䷿ 64. Before Completion

Judgment

Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets his tail in the water, there is nothing that would further.

Image

Fire over water: the image of the condition before transition. The superior person is careful in the differentiation of things, so that each finds its place.

Interpretation

Hexagram 64 — the final hexagram — represents the moment just before completion, when all the elements are present but not yet in their final order. Like a fox nearly across a frozen river, premature celebration or carelessness can undo everything. Careful discernment brings the transition to fulfillment.