Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 解 (Xiè) |
| English Name | Deliverance / Release |
| Trigrams | Thunder over Water (震上坎下) |
| Number | 40 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Deliverance. The southwest furthers. If there is no longer anything where one has to go, return brings good fortune. If there is still something where one has to go, hastening brings good fortune.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Thunder and rain set in: the image of Deliverance. Thus the superior man pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | Without blame. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九二 | 2nd | One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六三 | 3rd | Carrying a burden on the back while riding in a carriage invites robbers to draw near. Perseverance leads to humiliation. | Overstepping brings shame; know your place |
| 九四 | 4th | Deliver yourself from your great toe. Then the companion comes, and him you can trust. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六五 | 5th | If only the superior man can deliver himself, it brings good fortune. Thus he proves to inferior men that he is in earnest. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Thunder and rain clearing the air; release from tension and difficulty
- Upper trigram Thunder (arousing and energizing) over lower trigram Water (deep and flowing)
- Embodies the qualities of deliverance, release, forgiveness and speed, resolution, freedom
Keywords
DeliveranceReleaseForgivenessSpeedResolutionFreedom
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Thunder and rain clearing the air; release from tension and difficulty Channel the energy of deliverance and release for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on forgiveness to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels deliverance and release. The Thunder trigram above suggests arousing and energizing energy in your outer dealings, while the Water trigram below points to deep and flowing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on liver and feet and kidneys and ears. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody deliverance and release. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes forgiveness and speed. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate deliverance in all your actions
- Practice release consistently
- Embrace forgiveness as your guiding principle
- Develop speed through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of resolution
- Abandon freedom under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 39. Jiǎn (蹇) | Obstruction — what preceded deliverance |
| 3. Zhūn (屯) | Difficulty at Beginning — new start after release |
| 16. Yù (豫) | Enthusiasm — joy of liberation |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “A major obstacle has just cleared. What's my next move?”
You received Hexagram 40, Deliverance. The judgment says: 'Deliverance. The southwest furthers. If there is no longer anything where one ha...' Thunder and rain clearing the air; release from tension and difficulty This is a favorable sign. The energy of deliverance supports your intention. Move forward with forgiveness, but remain mindful of proper timing.