Hexagram 40
Deliverance (Release)
解 (Xiè)
Thunder over Water
The image is of Thunder and rain occurring together. This is a thunderstorm, which breaks a period of tension and clears the air. The danger and stagnation (Water) are stirred by movement and energy (Thunder). This combination symbolizes a release from hardship, the untangling of a complex problem, and the washing away of obstacles. The storm passes, and the sky becomes clear again. It is a moment of relief and resolution.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment signals that a time of difficulty is over. The path is now clear. The advice is twofold and requires assessment. First, if the problem is completely solved and no tasks remain, the best course is to return to your normal life and routines as quickly as possible. Don't linger in the drama of the past. Second, if there are still some loose ends to tie up to complete the "deliverance," you must act swiftly and decisively. Procrastination is the enemy. The key is to move on without delay.
The Image (象传)
Just as a cleansing thunderstorm washes the landscape clean, a period of deliverance is a time for clearing the slate in human affairs. The superior person sees this moment of relief as an opportunity to be magnanimous. They let go of old grudges, pardon the errors of others, and forgive past offenses. Holding onto anger and resentment would mean carrying the old tension into the new, clear period. True deliverance requires forgiveness.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving Hexagram 40 is a welcome sign of relief. The period of obstruction or tension you have been experiencing is ending. A solution is at hand, and freedom of movement is being restored. The essential advice is to act now. Tie up any loose ends decisively. Once the problem is fully resolved, return to normalcy without delay. This is also a crucial time for forgiveness, both of others and of yourself. Let go of the burdens of the past so you can fully enjoy your newfound freedom. The way forward is open; embrace it with a light heart.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Without blame."
The difficulties are just starting to resolve. You are in a correct position, free from the recent entanglements. At this early stage, the best course is to remain quiet and do nothing. Your simple freedom from the problem is good fortune in itself.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune."
To achieve full deliverance, you must deal decisively with subtle and cunning obstacles (the foxes), which may represent flatterers, doubts, or hidden issues. Your correctness and firm action will be recognized and rewarded (the yellow arrow signifies correctness). Stay firm in your purpose.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"If a man carries a burden on his back and yet rides in a carriage, he thereby encourages robbers to draw near."
This describes a person who has achieved a better position but acts inappropriately, perhaps by showing off their new status in a vulgar way. This inauthenticity and lack of dignity invites trouble and contempt. This is not a true deliverance but a false pose that leads to humiliation.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Deliver yourself from your big toe. Then the companion will come, and him you can trust."
You are held back by a minor but persistent attachment—a bad habit, a draining friendship, or a small problem you've been ignoring. You must decisively free yourself from this small entanglement. Once you cut this tie, a worthy and true companion will be able to join you.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"If the superior man can deliver himself, it brings good fortune. He proves to the inferior man that he is in earnest."
As a person of influence, you must lead by example. The most effective way to help others is to first free yourself from your own entanglements and limitations. This act of self-liberation demonstrates your sincerity and strength, inspiring trust and loyalty from those who look up to you.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further."
The final obstacle to complete freedom is a powerful figure in a high position (the hawk) who is causing the trouble. A single, decisive act is required to remove this final impediment. Taking this bold action will be successful and will resolve the situation for the benefit of all.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram signals the end of a period of conflict, distance, or misunderstanding in a relationship. The storm has passed, and the air is clear. This is an ideal time for forgiveness and letting go of past hurts. Don't dwell on old arguments. The advice is to swiftly resolve any minor lingering issues and then enthusiastically return to the joy of the relationship. A clean slate is offered; take it. This is a time for reconciliation and starting fresh.
Career & Business (事业)
In a career context, Deliverance means a major problem has been solved or a blocked project is now free to move forward. The tension has broken. Now is the time for swift and decisive action. Quickly implement the solutions and get operations back to normal. It's also a time to pardon mistakes and move past team conflicts. By clearing the air and focusing on the work ahead, you can capitalize on the new, open path to success. Don't hesitate.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, this hexagram signifies recovery and relief. A crisis has passed, a fever has broken, or a treatment has proven successful. The body is in the process of freeing itself from illness. Your role is to support this process. Let go of the anxiety and stress associated with the illness. Forgive your body for its past weakness. Swiftly adopt any remaining lifestyle changes needed for full recovery and then return to enjoying a normal, healthy life.
Financial Matters (财运)
Deliverance indicates a release from financial pressure. A debt may be paid, a lawsuit settled, or a blocked source of income freed up. The period of hardship is over. The advice is to act quickly to settle any remaining accounts and put the matter fully behind you. It is a time to return to normal financial activity. This may also be a time to be generous or forgive a debt owed to you, clearing the slate for future prosperity.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Personal growth in this hexagram comes from mastering the art of release. When a difficulty passes, we are often tempted to carry its memory and burdens with us. Deliverance teaches you to truly let go. This means forgiving others who have wronged you, but more importantly, it means forgiving yourself for past mistakes. It's about shedding the weight of what was so that you can move freely and lightly into what is now possible. Growth is achieved by creating a clean slate for your own heart and mind.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time to act is now. The obstacles have been cleared, and the way forward is open. Do not hesitate or procrastinate. If there are loose ends, tie them up quickly. If the matter is fully resolved, return to your normal life immediately. This is a time for decisive action, forward movement, and a spirit of generous forgiveness. Seize the moment of freedom.
