Hexagram
Upper TrigramFireLower TrigramWaterLine 1 · YinLine 2 · YangLine 3 · YinLine 4 · YangLine 5 · YinLine 6 · YangKing Wen Sequence #64 · Before Completion
I Ching Hexagram #64 Fire / Water

Before Completion

火水未济 (Wei Ji)

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.

The Judgment & Decision

[Original Judgment]
亨,小狐汔济,濡其尾,无攸利。
Vernacular Essence: 火在水上未达,生生不息之象。未竟之业充满希望,重新审视整装出发,永无止境。
Translation: 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.
[Commentary on the Decision]

未济,亨;柔得中也。小狐汔济,未出中也。濡其尾无攸利,不续终也。虽不当位,刚柔应也。

The Great Symbolism & Virtue

《象》曰:火在水上,未济;君子以慎辨物居方。

The Symbolism: Before Completion

The Six Lines & Dynamics

First Line
Line 1

初潜修德,厚积薄发。

《象》曰:行事之初,正固为本。

Insight: Early phase: cultivate virtue and build firm foundations.

Second Line
Line 2

得中居正,顺理成章。

《象》曰:居中守正,吉无咎也。

Insight: Progressing in balance: centered action brings auspicious support.

Third Line
Line 3

多凶多惧,终日惕厉。

《象》曰:处于转折,慎终如始。

Insight: Critical juncture: remain vigilant and cautious amidst uncertainty.

Fourth Line
Line 4

审时度势,顺应高明。

《象》曰:顺应高明,获其志也。

Insight: High responsibility: adapt wisely and maintain integrity without arrogance.

Fifth Line
Line 5

居尊当位,光被四表。

《象》曰:大君之位,德施普也。

Insight: Peak position of authority: lead with virtue and broad benevolence.

Top Line
Line 6

高亢知戒,顺应转机。

《象》曰:物极当变,持盈保泰。

Insight: Culmination: beware of extremes and prepare gracefully for renewal.