Line 1 Yin
The tail gets wet at the outset. Do not enter hastily before understanding the depth and your limits.
← The 64 hexagrams
HEXAGRAM 64 · Wèi Jì
Before Completion
The crossing remains unfinished; maintain a fitting pace through the final stage.
☲ Above: Li · Fire☵ Below: Kan · Water
Meaning
Fire above water has not settled into coordination. A young fox wets its tail near the far bank: almost finished still requires judgment, clear roles, and resources to continue.
FOR REFLECTION
Which final requirement might I be overlooking in my eagerness to finish?
The six lines
Read from line 1 at the bottom to line 6 at the top. These are paraphrases, not verbatim translations.
Line 2 Yang
Hold back the wheels and remain upright. Regulating speed can be the right way to advance in unfinished work.
Line 3 Yin
Charging ahead before the crossing is ready is dangerous, though crossing remains worthwhile. Distinguish preparation from unsupported haste.
Line 4 Yang
A three-year campaign ends in recognition when resolve stays upright. Difficult work requires endurance rather than an immediate reward.
Line 5 Yin
The principled person's brightness joins sincerity and leaves no regret. With the center sound, work with clarity.
Line 6 Yang
Drinking with confidence is blameless until the head is soaked and measure is lost. Celebration near completion still requires restraint.
References
Classical Zhouyi · 未濟James Legge, The Yî King (1882), Sacred Books of the East XVI, hexagram 64
Editorial policy & bibliography →For reference and reflection. This commentary makes no certain claim about the future.