Wei Ji

Judgment

未濟 亨 小狐 汔濟 濡其尾 无攸利

It will be good for you. The little fox gets his tail wet while crossing the water, so it will be of no benefit.

Interpretation

The Mije Hexagram has Ri (Fire) in the upper trigram and Gam (Water) in the lower trigram. The image of this hexagram shows fire above water. Fire above water indicates that water is supposed to extinguish the fire, but the power of fire overcomes the power of water. The fire burns from above, and the water sinks below, so water cannot extinguish the fire, and the task of putting out the fire remains unaccomplished. Mije means "not yet completed" or "unfinished."

In the Commentary on the Hexagrams, it says, Heol (Flow) means 'almost' or 'generally,' Je (Manufacturing method) means 'to cross water,' and Yu (Yes) means 'to become wet.' In the state of Yin, the vassal state of Zhou’s Jin army assisted in conquering the Guifang, but as Jin’s troops crossed nearly all the water, the wheels of the carts became wet, and this resulted in no benefit."

If someone receives this hexagram during divination, they should recognize from the image and the name that not everything has been accomplished yet. They should strive harder and push forward. The fire is above the water, just like the sun rising above the sea. The morning light is weak, but it signals the beginning of a new day filled with hope. However, they should not rush but wait until the day is fully bright. The fact that things have not yet been accomplished means they can still be achieved, so it is wise to continue working steadily with dreams and hopes. As the sun rises and grows brighter, their fortune will improve. Although things may not be successful now, progress is expected, and eventual success is assured. Rushing ahead without fully understanding one's abilities may lead to trouble, like a small fox falling into water and wetting its tail—therefore, it is best to avoid unnecessary risks.

初六 濡其尾,吝

Initial Six: Wetting the tail, resentment.

Yu refers to wetness, while In refers to difficulty. The oracle suggests that the situation is challenging and may involve crossing water. The person may face difficulty, but if they are persistent, they will ultimately overcome the challenges.

九二 曳其輪,貞吉

Nine Second: Dragging the wheel, resolve is good.

The cart successfully crosses water, despite being wet along the way. This indicates that obstacles will be overcome, and the person will succeed by continuing their efforts without hesitation, ensuring a favorable outcome.

六三 未濟,征凶。利涉大川

Six Third: Not completed, disaster. Beneficial for crossing large rivers.

The term "Je" means to cross, while "Mije" refers to an insurmountable river. The person is facing a significant obstacle, preventing them from crossing the river. The person asking about the hexagram is currently in a situation where they are facing an insurmountable obstacle, and the task will result in difficulties. Caution is necessary to avoid misfortune.

九四 貞吉,悔亡,震用伐鬼方,三年,有賞于大國

Nine Fourth: Resolve is good, no regret. Thunder strikes the ghost tribe, after three years, rewards come from a great nation.

Perseverance brings recognition and reward. The task at hand will be auspicious and free of regret.

六五 貞吉,无悔,君子之光,有孚,吉

Six Fifth: Resolve is good, no regret, the light of the wise man, trust, good fortune.

Jin triumphs over Guibang, capturing many prisoners and earning glory and reward from the great state. The task at hand will be auspicious, free of regret, as victory brings honor and captives.

上九 有孚于飲酒,无咎,濡其首,有孚失是

Top Nine: Trust in wine, no harm, wetting the head, trust, this moment is lost.

Victory and captives lead to drunken celebration, but soaking the head loses righteousness. The task at hand invites self-inflicted woe as excess clouds judgment, despite gains.