Hexagram 64 of 64
Before Completion未濟
Fire over water. The noble person carefully tells things apart and puts each in its place.
- Upper
- Fire
- Lower
- Water
- Order
- 64 / 64
亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。
Judgment: Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is gained.
火在水上，未濟；君子以慎辨物居方。
Image: Fire over water. The noble person carefully tells things apart and puts each in its place.
In plain words
The situation: It is not finished yet. One last step remains.
What you can do: Look carefully and do not slip near the end.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九有孚于飲酒，无咎，濡其首，有孚失是。There is trust in drinking wine. No fault. If you wet your head, trust is lost.In shortCelebrating in good faith is fine, but overindulging loses your balance.
- 六五貞吉，无悔，君子之光，有孚，吉。Steadiness brings good fortune, with no regret. The light of the noble person shines. There is trust. Good fortune.In shortStay steady, no regret; your sincere character shines and wins trust; good.
- 九四貞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有賞于大國。Steadiness brings good fortune, and regret fades. Thunder strikes the Demon Land. After three years, rewards come from the great state.In shortStay steady and regret fades; long, sustained effort earns a large reward.
- 六三未濟，征凶，利涉大川。Not yet across. Going on brings misfortune. It helps to cross the great river.In shortForcing ahead unprepared is unfavorable, yet a big challenge can be crossed with care.
- 九二曳其輪，貞吉。Dragging the wheels. Steadiness brings good fortune.In shortHold yourself back and stay steady; good.
- 初六濡其尾，吝。Wetting the tail. Regret.In shortPlunging in before you are able leads to embarrassment.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.