未濟

Hexagram 64 · 未濟

Upper trigram: 離 · Lower trigram: 坎

Wei Ji (Before Completion): the hexagram of unfinished transition. Put each part in its place and carry the final steps through with care.

The image

Fire stands above water, their tendencies drawing apart instead of forming a settled arrangement. No line occupies its traditionally fitting yin or yang place, yet corresponding pairs can respond. Wei Ji means not yet across or before completion. The image holds possibility within unfinished order and asks for care all the way to the end.

Judgment

亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。

Flourishing. The little fox has almost crossed, but wets its tail. Nothing is beneficial.

The commentary finds a receptive center and mutual response despite misplaced parts. A nearly finished project still needs its final checks; treating it as complete too early can leave the intended result unusable.

Great Image

火在水上，未濟；君子以慎辨物居方。

Fire above water: Before Completion. The exemplary person accordingly distinguishes things carefully and places each in its proper location.

Transition becomes clearer when different tasks are not confused. Before moving an office, sorting what must be packed, installed, and tested helps each part reach a usable place.

Line texts

  1. Line 1 · 初六

    濡其尾，吝。

    Wetting the tail. Humiliation.

    Six in the first place is yin beginning without understanding the limit of the crossing. The Small Image notes this lack, like starting a complex task before checking what completion actually requires.

  2. Line 2 · 九二

    曳其輪，貞吉。

    Dragging the wheels back. Constancy brings good fortune.

    Nine in the second place is central yang using restraint despite an unfitting position. The Small Image credits upright action through the center, like delaying a release until a necessary review has been completed.

  3. Line 3 · 六三

    未濟，征凶，利涉大川。

    Before completion, advancing brings misfortune. It is beneficial to cross the great river.

    Six in the third place is yin in an unsuitable position at the crossing's threshold. The Small Image cautions against unsupported advance, like a project needing an organized shared transition rather than one person's premature push.

  4. Line 4 · 九四

    貞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有賞于大國。

    Constancy brings good fortune; regret disappears. With vigorous action, attack the Gui territory. After three years, rewards come from the great state.

    Nine in the fourth place is yang able to carry a sustained task toward its purpose. The Small Image permits that intention to proceed, like a team completing a demanding reform through patient effort rather than expecting immediate recognition.

  5. Line 5 · 六五

    貞吉，无悔，君子之光，有孚，吉。

    Constancy brings good fortune, without regret. The exemplary person's light has sincerity. Good fortune.

    Six in the fifth place is central yin corresponding with the second yang. The Small Image praises its radiance, like a receptive leader keeping a difficult transition clear through honest communication and trust in capable colleagues.

  6. Line 6 · 上九

    有孚于飲酒，无咎，濡其首，有孚失是。

    With trust, drinking wine brings no blame. Wetting the head, one has trust but loses what is right.

    Nine at the top is yang near the end, where enjoyment can exceed its measure. The Small Image questions that excess, like celebrating a nearly finished assignment so thoroughly that the last essential task is forgotten.

When asking about

Career

An unfinished transition often needs coordination more than extra speed. Define completion and assign the remaining tasks clearly.

Love

A relationship may still be finding its arrangement. Keep communication honest and avoid declaring matters settled before both people agree.

Money

Pending obligations deserve attention before new commitments. Check the final terms instead of relying on an almost completed arrangement.

Home

A move or changed routine can need patient sorting. Put essentials in place before treating the transition as finished.

Study

Near completion, gaps can become easier to overlook. Review the last steps and test whether the whole argument holds together.

Health

During change, preserve regular pauses and a manageable sleep rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.

Advice

Keep possibility open while giving each part its proper place. Carry the work through to an actual conclusion, and let celebration remain proportionate to what is complete.

Related hexagrams

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Reference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.