Hexagram 17 is called Sui, or Following
Theme: It follows a theme of delightedness, which is the subject of hexagram 16.
"Sequence of the Gua: When one is humble and full of delight, surely people will come to follow. Thus, after Delight comes Following." (Huang, 164)
"Commentary on the Symbol
Thunder in the midst of Lake
An image of Following.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person withdraws for rest
When the sun goes down." (166)
Dui/Lake above- Zhen/Thunder below
Element: Metal
Associated with the second month of the lunar year, March (Third solar month)
Opposite: 18- Gu/ Remedying
Inverse: 18- Gu/ Remedying
Mutual: 53- Jian/ Developing Gradually
In a footnote of the text, Master Huang points out the the Thunder symbol, Zhen represented the rising eastern sun, and the Dui symbol represented the setting sun in the western sky. Certainly with this in mind, the message of this week's hexagram is about one thing following another, all in proper order and how natural timing of celestial bodies gives a basis for the kind of faith and trust that allows one to relax, rest, and rejuvenate. There were no changing lines for this oracle.
Given world events at this time, the message seems to me to be both accurate, and hopeful. In looking at Huang's description of King Wen's history, we see he is looking to form and alliance to defeat the Shang dynasty tyrant. It took essentially three tries to build the like-minded force from among the different clans, but ultimately the effort was successful because the Zhou leadership was able to incorporate the virtuous and weed out the political opportunists and speculators (the little fellows) to create a truly strong oppositional band of warriors. To coordinate the following, King Wu (King Wen's father) held ceremonies, which were traditional ways to unite people under one purpose.
Maybe the sign of the times this week is coalition and alliance building to counter the Russian government's power grab in Ukraine. We have certainly seen a coming together of support for the Ukrainian people (and to the Russian public, which is largely uninformed), which I hope holds fast and has tremendous power to turn the tide there. If we can do this in one conflict, perhaps we can do the same for all peoples who are under oppression anywhere in the world from greedy, power hungry individuals and groups that abuse, cause violence, exploit, manipulate, and otherwise do great harm to humanity and to the Earth and her beings.
With the rising sun, may the word we use have the power and influence of compassion, kindness, and when appropriate, forgiveness. May we meet our fate(s) throughout each day coming from a centered, perceptive mind, and an open heart full of lovingkindness. May our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect the integrity of our true selves generating karmic benefit while transmuting harm. By the end of each day, may we know ourselves and our destinies better so we can align our wills with divine Will.