Hexagram 40 · 解 · Xiè
Deliverance
- Element:
- Thunder over Water
- Key themes:
- release, freedom, relief, resolution, renewal
Image
Thunder above water, symbolizing the release of tension and the arrival of deliverance.
Overall message
Hexagram 40 represents the concept of deliverance and release. It emphasizes the importance of letting go of past burdens, resolving conflicts, and embracing renewal. Success comes from finding relief and moving forward with a clear and focused mind.
Embrace the opportunity for release and freedom. Let go of past burdens and embrace renewal. Success comes from resolving conflicts and finding relief.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.
Image. (The trigram representing) thunder and that for rain, with these phenomena in a state of manifestation, form Kieh. The superior man, in accordance with this, forgives errors, and deals gently with crimes.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Deliverance
The period of deliverance is complete. Reflect on the journey and prepare for the future.
Reflect on the lessons learned. Use this knowledge to build a stronger foundation.
Line 5 · Leadership in Deliverance
Strong leadership guides the release and renewal.
Lead with integrity and vision. Your guidance will inspire others.
Line 4 · Harmonious Release
The release is harmonious and well-supported. Success is within reach.
Work with others to achieve harmony. Collaboration will enhance your progress.
Line 3 · Overcoming Setbacks
Setbacks may occur, but they can be overcome with determination.
Stay resilient and focused. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Line 2 · Steady Progress
Progress is steady but slow. Patience is key.
Be patient and persistent. Small, consistent steps will lead to success.
Line 1 · Initial Release
The first signs of release and freedom appear. Be open to new beginnings.
Welcome the release and embrace new opportunities. Stay hopeful and open to change.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 37 · 家人 · Jiā Rén. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 63 · 既济 · Jì Jì. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 54 · 归妹 · Guī Mèi
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 16 · 豫 · Yù
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 32 · 恒 · Héng
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 7 · 师 · Shī
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 47 · 困 · Kùn
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 64 · 未济 · Wèi Jì