Hexagram 64 of 64
未濟
Before Completion
Wèi Jì
Upper Trigram
離
Fire
Clinging, Brilliant
Fire · Middle Daughter
Lower Trigram
坎
Water
Abysmal, Dangerous
Water · Middle Son
The Judgment
Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets its tail in the water, there is nothing that would further.
Fire above water — all lines are out of their correct places, yet this is not disorder but the eve of a great ordering. The young fox nearly crosses the ice but wets its tail at the last moment. So close — and yet careful attention is required precisely because completion is near.
The Image
Fire over water — the image of Before Completion. Thus the superior person is careful in the differentiation of things, so that each finds its place.
Every thing in its place — this is the task of the person who stands before completion. Careful discernment, patient sorting, precise arrangement: these bring about the completion that is imminent.
The Six Lines
Line 1
He gets his tail in the water. Humiliating.
Moving before one is ready — the young fox's eagerness. A small humiliation that teaches the necessity of proper preparation.
Line 2
He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Deliberate restraint at the critical moment — choosing not to push too fast. This patience is exactly what is needed before completion.
Line 3
Before completion, attack brings misfortune. It furthers one to cross the great water.
Aggressive action just before completion disrupts everything. But bold, committed movement toward the ultimate goal is still appropriate.
Line 4
Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shock, thus to discipline the Devil's Country. For three years, great realms are awarded.
The perseverance just before completion is rewarded beyond what could be imagined at the start. Hold steady through the final shocks.
Line 5
Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior person is true. Good fortune.
The authentic inner light of the person on the verge of completion shines clearly. This is the person who can be trusted with the next step.
Line 6
There is drinking of wine in genuine confidence. No blame. But if one wets his head, he loses it, in truth.
Celebrating the near-completion with genuine inner confidence — joy grounded in truth — is fine. But intoxication with success, losing one's head, forfeits everything at the last moment.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.