I Ching hexagram

64. Unfinished Business

未濟Wèi Jì

Fire over Water

Also called Before Completion, The Symbol of What is not yet Past, Not-yet Fording, Not Yet Completed, Tasks yet to be Completed, Not yet, Yet to be, Before the End, Mission yet Unaccomplished, A State of Transition

Image for hexagram 64, Unfinished Business

Hexagram 64, Unfinished Business (未濟 Wèi Jì) is formed by Fire over Water. It is also known as Before Completion, The Symbol of What is not yet Past, Not-yet Fording, Not Yet Completed, Tasks yet to be Completed, Not yet, Yet to be, Before the End.

Legge

Read as

The judgment

Legge

亨。小狐汔濟,濡其尾,无攸利。

Unfinished Business suggests successful progress, but if the young fox that has nearly crossed the stream gets his tail wet, there will be no advantage.

The six lines

line 1 is at the bottom

  1. Line 1Yin

    濡其尾,吝。

    You feel a strong desire to resolve a confusing situation, but it's not the right moment for decisive action. You lack a full understanding of the repercussions your choices might bring. Acting now could lead to complications or even shame.

  2. Line 2Yang

    曳其輪,貞吉。

    While you might recognize what needs to be done, this is not the ideal time to take action. Be patient and build your strength. If you remain committed to your goals and wait for the right moment, you will find success. Don't let this pause discourage you from your aspirations.

  3. Line 3Yin

    未濟,征凶,利涉大川。

    Pursuing your goal now will only lead to frustration, as it's unachievable in your current circumstances. If this goal is essential to you, consider starting fresh with new allies. Otherwise, you risk draining your energy and losing sight of your ambitions due to disappointment.

  4. Line 4Yang

    貞吉,悔亡,震用伐鬼方,三年有賞于大國。

    You are facing an inevitable conflict, possibly a clash of values. Cultivate discipline and resolve, as this challenge must be met with unwavering commitment until the end. Rewards will follow later. You are likely to experience good fortune.

  5. Line 5Yin

    貞吉,无悔,君子之光,有孚,吉。

    Sincere determination and sound principles have eliminated obstacles and fostered a vibrant community. A strong leader can now inspire others and guide them into a promising future. Significant achievements are within reach.

  6. Line 6Yang

    有孚于飲酒,无咎,濡其首,有孚失是。

    Once the challenges are behind you, a sense of contentment will arise, signaling the arrival of a revitalizing period. Celebrate this moment, but avoid overindulgence, as it could cloud your judgment and diminish your confidence.

When this hexagram changes

These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.

Use this hexagram in a reading

These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 64 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.

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