I Ching · No.40 · Hsieh / Deliverance

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Translation

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Disasters are resolved; fame and reputation rise greatly.
• Wealth 财运: Favorable times and geographical advantages, but harmony among people is most precious.
• Household 家宅: Pray to resolve misfortunes; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: As soon as the medicine is administered, the illness is cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Delivered from disasters, showing a sign of great vigor and rejuvenation.
• Warfare 战征: Military might is aroused; there is a sign of major bandits being wiped out and minor bandits submitting.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is an omen of fame echoing a hundred li and blessings extending to all living beings.
• Business 营商: Obtaining the right time and season, 'the movements of thunder and rain fill the land,' bringing great profit.
• Marriage 婚姻: Thunder of Chen and rain of K'an, yin and yang assist each other, reproduction is prosperous and lush, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: There is movement in the heavenly plate and difficulty in the earthly plate; it is advisable to pray for deliverance and avoidance.
• Travelers 行人: Will return in a short time; guard against minor disasters, no blame.
• Litigation 讼事: Fortunate to receive forgiveness and be cleared of guilt.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

• Overall Image 大象: Spring thunder roars, the earth thaws, symbolizing the departure of winter and arrival of spring, with vitality reappearing.
• Fortune 运势: It is advisable to seize good opportunities and quickly handle the difficulties around you. It is even more advisable to go out to seek endeavors, as benefactors are far away, and the southwest is the auspicious direction.
• Career 事业: Vitality is just beginning to recover; it is advisable to rest and rebuild. Quietness and simplicity are best, and it is suitable to be lenient and harmonious. When preparations are complete, one should act immediately to seize the initiative and not delay; wherever one goes, there will be success and benefit. However, do not be insatiably greedy. Be industrious and thrifty, tempering strength with gentleness, with gentleness as the core. Keep away from petty people, unite with noble persons, rely on one another, and build the career together.
• Business 经商: Swift action is precious; act actively so that one can escape from danger. Doing business should follow the right path; do not swagger through the streets, which is a foolish act that will surely bring disaster upon oneself.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Just starting out, one should continue to enrich oneself and wait for the right moment to act. One should especially keep away from petty people and draw close to noble persons and those of talent and virtue, in order to improve oneself quickly.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Should proceed at the appropriate time. Husband and wife working together in harmony can bring family concord and avoid disasters.
• Decision 决策: Prudence is appropriate, and one should not take risks, as everything is still in the initial stage of recovering vitality. To strive for great development, one must treat others with leniency, rule with gentleness, associate widely with the worthy, dismiss petty people, and use moderate, upright ways and a combination of tension and relaxation to develop a rising career.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows that its subject will commit no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Encountering this line in divination, there is no disaster. The Symbolism says: Six at the beginning is close to Nine in the second place, which is an image of the firm and the yielding responding to each other, symbolizing ruler and minister or husband and wife working together in harmony. Naturally, there is no disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line: business operators will find it auspicious, and the unmarried will find a match. Officials will have virtue corresponding to their position, with hope of promotion. Scholars will achieve good results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Difficulties are just beginning to dissolve; do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Having no loss is itself a stroke of luck.
• Household 家宅: Living in peace.
• Health 身体: All is well without illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Difficulties are just beginning to dissolve; content oneself with the time and keep to one's place, and one will naturally be without blame.
• Warfare 战征: Just having broken through the siege, it is advisable to store strength and nourish essence, and not act rashly, so as to maintain freedom from blame.
• Business 营商: It is fortunate enough not to suffer loss.
• Fame & Career 功名: At present, one can only stick to the old ways.
• Household 家宅: Peaceful and harmless.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to settle amicably.
• Marriage 婚姻: Mediocre.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Marrying Maiden. Divining this hexagram, setting forth on an expedition is dangerous. Nothing is advantageous. The Image says: The hexagram of the Marrying Maiden: the lower trigram is Dui, which represents the marsh; the upper trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Thus, thunder rolls over the marsh, and the thunder moves the water, which metaphorically represents the mutual attraction of man and woman falling in love and forming a union. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden hexagram. In observing this image, the superior man perceives the success and failure of marriage in the long course of married life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Violating the natural order, one's path will come to an end; examine the principles of things clearly, and bring an end to wild delusions. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, in times of difficulty, acting contrary to the natural order will bring continuous disasters. It is advisable to clearly examine principles, cultivate the mind and character, and eliminate wild delusions.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (lower Dui and upper Zhen). Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. With the youngest daughter following the eldest son, feelings of affection arise, initiating the movement toward marriage and the image of marrying off a daughter, hence it is called the Marrying Maiden (Kuei Mei).

