Hexagram 64 changing to 35: Before Completion to Progress

Where it starts: 64 Before Completion

The crossing almost made: every line out of place, the end in sight, and the last step the most dangerous. Water below, fire above: fire rising and water sinking, the two not yet meeting. Every line is in the wrong place, the exact reverse of After Completion, and the book ends here, on the threshold. Before Completion describes the moment just before a transition is achieved, when the way across is visible and the fox is nearly over the ice. The tradition's judgement is success, and then the warning: if the little fox, nearly across, gets its tail in the water, nothing furthers. The image asks for careful discrimination of things so that each finds its place. The reading says you are near the end of something, that the outcome is favourable, and that the last step needs more care than all the others together.

Where it goes: 35 Progress

The sun rising over the earth: rapid, easy progress, and a leader who is rewarded and received three times a day. Earth below, fire above: the sun climbing above the land, light spreading. Progress is the hexagram of advance that meets no serious resistance, of the capable person recognised by an enlightened superior. The tradition's judgement is of a powerful prince honoured with horses in large numbers and received in audience three times in a single day. The reading says the way is open and the advance is favoured, and the image adds the condition: the wise person brightens their own virtue. Progress of this kind is sustained by clarity of character, not by the momentum alone.

The lines that move

1. Line 2

   He brakes his wheels. Persistence brings good fortune.

   Patience while the time is not ripe: the capable person holding back, ready but not moving. The brake is applied deliberately. The line credits restraint in someone who could act. You could go; do not yet. Hold, and it is fortunate.

What is changing. The situation of Before Completion is moving toward Progress. The end is near; take the last step with more care than all the others, and set each thing in its place. As the change completes: Advance while the road is open, and keep your conduct as clear as the light.

love and relationships

Now: Almost there, and not yet. The reading is hopeful and it asks for care in the last stage: do not assume the crossing is made, do not let the tail in the water. Distinguish what belongs where, patiently, and the order comes. Then: Things are moving forward easily and being met with warmth. Enjoy the advance and keep your conduct clear. The lines warn against pressing on when the advance is not being received, and against advancing in the wrong spirit.

career

Now: The end is in sight and the situation is still unresolved. Success is possible and the final step is the risky one. Sort things carefully into their places, do not celebrate early, and keep your footing on the last stretch of ice. Then: Rapid, recognised progress: the right superior, the open road, the rewards arriving. Advance confidently and keep your character bright; the reading ties the durability of the progress to the clarity of the person making it.

money

Now: A transition nearly complete. Do not release your caution before the last payment clears, the last document signs, the last step is taken. The reading is favourable and its whole emphasis is on finishing carefully. Then: Gains come easily and are recognised. Advance, but do not chase; the reading supports progress that follows from real merit and warns against grasping for more than is being offered.

decisions

Now: You are close to resolution. Choose the option that finishes carefully rather than the one that assumes it is already done. The reading favours discernment over speed at the threshold. Then: Take the forward option. The conditions favour advance and the door is open. Make the decision in the spirit of someone whose conduct can bear being seen in full daylight.