The Chinese name of this hexagram is Wei Ji. Wei translated from Chinese means not yet, prior to, before and Ji originally meant “cross a river” and then became “to be completed or accomplished”. Every one of the hexagram lines are opposite of their optimal placement – yang lines are in places where yin functions better and vice versa, causing confusion and difficulty because of the state of disorder. Although we are at the end of the 64-hexagram sequence, Wei Ji describes an unfinished dynamic state. This is in keeping with the point of the I Ching, which is also called the Book of Changes because life is constant change. This is a time of potential and while uncertain and insecure, it is possible to accomplish even more than anticipated when order returns. Other titles for this hexagram are: Not Yet Across, Before Completion, Not Yet Fulfilled.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Water is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. Water, although it has no shape of its own, holds the patterns or blueprints of universal law which give unique distinctions to everything in the universe. Water is also identified as danger by the ancient diviners (note that anything that is not yet formed has to pass through the risk and vulnerability of the beginning stages).
Trigram Fire is on top of trigram Water as seen in the top 3 lines of the hexagram (below right). It is through the intelligence, clarity and transformational power of Fire that the potential of the inner trigram Water can be brought into reality.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The top image shows a tree with branches curving up and a mid-line downward curving line which shows the horizon and roots growing below. This shows the tree has achieved its goal of growing above the ground and pushing out branches, but there is still another growth cycle to come. The lower portion shows Ji, water (a river) on the left and on the right a boat with 3 people in it, working together to cross the river. Taken altogether the ideograph means although a portion is completed, this is not the end and there is a new cycle of growth.
In summary: Water seeps down and Fire moves upward which means they are not in a position of connection. Although it may feel there is no hope, it is often within the nature of opposition that something totally new can come into creation. In nature waning follows waxing and emptiness must come before fullness. Thus, after something is complete there is the nebulous time of Before Completion as a new cycle gets started, a time of myriad possibilities. There is still an opportunity, when things are as of yet unformed, to influence through care and consideration, what they are becoming. The universe itself contains both chaos and disorder. The hexagram lines of 64 represent disorder, which is against the human need for some kind of order. At the same time, it provides real motivation leading to innovative opportunities.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – It is important to discern whether you are taking brave, bold action or overlooking your own limitations and getting in above your head. The image the ancients refer to is a young fox moving onto thin ice. Too little experience, too much haste make for unwelcome consequences.
Line 2 – Although the overriding instinct is to rush ahead, it is important to realize this is not a short-term undertaking. Rein in delusions of grandeur, impatience or over-enthusiastic impulses because slowing down is absolutely essential to success at this time. Maintaining the ability to persevere and allowing the situation to unfold as it will are the key elements to success here.
Line 3 – Where things are not yet complete, do not divide yourself by rushing into something else before what you started previously has been finished. The way to success is through maintaining careful efficiency because you are coming to an important turning point which can take you out of risk, but only if approached with caution.
Line 4 – You are in a position of getting closer to the goal. It could be that endurance, patience and faith have all been tested. Mistakes have likely been made and this is as it should be. Guidance suggests letting go of past regrets and placing your mind on the goal will meet with success.
Line 5 – At this time you may have access to gentle, humble, clear intelligence. When you hold to perseverance and remain true, even when things are not easy, there is will be success. The typical attitude here sees stepping stones where others may see obstacles.
Line 6 – When there is a feeling that success is near at hand, it is easy to get ahead in your mind, resulting in a loss of self-restraint. The picture of quietly enjoying a modest success is fine, but guidance strongly suggest to remain within your abilities and not allow yourself to get carried away.