The Wèi Jì Hexagram (Hexagram 64) of the I Ching
The Wèi Jì hexagram is formed by the combination of two trigrams: kǎn (坎) below, which represents water, and lí (离) above, which represents fire. In this arrangement, fire is above and water is below. The fire’s force overwhelms the water’s power, and the task of extinguishing the fire has not yet been completed, symbolizing an unfinished or incomplete situation. Therefore, this hexagram is called Wèi Jì (未济), meaning “not yet completed.”
Located after the Jì Jì hexagram in the I Ching, the Wèi Jì hexagram is explained in the Xuè Guà (序卦) as: “Things cannot be exhausted, thus Wèi Jì is received. The end is yet to come.” The Jì Jì hexagram represents a situation that has lasted too long and now requires a reset, signaling the need for a fresh start to prevent stagnation. This shows the fundamental principle of the Yì Jīng (易经)—change is perpetual and always possible. The Wèi Jì hexagram symbolizes something that is not yet finished, or still in progress. It indicates that things are not yet fully realized, just like the fire above water—unresolved and yet to reach its ultimate conclusion.
Interpretation of the Wèi Jì Hexagram: The Wèi Jì hexagram represents a situation that has not yet been completed. The image of fire above water suggests that the current state is unstable, and while progress has been made, it is not yet fully achieved. The key idea here is caution, especially for the “gentleman” (君子), who must discern matters carefully, see things for what they truly are, and strive to steer the process toward a successful outcome. Only by maintaining patience and persistence will things eventually be accomplished.
This hexagram symbolizes an unfinished career or endeavor, one that is still in progress. In the Xiàng (象), it says: “The fire is above the water, and the matter is incomplete. The wise man must carefully judge the situation.” This indicates that things have not yet reached their full potential, and much caution is required in this phase. The Wèi Jì hexagram calls for awareness and careful judgment, as the outcome is not yet set and could go either way.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram According to Various Interpretations
Interpretation by Dùan Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机): The Wèi Jì hexagram consists of the kǎn (坎) trigram below and the lí (离) trigram above, making it a form of the lì (离) trigram. The hexagram represents a situation that is not yet completed, where the positions are not ideal, and conditions are extremely unfavorable. However, change is in the process, and hope for the future remains.
Interpretation by Song Dynasty Scholar Shào Yōng (邵雍): Shào Yōng states that this hexagram suggests that no immediate assistance is available, and the timing is not yet right for significant progress. He advises patience, beginning with small steps and gradually building momentum. Success will come with persistence, but rash action will lead to failure. It is important to wait for the right moment to act.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Scholar Fù Pèi Róng (傅佩荣):
- Timing: The fortune is reversed; great care is required.
- Financial Fortune: Things are not progressing as hoped; take steady steps and proceed cautiously.
- Family Life: Changes in direction are necessary, and there may be disharmony within the household.
- Health: Blood circulation may be out of balance, so exercise caution with medications.
Traditional Interpretation of the Wèi Jì Hexagram
This hexagram is made up of the kǎn (坎) trigram below (water) and the lí (离) trigram above (fire), creating a situation where fire is above water. Fire over water signifies that while the situation may be intense and active, the task is not yet finished. The Yì Jīng uses the first and last hexagrams, Qián (乾) and Kūn (坤), to start and end the cycle, reflecting the idea of continuous change. Similarly, the Wèi Jì hexagram shows that the task is not yet completed, and this state reflects the need for patience and careful planning.
The Image of the Hexagram: Water is flowing downward while fire is rising upwards, with water and fire in opposition to each other. This imbalance represents incompleteness and indicates that progress is yet to be fully realized. The hexagram’s message is that things are still in flux and will require further effort before they reach a successful conclusion.
- Fortune: The current circumstances are unfavorable, but patience is key. While initial efforts may seem to fail, success will eventually come with perseverance.
- Career: The situation is at a critical juncture, and success is within reach. The key is not to become complacent but to remain vigilant and disciplined. Self-control is crucial, and strategic caution may be necessary to push through difficulties and complete the task.
- Business: The market is volatile and in a transitional phase, and the future remains uncertain. It’s a difficult time, requiring a calm and cautious approach. Avoid taking excessive risks and instead focus on observing trends and making well-thought-out decisions.
