64/ 未濟 / ䷿ / Before Completion
the judgement
BEFORE COMPLETION. 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 man is careful
In the differentiation of things,
So that each finds its place.
the lines
Six at the beginning means:
He gets his tail in the water.
Humiliating.
Nine in the second place means:
He brakes his wheels.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Six in the third place means:
Before completion, attack brings misfortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.
Nine in the fourth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Remorse disappears.
Shock, thus to discipline the Devil’s Country.
For three years, great realms are rewarded.
Six in the fifth place means:
Perseverance brings good fortune.
No remorse.
The light of the superior man is true.
Good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
There is drinking of wine
In genuine confidence. No blame.
But if one wets his head,
He loses it, in truth.
64/ 未濟 / ䷿ / The Wei Žî Hexagram
Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn
Wei Žî 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.
Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu
The first SIX, divided,
shows its subject (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.
The second NINE, undivided,
shows its subject dragging back his (carriage-) wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.
The third SIX, 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.
The fourth NINE, 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.
The fifth SIX, 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.
The topmost NINE, 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.
64/ 未濟 / ䷿ / Not Yet Fulfilled
decision
Not Yet Fulfilled.
Little fox, almost across the river,
Wets its tail.
Nothing is favorable.
commentary on the symbol
Fire over Water.
An image of Not Yet Fulfilled.
In correspondence with this,
The superior person discriminates carefully the nature of things
And keeps each of them in its proper position.
yao text (the lines)
Initial Six
Wetting's one's tail.
Humiliation.
Second Nine
Dragging one's wheels.
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
Third Six
Not yet fulfilled.
Moving forward: misfortune.
Favorable to cross great rivers.
Fourth Nine
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
Regret vanishes.
Attacks the Gui Fang like thunder.
Three years:
Rewards come from a great kingdom.
Fifth Six
Being steadfast and upright: good fortune.
No regret.
The light of a superior person.
Being sincere and truthful: good fortune.
Top Nine
Being sincere and truthful
While drinking wine.
No fault.
Immersing one's head,
Being sincere and truthful,
Loses correctness.