Hexagram 64Upper Li · FireLower Kan · Water

Wei Ji · Before Completion

未济卦 · 火水未济

Unfinished
New beginning
Caution
Seeing it through

The Judgment

Wei Tsi 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.

亨。小狐汔济，濡其尾，无攸利。

The Image

Fire over water: before completion. The noble one, in the same way, carefully distinguishes things and puts each in its proper place.

火在水上，未济。君子以慎辨物居方。

Plain-language reading

Your situation

Things are not finished yet: you are almost across the river but have not reached the far bank. Wei Ji is fire over water, with none of the six lines in its proper place, a symbol that everything is still in progress. As the last of the 64 hexagrams, it means that every ending is also a new beginning, and change never stops.

Where to put your effort

The closer you get to the finish, the more careful you need to be: like the little fox crossing the river, one wet tail can undo everything. Look carefully at each side of the situation and put every person and matter in its proper place. Stay patient and confident, walk the last stretch to the end, and the next cycle will begin.

Four areas of life

Career: Your luck is upside down; be very careful.
Wealth: Nothing goes smoothly; take it one step at a time.
Family: Change direction; the families are mismatched.
Health: Poor circulation; be careful with medication.

Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

The six lines

Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.

Six at the beginningThe first line, divided, shows its subject (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.Moving

初六：濡其尾，吝。

Image：Getting his tail wet: he does not know where the limit is.

Career: Acting recklessly leaves you with no way forward.
Wealth: Not learning from mistakes; no sound way to make money.
Family: The orientation of the house is off; reunion is not easy.
Health: The problem is in the lower body.

Nine in the second placeThe second line, undivided, shows its subject dragging back his (carriage-)wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.Moving

九二：曳其轮，贞吉。

Image：Nine in the second place, perseverance brings good fortune: acting rightly from the centre.

Career: Above and below get along; everything goes well.
Wealth: Careful management; you come home fully loaded.
Family: A good and happy home; a virtuous spouse is certain.
Health: Blockage in the chest or abdomen.

Six in the third placeThe third line, 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.Moving

六三：未济，征凶，利涉大川。

Image：Before completion, going forward brings misfortune: the position is not right.

Career: Act when you see the opening; rash moves bring misfortune.
Wealth: Seize the opportunity; shipping is profitable.
Family: A settled home is best; a wedding is auspicious.
Health: Guard against bad influences; a journey across water helps.

Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, 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.Moving

九四：贞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方。三年有赏于大国。

Image：Perseverance brings good fortune, regret vanishes: the will is carried out.

Career: Your ambitions are fulfilled; fame and profit together.
Wealth: Business far from home brings considerable profit.
Family: Living and working in peace; marriage within two years.
Health: You are safe for three years.

Six in the fifth placeThe fifth line, 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.Moving

六五：贞吉，无悔，君子之光。有孚，吉。

Image：The light of the noble one: its radiance brings good fortune.

Career: Your luck is strong; everything goes well.
Wealth: Public-sector business brings steady profit.
Family: A very fortunate household; the marriage will certainly happen.
Health: A clear mind and fresh energy.

Nine at the topThe topmost line, 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.Moving

上九：有孚于饮酒，无咎。濡其首，有孚失是。

Image：Drinking wine and getting his head wet: he does not know moderation.

Career: Knowing how to be thrifty keeps you safe.
Wealth: Spend within your means and stay wealthy for good.
Family: Run the home with diligence and thrift; treat each other with respect.
Health: Uncontrolled eating and drinking; be careful.

Related hexagrams

Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.

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