Hexagram 63: After Completion
既濟 Jì Jì · Water over Fire
Things have come together and something important is completed. This hexagram says that is exactly when to be careful. Every piece is in place, but order like this is delicate, and small lapses can undo it. Enjoy the result, then keep your attention sharp, maintain what works, and watch for early signs of disorder.
| Number (King Wen order) | 63 |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 既濟 (Jì Jì) |
| Upper trigram | ☵ Water (Kǎn): deep, dangerous, flowing |
| Lower trigram | ☲ Fire (Lí): clear, bright, clinging |
| Unicode symbol | ䷾ |
On this page (9)
Hexagram 63 in plain words
Water sits above fire. The water is over the flame, as in a pot that boils: the two elements are balanced and working together. It is the only hexagram where every line is in its proper place, strong lines in strong positions and weak in weak. Tradition says success in small matters, that perseverance furthers, and adds: good fortune at the beginning, disorder at the end.
The commentary says the wise person thinks about misfortune and arms against it in advance. That is the core of this hexagram. Completion is a peak, and from any peak the natural movement is downward. If the pot boils over, the fire goes out; if the fire grows too strong, the water evaporates. The balance needs tending. So after a success, do not relax completely. Keep up the small habits that made it possible, deal with problems while they are minor, and stay modest. The lines show people who brake in time, who wait for what they lost to return, and who are careful even in fine clothes, as well as one who goes too far and gets in over their head.
The judgment
Kî Žî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.
Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).
The image
(The trigram representing) fire and that for water above it form Kî Žî. The superior man, in accordance with this, thinks of evil (that may come), and beforehand guards against it.
From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).
In plain words: Water sits above fire, and everything is in its place for now. Things are complete, so think ahead about what could go wrong and prepare before it happens.
The six lines
Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.
Line 1 (bottom)
The first NINE, undivided, (shows its subject as a driver) who drags back his wheel, (or as a fox) which has wet his tail. There will be no error.
You brake your wheels and only your tail gets wet. Holding back at the right moment keeps you free of blame.
Line 2
The second SIX, divided, (shows its subject as) a wife who has lost her (carriage-)screen. There is no occasion to go in pursuit of it. In seven days she will find it.
You lose the curtain of your carriage. Do not chase it; in seven days it comes back to you.
Line 3
The third NINE, undivided, (suggests the case of) Kâo Žung, who attacked the Demon region, but was three years in subduing it. Small men should not be employed (in such enterprises).
A long campaign against a distant land takes three years to win. Big efforts take time, and people of poor character should not be given a part in it.
Line 4
The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject with rags provided against any leak (in his boat), and on his guard all day long.
Your fine clothes can turn to rags. Stay alert all day; small cracks need attention.
Line 5
The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbour in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.
The neighbor in the east sacrifices an ox, yet the neighbor in the west with a simple offering receives more real blessing. Sincerity counts more than display.
Line 6 (top)
The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject with (even) his head immersed. The position is perilous.
You get your head wet while crossing. Pushing past the point of completion puts you in danger.
Related hexagrams
| Opposite (every line changed) | 64. Before Completion |
|---|---|
| Inverse (turned upside down) | 64. Before Completion |
| Nuclear (lines 2 to 5) | 64. Before Completion |
All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.
If one line changes
With a single changing line, hexagram 63 turns into:
| Line 1 changes | Hexagram 39, Obstruction |
|---|---|
| Line 2 changes | Hexagram 5, Waiting |
| Line 3 changes | Hexagram 3, Difficult Beginnings |
| Line 4 changes | Hexagram 49, Revolution |
| Line 5 changes | Hexagram 36, Darkening of the Light |
| Line 6 changes | Hexagram 37, The Family |
Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.
Hexagram 63 in love and relationships
In love, a relationship may be settled and going well. Keep up the care and attention that got you here, and do not take each other for granted.
Hexagram 63 for work and decisions
At work, a project may be finished or stable. Maintain it carefully, fix small problems early, and avoid complacency.
Questions
What does hexagram 63 mean?
Things have come together and something important is completed. This hexagram says that is exactly when to be careful. Every piece is in place, but order like this is delicate, and small lapses can undo it. Enjoy the result, then keep your attention sharp, maintain what works, and watch for early signs of disorder.
What does hexagram 63 mean in love?
In love, a relationship may be settled and going well. Keep up the care and attention that got you here, and do not take each other for granted.
What does hexagram 63 mean for work?
At work, a project may be finished or stable. Maintain it carefully, fix small problems early, and avoid complacency.
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