Situational Guidance
The Jie hexagram is filled with the joy of relief. It tells us that difficulties will eventually pass, but real relief lies not only in the relief of external difficulties, but also in the letting go of inner constraints.
Hexagram 40
Deliverance
Relief, release, liberation
The Jie hexagram is filled with the joy of relief. It tells us that difficulties will eventually pass, but real relief lies not only in the relief of external difficulties, but also in the letting go of inner constraints.
Trigram Structure
䷧, Zhen above, Kan below
Palace：坎
Key Themes
Relief, release, liberation
Judgement
Jie: Li Nannan. There is nowhere to go, and good luck will come when it comes. If you are going somewhere, it is auspicious.
Natural Symbolism
Spring thunder melting ice and snow, clear weather after heavy rain.
Associated Objects
Key, antidote, pardon, melting ice
Life Application & Summary
The Jie hexagram is filled with the joy of relief. It tells us that difficulties will eventually pass, but real relief lies not only in the relief of external difficulties, but also in the letting go of inner constraints.
Line-by-line Interpretation
Line 1
No blame.
Guidance
No fault.
Modern Insight
The difficulty has just been resolved; at this moment, the best strategy is to rest quietly and do nothing. After disaster, resting and recuperating to recover strength is itself the most correct, naturally bringing no fault.
Line 2
The field captures three foxes and a yellow arrow, which is auspicious.
Guidance
Hunting obtains three foxes and a yellow arrow; maintaining the right path brings fortune.
Modern Insight
Foxes metaphorically represent those cunning villains who bring trouble. The yellow arrow represents the middle way. This warns us that when solving problems, we must not only handle the surface, but also eliminate those hidden, fundamental ills. As long as the method is upright, success is certain.
Line 3
Negative and multiplied, it will lead to the invasion. Stingy.
Guidance
Carrying goods and riding in a cart invites robbers; even if maintaining, there is regret.
Modern Insight
This warns those whose status and behavior do not match. A small soldier putting on the airs of a general will inevitably invite disaster. After difficulties are resolved, avoid showing off; maintain humility, otherwise new troubles will follow.
Line 4
Understanding and thumbing, friends come to Sifu.
Guidance
Having removed constraints, friends naturally come; mutual trust.
Modern Insight
The thumb here metaphorically represents those harmful people or bad friends who entangle with you. The wisdom of this line lies in decisively cutting ties with wrong people and things. Only by freeing yourself from these negative entanglements will true, beneficial friends come to you.
Line 5
A gentleman has a solution, which is auspicious. Be blessed by the villain.
Guidance
A gentleman liberates himself, gaining fortune; also making villains submit.
Modern Insight
As a leader, the highest realm of solving problems is not to change others, but to liberate yourself first. When you lead by example, showing a free, just, and unencumbered attitude, you yourself become an example, and even villains will be won over by your magnanimity.
Line 6
If you shoot a falcon on a high mountain, there will be no disadvantage in catching it.
Guidance
Shooting a falcon on a high mountain; catching it brings no disadvantage.
Modern Insight
The falcon is the most visible culprit circling high in the sky. After solving all small problems, you must concentrate your strength to eliminate that most fundamental, most stubborn source of trouble. Eliminating evil completely is the only way to achieve true, thorough peace.
