I Ching hexagram

40. Liberation

Xiè

Thunder over Water

Also called Deliverance, The Symbol of Loosening, Release, Eliminating Obstacles, Taking-apart, Untangled, Solution, Dissolution, Relief, Unloose, Release of Tension

Image for hexagram 40, Liberation

Hexagram 40, Liberation (解 Xiè) is formed by Thunder over Water. It is also known as Deliverance, The Symbol of Loosening, Release, Eliminating Obstacles, Taking-apart, Untangled, Solution, Dissolution.

Legge

Read as

The judgment

Legge

利西南,无所往,其來復吉。有攸往,夙吉。

Liberation finds advantage in the southwest. When the operation is completed, a return to stability brings good fortune. If operations are incomplete, it is best to finish them quickly.

The six lines

line 1 is at the bottom

  1. Line 1Yin

    无咎。

    You've overcome the challenges in your current project. The obstacles have been removed and you can keep making progress. Now is the time to strengthen your position.

  2. Line 2Yang

    田獲三狐,得黃矢,貞吉。

    The situation may be influenced by lesser people using dishonest tactics to sway those in power. It's crucial for you to be honest and virtuous while undermining their actions. Good luck.

  3. Line 3Yin

    負且乘,致寇至,貞吝。

    You've gained a certain level of power, but lack the ability to manage it. You're pretending to be someone you're not, which breeds envy. If you keep this up, you'll face humiliation from those who want to take your place.

  4. Line 4Yang

    解而拇,朋至斯孚。

    There are individuals clinging to you for their own interests. This unhealthy relationship could become a pattern. It's important to free yourself from this situation, as it may deter valuable allies from joining you.

  5. Line 5Yin

    君子維有解,吉;有孚于小人。

    To rid yourself of a negative habit or circumstance, you must first commit to overcoming it internally. Only you can rescue yourself. Once free, the undesirable elements will fade away, and you will earn the respect you deserve. Good fortune awaits.

  6. Line 6Yin

    公用射隼于高墉之上,獲之,无不利。

    Prepare to decisively confront a significant opponent. This requires careful planning and precise timing. This adversary is formidable, so stay vigilant. Once you clear this hurdle, your efforts will be successful.

When this hexagram changes

These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.

Use this hexagram in a reading

These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 40 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.

Sharing a trigram

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