Before Completion

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

Fire over water — the flame beneath the water, the work not yet done. If the little fox gets its tail wet before completing the crossing, nothing furthers. The superior person is careful in differentiating things so each finds its place. Before completion is not failure — it is the natural state of all meaningful work.

Hexagram 64, Before Completion, depicts 亨。小狐汔濟，濡其尾，无攸利。. The judgment states: Before Completion. Success. But if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets its tail in the water, there is nothing that would further. This hexagram belongs to the Completion group and addresses a specific configuration of forces. The I Ching describes the present moment with precision so the next natural movement becomes visible. Understanding this particular pattern of change is the first step toward responding with wisdom rather than reaction. The I Ching describes the present moment with such precision that the next natural movement becomes visible. Understanding the pattern you are in is the first step toward wise action.