I Ching · No.64 · Wei Chi / Before Completion

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Wei Ȝî 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.

Translation

Wei Chi (Before Completion). Success. The little fox has almost crossed the river, but gets its tail wet. There is no advantage in any direction. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing fire; the lower trigram is Kan, representing water. Fire is above water; water cannot overcome fire. This is the image of Before Completion. The superior man, observing this image, senses that water and fire are misplaced and cannot overcome each other, and thus with caution distinguishes the nature of things and examines their proper positions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cannot assist, wait for the right time to act; grow from small to large, do not advance impetuously. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is obstructed, and things do not go as wished. It is advisable to progress from small to large, advance steadily, and patiently break through difficulties, then success will eventually be achieved.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is reversed; one must be extremely cautious.
• Wealth 财运: Everything is unfavorable; guard every step.
• Household 家宅: Change direction; the families do not match.
• Health 身体: Blood circulation is obstructed; be cautious with medication.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is reversed; one must be cautious in all matters.
• Business 营商: Goods are inappropriate and positions do not match; they must be handled cautiously to make a profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: Not yet.
• Warfare 战征: Fortifications and equipment are all inappropriate and do not work together; urgent and careful inspection is needed to avoid defeat.
• Household 家宅: The orientation is inverted; it must be changed.
• Marriage 婚姻: The families do not match.
• Illness 疾病: The blood vessels of the upper and lower Jiao are blocked; what should rise does not rise, and what should descend does not descend. The prescription must be chosen with the utmost caution.
• Lost Items 失物: Determine the direction clearly, and it can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth in the former month yields a girl, in the latter month a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Li above). Li represents fire, and Kan represents water. Fire is above and water is below. The fire overpowers the water, and the task of putting out the fire is not yet completed, hence it is called Wei Chi (Before Completion). The Book of Changes (I Ching) begins with the two hexagrams Qian and Kun, and ends with Chi Chi (After Completion) and Wei Chi (Before Completion), fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.