- Fame and Recognition: Long-term efforts will eventually pay off, but during this crucial moment, remain composed and flexible. The outcome will unfold in its own time, and it’s important to remain detached from an obsessive focus on success or failure.
- Relationships: The difficult phase has passed, and now it’s important to maintain focus and commitment in relationships. With cautious effort, a harmonious outcome is possible.
- Decision Making: The Wèi Jì hexagram represents an incomplete situation, but it shows great potential for future success. Stick to a balanced and prudent approach, maintaining integrity, humility, and wisdom. By taking consistent action and trusting the process, one will find success.
Summary: The Wèi Jì hexagram represents a situation that is not yet complete. It calls for careful assessment, patience, and perseverance. While the road to success may be challenging, the potential for growth and completion exists. By taking small, thoughtful steps, and maintaining vigilance, success is achievable. However, one must avoid rash decisions and instead focus on steady progress, waiting for the right moment to act. The hexagram suggests that while the outcome is not yet determined, persistence and wisdom will eventually lead to success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram First Line
Line Text: Chū liù (初六): Rú qí wěi, lìn. (濡其尾，吝)
Interpretation: This line describes a small fox crossing a river and getting its tail wet, indicating trouble. In the context of life, this suggests that when one is not fully prepared, problems arise.
Fortune and Guidance:
- If this line appears, take caution. Do not rush ahead blindly, as doing so may lead to misfortune.
- Do not advance too hastily. Sit back and wait for favorable conditions (like the spring wind) to appear.
- Like the evening sun on the mulberry tree (sāng yú) or the lack of a complete moon, some things may not fully come to fruition yet.
- If you encounter a situation that seems unusual or presents a challenging opportunity, take it as a sign of an impending change.
Change to the Huǐ Hexagram:
The first line of Wèi Jì transforms into the Kuí(睽) hexagram, which is composed of duì (兑) below and lí (离) above. Lí represents fire and duì represents the lake, and when fire is above and water is below, it signals opposition and conflict. The hexagram represents mutual contradiction, symbolizing a period of conflict and disharmony.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram Second Line
Line Text: Jiǔ èr (九二): Yè qí lún, zhēn jí. (曳其轮，贞吉)
Interpretation: This line advises holding back the wheel of a cart, controlling its speed, and following the righteous path. It suggests that by sticking to your principles, good fortune will follow.
Fortune and Guidance:
- If you are in a situation where you’re pushing forward, be mindful of your pace. Steady, cautious progress will yield positive results.
- Moving forward without rushing brings no obstacles, and things will proceed smoothly.
- When dealing with a difficult or uncertain situation, maintaining focus and following the righteous path will allow success to follow.
- Ensure you maintain balance, and success will naturally come in its time.
Change to the Jìn Hexagram:
The second line of Wèi Jì moves into the Jìn (晋) hexagram, formed by kūn (坤) below and lí (离) above. The image of the sun rising and illuminating the earth reflects positive movement. This hexagram signifies progress, growth, and the flourishing of a career or endeavor. It symbolizes a time when all efforts are aligned, bringing expansion and success.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram Third Line
Line Text: Liù sān (六三): Wèi jì, zhēng xiōng, lì shè dà chuān. (未济，征凶，利涉大川)
Interpretation: This line conveys that the matter is still incomplete, and rushing ahead or going on a journey now could lead to danger. However, crossing a great river (symbolizing a significant challenge) could prove advantageous.
Fortune and Guidance:
- Moving too quickly or without proper planning leads to trouble. If you’re not prepared, it can be dangerous.
- However, if the goal is clear, and the challenge requires crossing a significant obstacle (such as a river), the risk may be worth it.
- It’s important to understand when to act with caution and when to proceed, as rushing in blindly can lead to failure.
- Stay calm and avoid obstacles. Success will come with careful navigation.
