Not Yet Across
wèi jì · Fire over WaterStay careful through the last stretch; the far bank is not yet underfoot.
亨。小狐汔濟,濡其尾,无攸利。
The way can still open. But a young fox, almost across, wets its tail, and nothing comes of it. You are not there yet, so keep your care until the far bank.
The six lines
初六:濡其尾,吝。
Your tail gets wet. You did not know your limits, and that is a small embarrassment.
九二:曳其輪,貞吉。
You drag back on the wheels, holding your strength in check. Steadiness here is favorable.
六三:未濟,征凶,利涉大川。
Not yet across. Forcing ahead brings trouble, yet it can still help to cross the great river when the means are right.
九四:貞吉,悔亡,震用伐鬼方,三年有賞于大國。
Stay upright and regret falls away. Stirred to effort, you march on the distant Guifang; after three years the great state gives reward.
六五:貞吉,无悔,君子之光,有孚,吉。
Steadiness is good, nothing to regret. The light of a noble person shows in sincere trust, and that goes well.
上九:有孚于飲酒,无咎,濡其首,有孚失是。
You drink with trust, and that is no fault. But soak your head in the wine, and the trust is lost in excess.
The I Ching is a tool for reflection. Do not use it as the basis for medical, legal or money decisions.