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject catch, in hunting, three foxes, and obtain the yellow (= golden) arrows. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: In hunting, one obtains three foxes, and the prey carries bronze arrows. Divination brings good fortune. The Symbolism says: The good fortune of the divination mentioned in the line statement of Nine in the second place is because the line of Nine in the second place occupies the middle position of the lower trigram, symbolizing that the person acts according to the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line are in good fortune, and wealth and profit can be acquired. Officials will enjoy honor and wealth, and scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Avoiding evil and returning to the correct path; fame and success are in sight.
• Wealth 财运: Manage with effort, and great profits can be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Guard against disturbances; obtaining a primary wife.
• Health 身体: Guard against evil thoughts and unnatural illnesses.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Dispelling evil and returning to correctness; one will naturally obtain peace and auspiciousness.
• Warfare 战征: 'Hunting' means hunting beasts, which is like hunting enemies in war. Obtaining foxes is like capturing the leaders of the enemy. Obtaining arrows is like acquiring the enemy's weapons. Thus it is 'correct and auspicious'.
• Business 营商: 'Hunting' is for beasts, while merchants are for profits. 'Three' means a large number. 'Yellow' refers to gold. Great profit will surely be obtained, auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: It says 'obtain' and 'get'; fame and success are in sight, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: Guard this house against disturbances from foxes (evil spirits); it must be hunted down to be auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: This must mean having a concubine first, and then receiving the primary wife. Yellow is the correct color, representing the primary match, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Guard against illness caused by fox spirits or evil influences; it is advisable to draw a bow and arrow to drive it away, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Yü (Enthusiasm). Favorable for establishing feudal lords and mobilizing armies. The Image says: The upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder) representing thunder, and the lower trigram is Kun (Earth) representing the earth. Spring thunder rumbles and the earth shakes, stimulating and bringing forth all things; this is the image of the Yü hexagram. Observing this, the ancient kings took inspiration from the thunder that fills the earth to create music, praising virtue, presenting it magnificently to the Supreme Lord (Shangdi) and extending the honor to their ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Thunder emerges from the earth; pleasing, obedient, and joyful. In times of peace and happiness, one must guard against troubles and adversity. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram accord with heaven and adapt to the times. Everything goes auspiciously, and one can receive assistance from elders. However, one must guard against sexual temptations and must not indulge in the world of sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges according to the season, signifying the return of spring to the earth. Acting in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Qian (Modesty) hexagram are reverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, interacting with one another.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows a porter with his burden, (yet) riding in a carriage. He will (only) tempt robbers to attack him. However firm and correct he may (try to) be, there will be cause for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Carrying many goods, both bearing them on the back and drawing them in a carriage, showing off and attracting thieves, which naturally invites robbery by bandits. The divination indicates an omen of disaster. The Symbolism says: Carrying many goods, both bearing them on the back and drawing them in a carriage, showing off and attracting thieves, is a foolish and shameful thing. Since one's own carelessness in storing things invites theft and brings about bandits, who else can be blamed?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line must guard against theft, disputes, and lawsuits. Officials should be wary of the worry of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Normally behaving improperly, bringing humiliation upon oneself.
• Wealth 财运: Be careful to guard against theft to avoid loss.
• Household 家宅: Theft is hard to prevent; being rich but unkind.
• Health 身体: Taking patent medicines recklessly, bringing trouble on oneself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is not that the fortune is bad, but because of improper conduct, one is ridiculed by others.
• Warfare 战征: The opening for war is created by oneself, leading to the rise of many bandits, which is difficult to quiet for a time.
• Business 营商: Guard against the danger of robbery.
• Fame & Career 功名: A monkey wearing a hat—how can it last long?
• Household 家宅: Not being careful with doors and gates, or employing the wrong people, leading to theft.
• Marriage 婚姻: Both families are not upright; they are rich but unkind, 'shameful'.
• Litigation 讼事: Both parties are in the wrong.
• Travelers 行人: Returning fully loaded, but the path taken is not upright.
• Lost Items 失物: Already stolen and carried away, cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

(To the subject of) the fourth line, undivided, (it is said), 'Remove your toes. Friends will (then) come, between you and whom there will be mutual confidence.'

