Hexagram 64: Before Completion
未濟 Wèi Jì · Fire over Water
You are close to the finish, but not quite there. This hexagram describes the moment just before completion, when everything is still in motion and the pieces have not yet clicked into place. It calls for care, patience and clear judgment. Put things where they belong, do not rush the last steps, and the transition can succeed.
| Number (King Wen order) | 64 |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 未濟 (Wèi Jì) |
| Upper trigram | ☲ Fire (Lí): clear, bright, clinging |
| Lower trigram | ☵ Water (Kǎn): deep, dangerous, flowing |
| Unicode symbol | ䷿ |
On this page (9)
Hexagram 64 in plain words
Fire sits above water. Fire rises and water sinks, so the two move apart and do not yet work together. Every line is out of its proper place, yet each one has a partner on the other side, so order is possible. Tradition pictures a young fox that has almost crossed the frozen river and then gets its tail wet. It promises success, but says nothing helps if one is careless at the end.
The commentary says the wise person carefully distinguishes things and puts each in its place. That is the work of this hexagram: sorting, arranging and preparing so that the elements can finally fit. This is a hopeful time, full of possibility, but also delicate. Overconfidence at the last moment can spoil a long effort. Move with the attention of an old fox crossing ice, testing each step. The lines move from early mistakes and holding back to steady effort, real achievement and a closing toast among friends. The sequence of the I Ching ends here on purpose, not with completion but with the next beginning.
The judgment
Wei Žî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.
Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).
The image
(The trigram representing) water and that for fire above it form Wei Žî. The superior man, in accordance with this, carefully discriminates among (the qualities of) things, and the (different) positions they (naturally) occupy.
From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).
In plain words: Fire burns above water and the two do not yet meet. Sort things carefully and put each one where it belongs before you take the final step.
The six lines
Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.
Line 1 (bottom)
The first SIX, divided, shows its subject (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.
You get your tail wet. Starting before you are ready brings embarrassment.
Line 2
The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject dragging back his (carriage-) wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.
You brake your wheels and hold back. Waiting and staying steady brings good fortune.
Line 3
The third SIX, divided, shows its subject, with (the state of things) not yet remedied, advancing on; which will lead to evil. But there will be advantage in (trying to) cross the great stream.
It is not yet complete, and attacking now brings misfortune. Still, it helps to cross the great water: change your position or approach.
Line 4
The fourth NINE, undivided, shows its subject by firm correctness obtaining good fortune, so that all occasion for repentance disappears. Let him stir himself up, as if he were invading the Demon region, where for three years rewards will come to him (and his troops) from the great kingdom.
Steadiness brings good fortune and regret disappears. A sustained push against a hard problem, over three years, brings large rewards.
Line 5
The fifth SIX, divided, shows its subject by firm correctness obtaining good fortune, and having no occasion for repentance. (We see in him) the brightness of a superior man, and the possession of sincerity. There will be good fortune.
Steadiness brings good fortune and there is no regret. The light of the wise person shines with sincerity; good fortune.
Line 6 (top)
The topmost NINE, undivided, shows its subject full of confidence and therefore feasting (quietly). There will be no error. (If he) cherish this confidence, till he (is like the fox who) gets his head immersed, it will fail of what is right.
You drink wine in good confidence, and there is no blame. But if you get your head wet, overdoing the celebration, you lose what you gained.
Related hexagrams
| Opposite (every line changed) | 63. After Completion |
|---|---|
| Inverse (turned upside down) | 63. After Completion |
| Nuclear (lines 2 to 5) | 63. After 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 64 turns into:
| Line 1 changes | Hexagram 38, Opposition |
|---|---|
| Line 2 changes | Hexagram 35, Progress |
| Line 3 changes | Hexagram 50, The Cauldron |
| Line 4 changes | Hexagram 4, Youthful Folly |
| Line 5 changes | Hexagram 6, Conflict |
| Line 6 changes | Hexagram 40, Release |
Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.
Hexagram 64 in love and relationships
In love, the relationship is moving toward something but is not settled yet. Be patient, take the last steps with care, and do not celebrate too early.
Hexagram 64 for work and decisions
At work, a project is near completion but needs careful final steps. Check details, put things in order, and avoid overconfidence at the finish line.
Questions
What does hexagram 64 mean?
You are close to the finish, but not quite there. This hexagram describes the moment just before completion, when everything is still in motion and the pieces have not yet clicked into place. It calls for care, patience and clear judgment. Put things where they belong, do not rush the last steps, and the transition can succeed.
What does hexagram 64 mean in love?
In love, the relationship is moving toward something but is not settled yet. Be patient, take the last steps with care, and do not celebrate too early.
What does hexagram 64 mean for work?
At work, a project is near completion but needs careful final steps. Check details, put things in order, and avoid overconfidence at the finish line.
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