Hexagram 64
Before Completion
未济 (Wèi Jì)
Fire over Water
The image is of Fire above Water. The elements are out of their natural places and moving away from each other—fire flares up, water flows down. This represents the chaos and disorder that exists just before a new order is created. Every line is in an "incorrect" position, yet this very disorder is pregnant with the potential for change and movement toward a new, harmonious state. It is the moment of transition, full of promise.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment promises success because this state of chaos is fertile with potential for a new beginning. However, it gives a critical warning about the final steps of any endeavor. The "little fox" is cautious, but even he is in danger of failing at the last moment. If one becomes careless or overconfident just before the end, the entire enterprise can be ruined. Sustained caution until the very end is essential for success.
The Image (象传)
Observing the chaotic arrangement of the elements, the superior man understands his task. His role is to bring order out of this chaos. He does this through careful discernment, by thoughtfully considering the nature of all things and putting each one into its proper place. The creation of a new, successful order depends on this wise and meticulous act of sorting and placing.
Interpretation & Guidance
You are in a period of transition, on the verge of a new beginning or the completion of a major task. The situation may feel chaotic and unsettled, but it is full of potential. Success is within your grasp. The most important quality required of you now is careful discernment and unwavering caution. Your job is to sort things out and put them in their proper order. Above all, do not let up or become careless as you approach the finish line. The final steps are the most critical. See the task through to its true completion.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"He gets his tail in the water. Humiliation."
At the very start of the process, you act with impatient carelessness, like a young fox rushing into the river. You get into trouble immediately. This indicates a lack of the necessary foresight and caution for the difficult task ahead.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"He drags his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune."
You recognize the difficulty of the situation and wisely apply the brakes, holding back your forward momentum. This patient and powerful restraint, waiting for the right moment to act, is the correct strategy and will lead to good fortune.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"Before completion, to set forth brings misfortune. It furthers one to cross the great water."
The time for the final, decisive push has not yet come. To attack now would be a mistake. And yet, the overall conditions are favorable for the great undertaking. This paradox calls for patience within a larger context of action: wait for the right moment to take the next step.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shaking, he campaigned against the devil's country... awarded with great domains."
Now is the time for the decisive struggle. It will require a tremendous, sustained effort. By persevering through this difficult and climactic phase, you will achieve a great victory, all past doubts will vanish, and you will be rewarded.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior man is true. Good fortune."
You have done it. The crossing is successful, and the struggle is over. Your inner integrity and sincerity—your "light"—shines forth and is recognized by others. This is a true victory, both external and internal, and it brings authentic good fortune.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"He drinks wine in sincere confidence. No blame. But if he gets his head in the water, he loses it."
You are celebrating your success. To do so with confidence is appropriate and blameless. However, the final warning of the I Ching remains: even in celebration, do not lose your head. Overconfidence and excessive indulgence can cause you to lose everything you have just gained.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
A relationship in this phase is in a state of transition; it is not yet fully formed or settled. Things may feel chaotic or undefined. There is great potential for a wonderful, stable union, but it requires careful navigation. Do not rush to define the relationship or push for a premature commitment. The task for both partners is to carefully and patiently put all the pieces of your shared life into their proper place.
Career & Business (事业)
You are in the final, critical stages of a major project, or the business is undergoing a chaotic but promising reorganization. Success is near, but not yet achieved. This is a time for meticulous management and sharp discernment. Sort out roles, clarify responsibilities, and pay close attention to the final details. Do not celebrate or relax your vigilance until the task is well and truly complete.
Health & Wellness (健康)
You are nearing the end of a healing process, but you are not fully recovered yet. This is the most critical time to be careful. Do not abandon your treatment or healthy routines just because you feel better. See the process through to its absolute completion. A moment of carelessness now could cause a relapse and undo all your hard work.
Financial Matters (财运)
You are on the verge of reaching a state of financial stability, but the situation is still unsettled. Be extremely cautious. Double-check all your accounts, review your plans, and avoid any last-minute risky investments or expenditures. Patiently and carefully take the final steps to put your financial house in perfect order. Do not be impatient.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The final lesson of the I Ching is about the wisdom of seeing things through to the end. Growth comes from developing the stamina and foresight to navigate the chaotic transition from one state of being to the next. It is the art of bringing order out of chaos through careful discernment. It teaches that while the journey is endless—as the end of one cycle is the beginning of another—each crossing must be completed with the utmost care, for the final steps determine everything.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
You are almost there. The goal is in sight, but the journey is not over. This is a time for maximum caution, patience, and careful discernment. The situation is chaotic but full of potential. Your task is to bring order by putting everything in its right place. Do not let impatience or overconfidence at the end ruin all your previous efforts. Be careful until the very last step.
