Hexagram 40 of 64 · 解 Xiè

Hexagram 40: Deliverance

☳ Thunder over ☵ Water

Deliverance shows thunder and rain breaking a long tension: problems loosen, knots untie, and relief arrives. The hexagram advises returning to normal life quickly, forgiving past wrongs, and clearing away what remains of the trouble, without lingering or overdoing things.

ReleaseReliefForgivenessFresh StartPrompt Action

El juicio

As in the previous hexagram, the Judgment favors the southwest. When nothing further needs doing, going back to ordinary life brings good fortune; when a task remains, handling it early brings good fortune. The southwest, associated with Earth, suggests an open, easygoing, broad-minded approach. Once difficulty has lifted, the wise move is to settle back into normal routines rather than create new complications. And if loose ends remain, tie them up quickly, before the problems have a chance to regroup.

The image: Thunder over Water

Thunder crashes and rain pours down, and the tension in the air breaks; the whole landscape feels washed and relieved. The classics say a person of character responds by letting minor errors go and easing the penalties for wrongdoing. Just as a storm clears the atmosphere, forgiveness clears the emotional air. Holding grudges keeps the old tension alive, while letting go completes the release.

Hexagram 40 in love and relationships

In relationships, Deliverance often signals relief after a difficult stretch: a conflict resolves, a misunderstanding clears, or a burden lifts. It encourages forgiveness and moving forward without rehashing old grievances. If a relationship has ended, it can mean emotional release and the freedom to start fresh. Keep things simple and warm; after the storm, gentleness helps.

Carrera y dinero

At work, obstacles begin to clear: a delayed project moves, a dispute settles, or pressure eases. The traditional advice is to act promptly on remaining tasks, then return to routine instead of launching risky new ventures. Deal decisively with lingering problems or unreliable associates. In money matters, it tends to favor tidying up loose ends and lightening burdens rather than overextending.

Si preguntaste por una decisión

As an answer, Deliverance leans toward yes, especially if the question involves letting go, resolving, or moving past something. Act promptly on what needs doing, then settle back to normal. If the question is about starting something big and new, it suggests first completing the release.

Las seis líneas

Lines are counted from the bottom. Read a line's text when it came up as a changing line (a 6 or a 9) in your cast.

  1. Line 1 (bottom) · yin

    The text says only: no fault. The difficulty has just eased, and the right thing is to rest and recover quietly. As a changing line, it suggests nothing needs fixing now; let things settle and avoid stirring up trouble.

  2. Line 2 · yang

    Out hunting, you bag three foxes and come away with a yellow arrow. Steadiness brings good fortune. The foxes stand for cunning flatterers; the arrow, for straight, balanced conduct. As a changing line, it suggests exposing deception through honesty.

  3. Line 3 · yin

    A person who still hauls loads on their back rides in a fine carriage, and the display draws thieves. Persisting brings shame. As a changing line, it warns against claiming a status you have not earned or flaunting new gains.

  4. Line 4 · yang

    Untie yourself from the big toe that clings to you, and a friend you can trust arrives. The toe stands for a low, dependent connection. As a changing line, it suggests releasing an unhelpful association to make room for real allies.

  5. Line 5 · yin

    A person of character breaks free, and good fortune follows; even small-minded people are convinced the change is real. As a changing line, it suggests making a clean, genuine break with what binds you, so others take it seriously.

  6. Line 6 (top) · yin

    A duke looses an arrow at a falcon perched on a high city wall and brings it down. Nothing fails to benefit. As a changing line, it suggests removing the last obstacle with a well-prepared, decisive stroke at the right moment.

Hexagram 40: preguntas frecuentes

Is hexagram 40 a good sign?

Generally, yes. Deliverance marks the moment tension breaks and difficulties loosen, like a storm clearing the air. It favors forgiveness, prompt action on unfinished business, and a return to normal life. The lines add cautions: do not flaunt your relief, cut ties with draining influences, and finish the job decisively rather than leaving loose ends.

What does hexagram 40 say about timing?

It stresses two tempos. If nothing remains to be done, the classic advice is to return to your normal routine and let things settle. If something still needs handling, do it early, before the problem can regroup. Delay is the main risk in this hexagram; relief is best secured by prompt, simple action.

The I Ching is offered here as a traditional tool for reflection and entertainment. A reading describes a situation and its tendencies, not a fixed outcome, and is not medical, legal or financial advice.