64. Before Completion (未濟 Wèi Jì)

Trigrams

Above

☲ Lí (Fire)

Below

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Symbolic Meaning

未濟 (Wèi Jì) represents the state before completion, symbolizing a time when a task or project is nearly complete but not yet finished. This hexagram speaks of the importance of staying focused and patient as the final steps are taken. Success comes from careful attention and avoiding premature action.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"未濟，亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。"
(Wèi jì, hēng. Xiǎo hú qì jì, rú qí wěi, wú yōu lì.)

"Before Completion. Success. The small fox nearly crosses the river but gets its tail wet. Nothing is favorable."

This hexagram advises caution and patience as one nears the completion of a task. Like the small fox crossing the river, a lack of care in the final stages can lead to setbacks. It warns against premature action and advises paying close attention to detail.

Image

Original Chinese:
"火在水上，未濟。君子以慎辨物居方。"
(Huǒ zài shuǐ shàng, wèi jì. Jūn zǐ yǐ shèn biàn wù jū fāng.)

"Fire over water: The image of Before Completion. The superior person carefully distinguishes things and places them in their proper position."

The image of fire over water represents the tension between opposing forces and the need for balance. The superior person, like the elements, carefully considers all factors and makes thoughtful decisions to ensure success.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"曳其輪，濡其尾，无咎。"
(Yè qí lún, rú qí wěi, wú jiù.)

"Dragging the wheels. Wetting the tail. No blame."

This line advises caution in the early stages of a task or journey. Although progress may be slow or difficult, there is no blame as long as one remains careful and patient. It advises avoiding rash actions.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"婦喪其髮，勿逐，七日得。"
(Fù sàng qí fà, wù zhú, qī rì dé.)

"The woman loses her hairpin. Do not pursue. In seven days, it is found."

This line speaks of a temporary loss or setback, symbolized by the woman losing her hairpin. It advises patience and not rushing to recover the loss, as the situation will resolve itself in time.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"未濟，征凶，利涉大川。"
(Wèi jì, zhēng xiōng, lì shè dà chuān.)

"Before Completion. Going forward brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river."

This line warns of the dangers of moving forward too quickly, as misfortune may follow. However, by carefully preparing and acting with patience, one can successfully cross the great river and overcome the challenge.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有賞于大國。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng, zhèn yòng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián yǒu shǎng yú dà guó.)

"Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. The thunderous force is used to attack the Gui Fang. After three years, there is reward in the great kingdom."

This line describes a long-term challenge or struggle that eventually brings success. Although the effort may take time, perseverance leads to good fortune and reward. It advises staying committed and patient.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之禴祭，實受其福。"
(Dōng lín shā niú, bù rú xī lín zhī yuè jì, shí shòu qí fú.)

"The neighbor in the east slaughters an ox. It does not compare to the neighbor in the west's simple sacrifice. The latter receives the blessing."

This line advises that sincerity is more important than extravagance. A simple, sincere effort brings greater blessings than a grand but superficial one. It advises focusing on substance and avoiding unnecessary show.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"濡其首，厲。"
(Rú qí shǒu, lì.)

"Wetting the head. Danger."

This line warns of overextending oneself or becoming too involved in a situation, symbolized by wetting the head. It advises pulling back and avoiding unnecessary risks, as pushing too far brings danger.