Hexagram 17 - Finding Inspiration & Following Behind
Hexagram 17 shows the need to find inspiration in small things, so that we can follow the right path. This hexagram will guide you in the right direction, you just need to follow your instinct.
Hexagram 17 shows you that you will have peace in your paths, but for that to happen you will have to have inspiration to follow the right path. This symbol is very positive in an i Ching reading.
Hexagram 17 Symbol

Hexagram 17 is composed of 3 unbroken and 3 broken horizontal lines. This symbol is associated with inspiration and peace.
Hexagram 17 Inspiration Peace Heartbreak |
Being a leader and directing others isn’t for everyone. It’s not that you lack the skill, but rather are better at following and being a part of something that creates impact. Upon finding purpose and inspiration, you’ll have a direction in your life that you never had before. To no surprise, Hexagram 17 is going to guide you there.
If you just checked your luck with six coin tosses and happened to be given Hexagram 17 by the I Ching, time and luck might be in your favor.
Guidance:
- Inspiration is coming your way. Whether it’s the form of a person or some sort of inanimate object, drawing inspiration from it and basking in its illuminating energy is important.
- Fewer responsibilities on your shoulders. Leaders and allies can devise game plans, you’ll just have to follow and aim for satisfactory results.
- Take hints and cues to mold yourself. Put in the right kind of effort according to the situation and direct outcomes to be in your favor.
Warnings:
- Inspiration often comes with heartbreak. Those you choose to follow and seek answers from can go rogue.
- A leader’s dishonorable and rusty mindset can infect you if you’re not careful. Listening to your gut feeling before acting upon an instruction is very important.
- A big ego can suffer when taking guidance from another authority. Make sure you’re ready to be a part of a team and act upon instructions without letting your superiority complex get in the way.
Hexagram 17 Message
Hexagram 17 is all about being a part of a team. Though there is great honor and fulfillment in leading, following is just as important to create a healthy balance. When opportunities to partner up with possible associates come your way, make sure you don’t let them slip away. As a part of a team, you’ll remain well-coordinated and goal-oriented which gives you a meaningful direction to put all your energy towards.
Don’t, however, be scared to take charge sometimes. When leaders and advisers seem to have their judgment clouded, step in and call them out.
Hexagram 17 Message In Love
In a relationship, don’t try to overpower your partner’s energy. Rather, embrace it! Two combined energies are what make a relationship. For example, if your partner is inherently more on the dominating end of the spectrum, let him/her be that way. It’s not a compromise but an acceptance of their being in all its glory.
If energies are completely mismatched (maybe a substantial difference) then finding harmony in the relationship can be a bit tough. Some major compromises will have to be made if you and your partner wish to keep the relationship intact.
Messages From The Lines Of Hexagram 17

Line 1:
Be ready to change your flow and transition through different phases of the journey. Everything does not always go according to plan. As events and misfortunes unfold, there will be times when you’ll have to change your direction in order to get to your desired destination.
When trouble is uninvited and unseen, things might get even worse. Before you’re forced into taking a step you shouldn’t, it’s best to advise elders and those in charge to either stand down or switch routes.
Line 2:
Do not blindly trust your teammates and associates; first, figure out what they’re truly after. If they’re truly devoted to the mission, their efforts and intentions will be pure. Some might seek alliance in order to fulfill a personal agenda, meaning that their loyalty is questionable.
When desperate times are faced, they could make a self-serving choice and abandon you. Keep your eyes open and only partner up with reliable company.
Line 3:
As you move up the hierarchy of life, a situation will be faced where two strong parties cannot merge. If you’re of dominating and overpowering nature but the other party shares the same aura, one of you will have to display powerlessness and comply. A merger between such auras becomes quite impossible once significant credibility and honor amongst society is earned.
Although partnership can still be formed without much compliance, coming to terms with each other’s ways is much more difficult if similarly powerful auras stand in between. Compromise where you can and at least try to form a connection.
Line 4:
Following a wise person’s footsteps does not mean you act upon everything they suggest. Just because something works for them isn’t a convincing indication that it would work for you. Some rational thinking and wisdom is important to be an intelligent follower.
When mentors provide you with suggestion and advice, question them. Queries should revolve around “why” and “how” for the most part. If an idea seems outlandish and suspicious, ask twice and clear your doubts before making a move.
Line 5:
Don’t throw tantrums when there is work to be done. It creates unnecessary trouble and drama that just distracts other people from fulfilling the tasks at hand. Be discreet and keep your ego out of matters.
When leaders are at work, they need to focus and maintain calm. If you’re working under a leader, give them the time and space they need to make better decisions. More often than not, good decisions from a leader usually translate to more yield for the entire team.
Line 6:
The pain of failure is much better than the pain of regret. If you shoot your shot and then fail, you’ll at least know where you went wrong and how you can wiggle your approach to seek success. But, if you never try, the sheer guilt and pain of regret can eat you from the inside.
Hexagrams never fail to illuminate us; the I Ching just holds that much wisdom and guidance when you interpret it carefully! Regarding Hexagram 17, it is nothing short of unique. If you take a glance at previous Hexagrams, especially Hexagram 9, it illuminates the topic of leadership and how one can lead others towards victory. Hexagram 17, on the other hand, tells you about the importance of followers in a society and how you can become a polished one yourself. My honest advice here would be to not let your pride keep you from seeing the strengths of your leader. Sometimes, just sometimes, those who sit on the throne truly deserve it.