Above is the trigram Zhen (Thunder), below is the trigram Kan (Water). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the beginning of spring when the great force of nature releases everything that was locked and hidden, similar to relief from tension after a storm. Thunder (awakening) denotes movement upward and afar, while Water (abysmal) indicates danger. Therefore, Jie is the hexagram of escaping danger, a sign of new beginnings and a stage of overcoming crisis and stagnation.
When the storm removes obstacles, difficulties are eliminated, and forward movement is possible. However, Jie advises us not to relax prematurely and not to think that we can now unimpededly progress to significant victories. Instead, it recommends us to return to our normal way of life and balanced state as quickly as possible. Our liberation from danger at this moment is nothing more than a chance to start anew. For active and effective progress forward, it is necessary to first stabilize our current position, calm down, strengthen, and only after that conquer new heights.
As we move towards safety, we must free our mind and emotions from past difficulties. If recent troubles were caused by others’ misdemeanors, we should try to forgive them instead of burdening ourselves with resentments. If we do not do this, we only hinder our movement forward.
This hexagram also signifies striving for freedom, liberation in a broad sense. However, remember that freedom does not mean permissiveness.