another through clear principles.
Line three ends the lower trigram and invites attention to a threshold and its pressures.
九四 · 4
隨有獲，貞凶。有孚在道，以明，何咎？
《小象》：隨有獲，其義凶也；有孚在道，明功也。
Gain from following still needs integrity in the course itself.
Line four enters the upper trigram; consider a transition of setting or responsibility.
九五 · 5
孚于嘉，吉。
《小象》：孚于嘉吉，位正中也。
Trust what has a sound basis in conduct.
Line five is central in the upper trigram; consider responsibility and the use of resources.
上六 · 6
拘係之乃從維之，王用亨于西山。
《小象》：拘係之。上窮也。
A strong bond can express commitment rather than control.
The top line ends this pattern; consider excess, closure and a next stage.
Relate it to your question
Separate known facts, unconfirmed information and available actions. Which part of this symbol fits, and which does not?
