Before Completion
Fire over water, not yet ordered; the goal is near—finish with care.
The Judgment
“Success. But if the little fox, almost across, gets its tail wet, nothing furthers.”
The Lines
Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).
Meaning
Fire above water, the lines not yet settled—transition just before completion. Success is within reach, but the final, careful steps decide everything.
Guidance
You are nearly there; do not relax now. Cross the last stretch with the same care that brought you this far.
When This Hexagram Appears
The final phase of a long effort, where one careless step short of the finish can undo it all.
FAQ about Hexagram 64
What does Hexagram 64, Before Completion, mean?
Before Completion (火水未济, hexagram 64 of the I Ching). Fire above water, the lines not yet settled—transition just before completion. Success is within reach, but the final, careful steps decide everything.
What is the Judgment of the Before Completion hexagram?
The Judgment reads: “Success. But if the little fox, almost across, gets its tail wet, nothing furthers.” Fire over water, not yet ordered; the goal is near—finish with care.
What guidance does Hexagram 64 offer?
You are nearly there; do not relax now. Cross the last stretch with the same care that brought you this far.
When does the Before Completion hexagram apply?
The final phase of a long effort, where one careless step short of the finish can undo it all.