未济
Wèi JìUpper: Fire · 离 · Lower: Water · 坎
Judgment亨。小狐汔济，濡其尾，无攸利。
In plain wordsSuccess; the little fox nearly across the river wets its tail, and there is nothing that would benefit. When something is not yet complete and one gets careless at the last stage, everything may be lost at the final step.
The imageFire above, water below: fire over water, the two not meeting and each unable to do its work; the matter is not yet complete.
A hint for youWhile you are still on the road, stay patient and careful, especially on the last stretch. Take what you have learned so far as the base for the next round.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初六濡其尾，吝。The first line, divided, shows its subject (like a fox) whose tail gets immersed. There will be occasion for regret.
- 九二曳其轮，贞吉。The second line, undivided, shows its subject dragging back his (carriage-) wheel. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune.
- 六三未济，征凶，利涉大川。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.
- 九四贞吉，悔亡，震用伐鬼方，三年有赏于大国。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.
- 六五贞吉，无悔，君子之光，有孚，吉。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.
- 上九有孚于饮酒，无咎，濡其首，有孚失是。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.
Not yet complete; keep going
For entertainment and self-reflection only