Hexagram 40
Deliverance
解 · 해
Thunder over Water
The Judgment
Deliverance comes when danger loosens its hold and movement becomes possible again. Favor the open, accommodating course that restores ordinary life and reunites people. If no unfinished task remains, return quietly to your proper place rather than inventing new enterprises. If something still requires action, attend to it promptly, before confusion gathers again. Release is fulfilled not by the excitement of escape, but by removing the causes of distress and allowing peace to take root.
The Image
Thunder moves above water, and the pent-up force breaks into cleansing rain. Thus the noble one responds to release by forgiving errors and dealing mercifully with offenses. When the season of danger has passed, punishment should not perpetuate its atmosphere; renewed life requires room for people to begin again.
In the light of the Dao
A knot is loosened by understanding its turns, not by pulling harder. Deliverance restores the free circulation of life after strain. Act only where something remains bound; elsewhere, return to simplicity. The deepest release leaves no conqueror standing over what has been set free.
The two trigrams
Upper · outer
☳Thunder
Arousing, movement · Eldest son
Lower · inner
☵Water
Abysmal, danger · Middle son
The six lines
Read from the bottom up. A line speaks only when it moves — when the cast gives it as 6 or 9.
First line · the beginning · yin, six
At the first moment of release, the immediate danger has subsided and no further assertion is required. Remain quiet, receptive, and free from unnecessary complications. There is no blame in resting where matters are sound rather than searching for something to overcome.
Second line · the inner centre · yang, nine
In the field you capture three foxes and obtain a yellow arrow. Hidden cunning is exposed, while a straight and balanced course becomes available. Hold firmly to that central honesty; success lies not merely in catching deceivers, but in remaining undeceived yourself.
Third line · the threshold · yin, six
You carry a laborer's burden while riding in a carriage that advertises rank. This mismatch between responsibility, appearance, and capacity invites predatory attention. Persisting in the display brings humiliation. Restore proportion to your circumstances instead of blaming those whom ostentation has attracted.
Fourth line · the minister · yang, nine
Release the lesser attachment that clings to you like a toe restricting your stride. Until this entanglement is ended, trustworthy companions cannot approach with confidence. Make the separation clear and sincere; then the friend who truly belongs beside you can come.
Fifth line · the ruler · yin, six
The noble one brings about a genuine release, and good fortune follows. Its reality becomes evident when petty influences withdraw and can no longer depend upon your indulgence. Be generous toward people, yet decisive about the habits and associations that sustain disorder.
Top line · the end · yin, six
A powerful hawk occupies a high wall, beyond the reach of ordinary measures. The prince takes careful aim and brings it down. A remaining source of harm can now be removed decisively; prepared and properly authorized action clears the way for general benefit.