Hexagram 40 of 64
解
Deliverance
Xiè
Upper Trigram
震
Thunder
Arousing, Movement
Thunder · Eldest Son
Lower Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
The Judgment
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 tension releases — thunder over water, movement breaking through danger. This is spring after winter: the time to move decisively and to release what has been held. Do not let the moment of deliverance pass without acting.
The Image
Thunder and rain set in — the image of Deliverance. Thus the superior person pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds.
As thunder and rain cleanse the air, forgiveness cleanses relationships. The magnanimous release of accumulated grievances is both relief and renewal.
The Six Lines
Line 1
Without blame.
In the moment of deliverance, simply resting in the relief — without new complications — is perfectly right.
Line 2
One kills three foxes in the field and receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Three obstacles identified and removed. The yellow arrow — symbol of correct means — confirms the rightness of the action.
Line 3
If a man carries a burden on his back and nonetheless rides in a carriage, he invites the approach of robbers. Perseverance leads to humiliation.
Holding onto the burden of inferior attitudes while occupying a superior position invites attack and disrespect.
Line 4
Deliver yourself from your great toe. Then the companion comes, and him you can trust.
First, release what holds you back from within. Only then will the right companion find you.
Line 5
If only the superior person can deliver himself, it brings good fortune. Thus he proves to inferior people that he is in earnest.
The proof that deliverance is real is that one's own entanglements are first released. Self-liberation precedes any genuine leadership.
Line 6
The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further.
A precise, decisive action from a position of clarity eliminates the last obstacle. The deliverance is complete.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.