I Ching Hexagram 40 · Deliverance

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 40
• Hexagram Name: Jie (Deliverance)
• Hexagram Image: Zhen ☳ above, Kan ☵ below (Thunder over Water)
• Hexagram Nature: A hexagram emphasizing release, resolving tension, forgiveness, and timely action after difficulty

• Primary Hexagram: Jie (Deliverance) (Hexagram 40)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Ji Ji / After Completion (Hexagram 63)
• Inverse Hexagram: Jian / Obstruction (Hexagram 39)
• Complementary Hexagram: Jia Ren / The Family (Hexagram 37)

Thunder and rain release the tension held in the atmosphere. Once difficulty begins to dissolve, act promptly, settle what remains, and avoid carrying old burdens forward.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Deliverance. Favorable in the southwest. If there is nowhere to go, returning brings good fortune. If there is somewhere to go, setting out early brings good fortune.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The core spirit of the Hexagram of Deliverance lies in "easing" and "broadness." To forgive others is to free yourself; to resolve conflict is better than forcing it down.

True release is to rebuild order after a crisis, so that yang energy revives and negative forces withdraw on their own.

Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Six

   Line text: No blame.

   The difficulty is only beginning to ease, and the situation is temporarily stable. This is not the time for rash action; it is better to wait quietly until circumstances become fully clear.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 54 · Thunder over Lake, The Marrying Maiden

2. Nine in the Second Place

   Line text: In the field, one catches three foxes and gains a yellow arrow. Constancy brings good fortune.

   By using the balanced and upright way to remove petty people, one acts with full legitimacy, and good fortune comes without blame.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 16 · Thunder over Earth, Enthusiasm

3. Six in the Third Place

   Line text: Carrying a burden and yet riding in a carriage invites robbers to come. Constancy brings humiliation.

   When name and reality do not match, ostentation invites disaster. If virtue does not match one's position, humiliation and loss are hard to avoid.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 32 · Thunder over Wind, Duration

4. Nine in the Fourth Place

   Line text: Deliver yourself from your big toe. When companions arrive, then there is trust.

   First cut off entanglement with petty people, and only then will those of like mind offer sincere help.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 7 · Earth over Water, The Army

5. Six in the Fifth Place

   Line text: The noble one achieves deliverance. Good fortune. There is trust even among petty people.

   When the noble one attains deliverance, petty people withdraw. Grace and authority are both applied, and sincerity transforms others.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 47 · Lake over Water, Oppression

6. Top Six

   Line text: The prince uses an arrow to shoot a hawk from atop a high wall. He captures it. Nothing is unfavorable.

   When the root of disorder has not yet been removed, decisive action is required to resolve it in a single stroke, and only then can peace be restored under heaven.

   Transformed hexagram: Hexagram 64 · Fire over Water, Before Completion

Guidance for Everyday Life

Keywords and overall guidance:

• Fortune: Hardship has been resolved, and danger turns into safety.
• Career: Seize the right opportunity. It is best to act early and not delay.
• Wealth: Timing and support are favorable, and the path to prosperity gradually opens.
• Marriage: Working together in harmony, auspicious signs gradually appear.
• Health: The remedy takes effect, and vital energy is beginning to recover.

Physical and mental state:

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort continues or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

Release old tension, resolve what can be resolved promptly, and move forward lightly once the danger has passed.