The I Ching Speaks!



     64.  Wei Chi / Before Completion

          ----------
          ---- ----     above     Li     The Clinging, Flame
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     K'an   The Abysmal, Water
          ---- ----

     The Judgement

          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.

     The Image

          Fire over water:
          The image of the condition before transition.
          Thus the superior man is careful
          In the differentiation of things,
          So that each finds its place.

     The Lines

          Six at the beginning means:
          He gets his tail in the water.
          Humiliating.

          Nine at the top means:
          There is drinking of wine
          In genuine confidence. No blame.
          But if one wets his head,
          He loses it, in truth.


     54.  Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden

          ---- ----
          ---- ----     above     Ch^en   The Arousing, Thunder
          ----------
          ---- ----
          ----------     below     Tui    The Joyous, Lake
          ----------

     The Judgement

          The Marrying Maiden.
          Undertakings bring misfortune.
          Nothing that would further.

     The Image

          Thunder over the lake:
          The image of the Marrying Maiden.
          Thus the superior man
          Understands the transitory
          In the light of the eternity of the end.