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 ulti