未濟
Before Completion
Avant l'Accomplissement
Wèi Jì
Upper trigram
Fire
Lower trigram
Water
The Judgment
Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, after having almost crossed, wets his tail, there is nothing advantageous.
The Image
Fire above water: the image of the condition Before Completion. Thus the superior man is cautious in the discrimination of things so that each finds its proper place.
Meaning
Transition, incompleteness, potential. All is still in the making. The moment is one of passage, where prudence and discernment are essential to bring things to their conclusion.
The six lines
Line 1 (bottom)
He wets his tail. Humiliation.
Line 2
He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Line 3
Before completion, attack brings misfortune. It is advantageous to cross the great water.
Line 4
Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse vanishes. The thunder is used to discipline the Demon Country. After three years, great rewards are bestowed.
Line 5
Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior man is true. Good fortune.
Line 6 (top)
If one drinks wine in full confidence, it is no blame. But if one wets one's head, one truly loses it.