• Overall Image 大象: Water naturally flows downward while fire flares upward. Water and fire do not meet, and yin and yang do not attain their proper positions, signifying that completion and success have not yet been achieved.
• Fortune 运势: Fortune is poor, but one must patiently break through difficulties to achieve ultimate success. There is a sign of initial misfortune followed by good luck.
• Career 事业: You are at the final critical moment, and success or failure is right before you. Therefore, you must not let your guard down. Self-restraint is extremely important. Persevere to the end, and if necessary, take moderate, well-considered risks to achieve your career goals.
• Business 经商: The market is on the eve of a major change, and the prospects are not yet clear. This is the most difficult period. You must remain calm, avoid taking risks, refrain from overacting, practice moderate restraint, observe trends, and then decide on your actions.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Long-term efforts and pursuits are about to bear fruit. At the critical moment of success or failure, you should remain calm and composed, submit to heaven's will, and let nature take its course.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: You have already passed the difficult stage. With a bit more cautious effort, there will be a happy outcome.
• Decision 决策: This hexagram means 'not completed,' indicating boundless prospects and full potential for development. Therefore, one must adhere to the principle of centrality and correctness, and accomplish tasks with a wise, moderate, sincere, and humble attitude. In facing life, one should work diligently, do one's utmost in human effort, and submit to heaven's will, without being overly concerned with success or failure.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Crossing the water, getting the tail wet. There is difficulty in advancing. The Image says: Crossing the water and getting the tail wet; seeing the small and knowing the large, to advance riskily is a failure to heed warnings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, business is unfavorable, and those sailing or crossing waters should beware of the danger of drowning. Officials will find their careers blocked and unable to advance.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Acting rashly leaves no way forward.
• Wealth 财运: Not learning the lesson; no way to seek wealth.
• Household 家宅: The orientation of the gate is incorrect; reunion is difficult.
• Health 身体: Illness in the lower part of the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not examining before and after, disregarding advance and retreat, and acting rashly; this is the behavior of the confused and ignorant.
• Business 营商: Having failed before and failing to take warning afterward, repeating the same mistakes; how can this matter be resolved?
• Fame & Career 功名: Since the dragon's head is lost, it will be hard to cling to the steed's tail.
• Marriage 婚姻: Drifting from beginning to end; reunion is difficult.
• Household 家宅: The front door and back gate of this house are not aligned correctly in orientation.
• Illness 疾病: Illness in the lower part of the body.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject dragging back his (carriage-) wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Dragging the belt to cross the river. The divination yields good fortune. The Image says: The words 'correctness and good fortune' for Nine Two are because the yang line of Nine Two is in the central position of the lower trigram, like a person acting according to the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, those who keep to their place and obey rules will achieve their desires. Officials who overcome difficulties have prospects of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Upper and lower complement each other; favorable in all undertakings.
• Wealth 财运: Manage with care and return fully loaded.
• Household 家宅: A beautiful and virtuous home; will surely obtain a worthy wife.
• Health 身体: Obstruction in the chest and abdomen.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is like a light carriage crossing water, crossing by the middle path, favorable in all undertakings.
• Business 营商: An image of returning fully loaded.
• Fame & Career 功名: Two and Five correspond; Five is the ruler and Two is the minister. Both Two and Five are auspicious, representing mutual assistance between ruler and minister. There is an image of a rear carriage carrying goods.
• Warfare 战征: A strategy of dragging brushwood to feign retreat.
• Marriage 婚姻: Possesses the custom of pulling the deer-cart together like Huan Shaojun; a worthy wife will surely be obtained, bringing good fortune.
• Household 家宅: An image of both size and beauty in the house.
• Illness 疾病: There must be rumbling in the chest and abdomen like the sound of carriage wheels. It is advisable to clear the Triple Burner to expand the Qi mechanism, which will lead to self-healing.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: Cannot cross the river; setting out brings misfortune. It is not advantageous to cross the great stream. The Image says: Cannot cross the river, setting out brings misfortune, because the Six Three yin line occupies a yang position, representing a person in an unfavorable situation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune: For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to act according to circumstances and not move rashly. Officials will find the beauty of succeeding through others. For travelers and merchants, crossing rivers and going through dangers will bring profit.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Act according to circumstances; rash action brings misfortune.
• Wealth 财运: Seize the opportunity; shipping is profitable.
• Household 家宅: It is better to stay settled; marrying a wife brings good fortune.
• Health 身体: Prevent misfortune and disasters; resolve them by crossing a river.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is advisable to remain calm and wait for the right time; rash movement brings misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to gather the navy and advance by both land and water, then misfortune will turn into good fortune.
• Business 营商: Shipping by boat is profitable.
• Fame & Career 功名: Possesses the talent to cross rivers and act as an oar.
• Marriage 婚姻: The Book of Odes says, 'Join boats to make a bridge, to welcome the bride on the Wei.' Welcoming a bride brings good fortune, while marrying into the bride's family brings misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: Gen represents a fox; the illness is caused by a fox spirit's mischief. It is advisable to cross a river to escape it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: Auspicious divination. No regret. Taking up arms to assist Yin in attacking the Guifang region; it took three years to defeat it and receive rewards from the state of Yin. The Image says: Auspicious divination with no regret indicates that one's aspirations and actions are fulfilled.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, they will be promoted by good people and reap abundant profits. Officials will be heavily relied upon, achieving both fame and wealth. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Aspirations fulfilled; both fame and wealth are achieved.
• Wealth 财运: Operating in distant lands brings considerable profit.
• Household 家宅: Live and work in peace; marriage will be completed in two years.
• Health 身体: Can be preserved for three years.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: With such a great fortune, 'perseverance brings good fortune, and remorse disappears.' Both fame and wealth are complete.
• Warfare 战征: Leading the army on a distant expedition, returning in victory, and being honored with a royal decree.
• Business 营商: Traveling far for business; financial profits are abundant.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fame resounds far and wide, receiving heavenly favor.
• Marriage 婚姻: Can be completed in three years.
• Household 家宅: Perseverance brings good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: The word 'Guifang' is inauspicious; it may be hard to survive after three years.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Five: Auspicious divination, no regret. Winning the battle and taking captives; this is the glory of the superior man, bringing good fortune. The Image says: The glory of the superior man; the superior man is open and upright, so it is naturally auspicious.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, plans are successful, and financial profits are abundant. Officials will get promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune is at its peak; all things are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Government-related business brings stable profits.
• Household 家宅: A highly auspicious household; marriage is sure to be completed.
• Health 身体: Clear mind and refreshed spirit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is at its zenith; all affairs are auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: The Army (Shi) hexagram says: 'The army is correct; the experienced leader has good fortune.' This can be interpreted together.
• Business 营商: The business must relate to government affairs, whether military provisions or weapons, benefiting from the court's favor, hence it is auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is an image of being granted an audience with the Emperor.
• Household 家宅: This house is highly auspicious and should receive official commendations and rewards.
• Marriage 婚姻: A good mate for the superior man; it will surely be obtained.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl, who will be noble.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, 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.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Nine: Captives are taken, drinking wine to celebrate. No disaster. But getting drunk and making trouble, soaking the hair. The captives take the opportunity to rebel and kill them. The Image says: Getting drunk and soaking the hair shows a complete lack of moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, they walk through danger smoothly; but the unworthy face the disaster of drowning or indulgence in alcohol. Officials have prospects of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Knowing thrift can ensure safety from worry.
• Wealth 财运: Living within one's means; forever enjoying wealth.
• Household 家宅: Managing the household with diligence and thrift; treating each other with mutual respect.
• Health 身体: Irregularity in diet; one must be cautious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The difficulties of Kan have been resolved, and the hearts of all are joyful. If one knows moderation, one can forever remain free of blame.
• Warfare 战征: This is the time when the victorious army returns, drinking wine and recording merits.
• Business 营商: Having returned with handsome profits; from now on, living within one's means, wealth can be preserved forever.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is the worry of losing what has been gained.
• Illness 疾病: It must be caused by an irregular diet.
• Litigation 讼事: The Sequence of the Hexagrams (Xu Gua) says: 'Drinking and eating lead to litigation.' Know that the lawsuit must arise from excessive drinking.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.