Change to the Dǐng Hexagram:
The third line of Wèi Jì transforms into the Dǐng (鼎) hexagram, which is composed of xùn (巽) below and lí (离) above. The Dǐng hexagram represents a cauldron or vessel used for cooking, symbolizing nourishment, the process of transformation, and the creation of something new. It suggests that after overcoming obstacles, it is time to move forward and make progress. Change is necessary, and the time for transformation and development has arrived.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram Fourth Line
Line Text: Jiǔ sì (九四): Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng; zhèn yòng fá guǐ fāng, sān nián yǒu shǎng yú dà guó. (贞吉，悔亡；震用伐鬼方，三年有赏于大国)
Interpretation: This line suggests that by steadfastly adhering to the righteous path, good fortune will follow, and regrets will vanish. It references a military campaign where, with the powerful force of thunder, one goes to battle against the Guǐ Fāng (鬼方) tribe. After three years of intense conflict, victory is achieved, and the general is rewarded and honored by a great nation.
Fortune and Guidance:
- The line encourages perseverance in the righteous path. Success is achieved through diligent, methodical action, even when faced with setbacks.
- The idea of “waiting for the right moment” is crucial—timing and careful action can protect long-term success.
- When a ruler holds great power, exercising that power carefully leads to victory, even if it requires years of struggle.
- Rewards will come, though they may seem distant. Success is gradual, and only through patience will it materialize.
Change to the Méng Hexagram:
The fourth line of Wèi Jì transforms into the Méng (蒙) hexagram, which consists of kǎn (坎) below and gèn (艮) above. Gèn represents a mountain, symbolizing restraint and stopping, while kǎn represents water, symbolizing danger. The combination suggests a situation where danger lies beneath, yet progress continues despite the risks. This represents an “ignorant” or “immature” state, yet also points to the potential for enlightenment through proper action and timing.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram Fifth Line
Line Text: Liù wǔ (六五): Zhēn jí, wú huǐ; jūn zǐ zhī guāng, yǒu fú, jí. (贞吉，无悔；君子之光，有孚，吉)
Interpretation: This line suggests that sticking to the righteous path brings good fortune and no regrets. It symbolizes the virtuous radiance of the jūn zǐ (君子), the noble or virtuous person, whose sincerity and trustworthiness bring blessings and success.
Fortune and Guidance:
- Sincerity and humility lead to success. A noble person’s light shines through their integrity, and their efforts are rewarded.
- Cultivate virtue, remain honest, and be trustworthy. This will result in good fortune and a peaceful, prosperous life.
- The scent of lotus (jì hé) represents purity and grace, while the roundness of the osmanthus flower (guì pò) symbolizes the arrival of love and harmony.
- From small beginnings, great success will follow, like a mountain that rises over time. Follow the righteous path and you will earn respect and position.
Change to the Sòng Hexagram:
The fifth line of Wèi Jì moves into the Sòng (讼) hexagram, composed of kǎn (坎) below and qián (乾) above. This is a contrast to the previous situation. The Sòng hexagram represents conflict and legal disputes. It signals that challenges or disagreements may arise, and one should proceed with caution, as litigation or disputes are never favorable outcomes.
Philosophical Meaning of the Wèi Jì Hexagram Sixth Line
Line Text: Shàng jiǔ (上九): Yǒu fú yú yǐn jiǔ, wú jiù; rú qí shǒu, yǒu fú shī shì. (有孚于饮酒，无咎；濡其首，有孚失是)
Interpretation: This line suggests that one who drinks wine with sincerity will have no regrets. However, excessive drinking, where one’s head becomes drenched, symbolizes losing control and failing to maintain the principles of the jūn zǐ (君子)—the noble path. While integrity is still present, the loss of moderation leads to potential harm.
Fortune and Guidance:
- The line warns against indulgence. While sincerity is essential, excessive behavior (like overdrinking) can lead to losing one’s path.
- Moderation is key. Be mindful of your actions and maintain control over indulgence.
- At times, it is easy to become carried away by passions, but staying grounded will ensure success and prevent disaster.
- In this line, even though there is initial good faith, overindulgence leads to the loss of that virtue, which could have negative consequences.
Change to the Xiè Hexagram:
The sixth line of Wèi Jì transforms into the Jiě (解) hexagram, composed of kǎn (坎) below and zhèn (震) above. The Xiè hexagram represents release or resolution, much like the thawing of winter into spring. When danger (represented by water) is overcome by movement (represented by thunder), all obstacles are cleared. This signifies that after a period of difficulty or restraint, the situation will resolve, and the way forward will open.