#64
Before Completion (未濟)
Wèi Jì
Not yet finished; careful crossing.
Source: Our commentary · editorial-en-v1
Lower trigram: Water (坎 Kǎn) — danger and depth
Upper trigram: Fire (离 Lí) — clarity and clinging
Judgment — our commentary
Before completion, the ford is still risky. Prepare carefully; unfinished work asks for patience more than bravado.
The six lines
Line 1
Tail in the water: you are not ready to cross. Hold back a little longer.
Reflection: What preparation is still missing?
Line 2
Brake the wheels deliberately. Steady the cart before the ford.
Reflection: What can you steady before moving?
Line 3
Crossing before completion invites trouble. Do not force the unfinished.
Reflection: Where are you pushing a half-ready plan?
Line 4
A determined campaign can succeed, but warn of long effort and discipline.
Reflection: Can you commit for the long haul?
Line 5
Sincere light at the center: composure wins more than frantic effort.
Reflection: How can composure become your advantage?
Line 6
Celebrate with wine, yet keep confidence. Joy without recklessness.
Reflection: How will you celebrate without losing the plot?