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Having made money, but being lazy and unwilling to leave, and as a result, being captured by others. The Symbolism says: Being lazy and unwilling to move shows that the person is negligent in duty and not suited to the position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. Those who obtain this line must guard against petty people or the misfortune of making friends carelessly.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeeding through others' help, only then is there opportunity.
• Wealth 财运: Profits are not large, but friends are sincere.
• Household 家宅: Not easy to dwell in peace; an influential matchmaker.
• Health 身体: Jogging to keep fit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The year of one's age has reached forty (the prime of service), but the fortune is unfavorable, relying entirely on others to accomplish things.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against shells injuring the foot; fortunately, the rescue troops are effective, and the siege can be lifted.
• Business 营商: The gain is very small, but all minds are in mutual trust. After one or two years, great profits can be expected.
• Fame & Career 功名: The big toe is a toe of the foot, extremely lowly. By the fifth line, it says 'The noble person indeed has deliverance.' One must wait for the next examination to hope for registration on the list.
• Household 家宅: This house lies in a low-lying area and is not properly situated; it can only be used as a warehouse or shop.
• Marriage 婚姻: Only with the persuasion of an influential matchmaker can the matter be accomplished.
• Litigation 讼事: Friends appear and mediate mutually, allowing the lawsuit to be settled.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows (its subject), the superior man (= the ruler), executing his function of removing (whatever is injurious to the idea of the hexagram), in which case there will he good fortune, and confidence in him will be shown even by the small men.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: The noble person is released after being imprisoned, which is auspicious; the petty person will be punished. The Symbolism says: The noble person dismisses the petty person from duty, indicating that the petty person is removed.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line are in good fortune; it is advantageous for the noble person, and the sick will recover. Officials will occupy key positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The correct fortune is smooth and prosperous; it is advantageous for the noble person.
• Wealth 财运: Act naturally, and there will be profit.
• Household 家宅: A blessed house fit for dwelling; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Restoring the upright qi.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The correct fortune is smooth and prosperous; all evils withdraw.
• Warfare 战征: Without killing a single person or firing a single arrow, the foreign tribes submit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Advantageous for the noble person, disadvantageous for the petty person.
• Business 营商: Without toiling over plans and schemes, profit comes naturally.
• Household 家宅: This house is shined upon by the auspicious star, and evil spirits keep far away.
• Marriage 婚姻: Auspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Will return immediately.
• Illness 疾病: External evils are dispersed, and the upright qi returns; auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: The one with reason wins, the one without reason submits, and the lawsuit can be dismissed.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kun (Oppression/Exhaustion). Success. Divination regarding matters of princes and nobles is auspicious, without misfortune. When encountering this hexagram in divination, a person with guilt cannot clear themselves through explanations. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: The upper trigram is Dui (Lake), and the lower trigram is Kan (Water). Water seeps beneath the lake bed, drying up the lake; this is the image of Oppression. Observing this, the superior person encourages himself in times of hardship, becoming stronger through adversity, and sacrifices his life to carry out his long-cherished ambitions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No water in the lake, experiencing oppression and exhaustion; myriad things do not grow, cultivate virtue and quietly maintain one's position. Inauspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram fall into difficult straits, with nothing going as desired. It is advisable to resolutely adhere to the correct path and wait for the right opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Dui above). Dui is Yin, representing the Lake, signifying joy; Kan is Yang, representing Water, signifying danger. Lake over Water is Oppression. Falling into adversity, it is difficult to display one's talents; yet by resolutely maintaining the correct path and remaining content in oneself, one will surely achieve success and break free from the predicament.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the sixth line, divided, we see a feudal prince (with his bow) shooting at a falcon on the top of a high wall, and hitting it. (The effect of his action) will be in every way advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: On the high city wall, the prince shoots an eagle and captures it; there is nothing that is not advantageous. The Symbolism says: The prince shoots the eagle, intending to eliminate the powerful and suppress the violent.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will have a smooth path and gain profit from many endeavors. Idle officials will be reinstated and occupy key positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is smooth; guard against minor bandits.
• Wealth 财运: Guard with caution; there will be profit and no loss.
• Household 家宅: Guard against theft.
• Health 身体: Outdoor exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path is smooth and auspicious; if going out, one may encounter minor bandits, and it is advisable to guard against them quickly.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against enemy troops plundering outside the city; it is advisable to lie in wait with arrows on high ground to shoot them, and there will surely be captures.
• Business 营商: When transporting goods abroad, guard against robbery; it is advisable to strictly prepare defenses. Not only will there be no loss, but one can also capture the bandits' provisions, hence it says 'nothing that is not advantageous'.
• Fame & Career 功名: The line mentions 'prince' (duke), so the person must already be noble and prominent, destined to achieve merit abroad.
• Household 家宅: The walls should be high to prepare against external theft.
• Marriage 婚姻: The Classic of Poetry says 'shooting wild ducks and geese,' which has the image of shooting, auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Rebellion and defiance dissolve of themselves, advantageous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Wei Ȝî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Wei Chi (Before Completion). Success. The little fox has almost crossed the river, but gets its tail wet. There is no advantage in any direction. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Kan, representing water. Fire is above water; water cannot overcome fire. This is the image of Before Completion. The superior man, observing this image, senses that water and fire are misplaced and cannot overcome each other, and thus with caution distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cannot assist, wait for the right time to act; grow from small to large, do not advance impetuously. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is obstructed, and things do not go as wished. It is advisable to progress from small to large, advance steadily, and patiently break through difficulties, then success will eventually be achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Li above). Li represents fire, and Kan represents water. Fire is above and water is below. The fire overpowers the water, and the task of putting out the fire is not yet completed, hence it is called Wei Chi (Before Completion). The Book of Changes (I Ching) begins with the two hexagrams Qian and Kun, and ends with Chi Chi (After Completion) and Wei Chi (Before Completion), fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.