I-Ching Hexagram 64
未濟 Before Completion
Also known as Not Yet Across
Every line is out of its proper place — an unfinished figure. The last hexagram of the sequence does not close the book but opens it: the work is almost done, the crossing almost complete, but the final step is the most dangerous.
before completion · not yet · almost there
The Story
A little fox crossed a frozen river in early spring. Step by step he tested the ice. Three-quarters across, he smelled open water beneath him, heard a small crack, and slowed further. He did not run. He placed each paw. He reached the far bank — and only there did he shake the snow from his tail and trot ahead. A second fox, watching from the near bank, ran the same crossing in a hurry and fell through. The last quarter is always the most dangerous. The wise are most careful when the goal is almost in hand.
The Judgment
Success. But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets his tail in the water, there is nothing that would further.
The Image
Fire over water: the image of the condition before transition. Thus the superior person is careful in the differentiation of things, so that each finds its place.
Interpretation
Every line is out of its proper place — an unfinished figure. The last hexagram of the sequence does not close the book but opens it: the work is almost done, the crossing almost complete, but the final step is the most dangerous. Stay careful; do not slip at the very end.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) He gets his tail in the water. Humiliating. Rushed early effort muddies the rest.
- Second He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune. Restraint now sets up the proper finish.
- Third Before completion, attack brings misfortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The small assault fails; the great passage still calls.
- Fourth Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shock, thus to discipline the devil's country. For three years, great realms are awarded. Long campaign successfully concluded; recognition follows.
- Fifth Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior person is true. Good fortune. The completion approaches; inner light is steady.
- Sixth (Top) There is drinking of wine in genuine confidence. No blame. But if one wets his head, he loses it, in truth. Celebrate the near-completion honestly — but do not get drunk and lose it all.