40. Deliverance (Deliverance)

Thunder and rain break together, and danger dissolves. Relief is on its way — seize the moment, let go of the past, and move forward unburdened.

Judgment Text (Original): 利西南，无所往，其来复吉。有攸往，夙吉
Plain-Language Translation: Favorable toward the southwest. If there is nowhere to go, returning brings good fortune; if there is somewhere to go, acting promptly brings good fortune.

Tuan Commentary (Original): 解，险以动，动而免乎险，解。解利西南，往得众也。其来复吉，乃得中也。有攸往夙吉，往有功也。天地解，而雷雨作，雷雨作，而百果草木皆甲坼，解之时义大矣哉！
Plain-Language Translation: Jie — facing danger yet moving, and through that movement escaping the danger — this is release. Jie favors going southwest, since moving forward there gains the support of the multitude. Returning brings good fortune because it holds to the middle way. If there is somewhere to go, acting promptly brings good fortune, since moving forward achieves success. When heaven and earth release their tension, thunder and rain arise; when thunder and rain arise, every fruit tree, plant, and grass bursts its husk and sprouts — great indeed is the meaning of Jie's timely release!

Image Commentary (Original): 雷雨作，解；君子以赦过宥罪
Plain-Language Translation: Thunder and rain arise together, picturing danger dissolving; the noble person forgives faults and pardons wrongs.

Modern Application Guide

Career: A long-standing problem is about to resolve — time to set down the burden and move forward light.

Relationships: A past misunderstanding is ready to be let go — meet what's next with a forgiving heart.

Wealth: A financial headache looks set to ease up — a good chance to replan and start fresh.

Health: A lingering health issue may finally start easing — keep up the patient care that got you here.

Line-by-Line Detail

初六

无咎
刚柔之际，义无咎也

You're at the beginning, still gentle and untested — like the first sprout of something new.

九二

田获三狐，得黄矢，贞吉
九二贞吉，得中道也

You're settling into the inner position — a good stage to put your strength to use and earn recognition.

六三

负且乘，致寇至，贞吝
负且乘，亦可丑也，自我致戎，又谁咎也

You're at a transition point between inner and outer, feeling soft amid a shifting situation — a little unease is natural here.

九四

解而拇，朋至斯孚
解而拇，未当位也

You're drawing close to the center of power or authority — a sensitive spot where every word and move gets noticed.

六五

君子维有解，吉；有孚于小人
君子有解，小人退也

You hold the central position but carry it gently — leaning on capable people and staying open to good advice actually works in your favor.

上六

公用射隼，于高墉之上，获之，无不利
公用射隼，以解悖也

This chapter is drawing to a close, settling into stillness — a time to look back and let things settle.

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