Hexagram 64 changing to 40: Before Completion to Deliverance

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: 40 Deliverance

The storm breaks and the tension releases: act quickly on what needs doing, forgive the rest, and return to normal. Water below, thunder above: a thunderstorm clearing the air, the tension of Obstruction discharged. Deliverance is the moment after difficulty, when the knot is untied. The tradition's judgement has two parts: if there is nowhere further to go, return brings good fortune; if there is somewhere to go, haste brings good fortune. Either finish the release quickly or go back to ordinary life; do not linger in the aftermath. The image adds forgiveness: the wise person pardons mistakes and forgives misdeeds. The reading says the crisis is passing, and the task now is to clear up promptly and not to prolong what has already been resolved.

The lines that move

1. Line 6

   There is drinking of wine in genuine confidence. No blame. But if one wets his head, he loses it in truth.

   Celebration after the crossing, permitted, and the last warning of the book: even the earned celebration, if it goes too far, loses what was won. Moderation in joy. The I Ching ends on the edge of excess, with the counsel to stop. Celebrate the crossing, and stop before the celebration undoes it.

What is changing. The situation of Before Completion is moving toward Deliverance. 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: Act promptly on what the release allows, forgive the rest, and return to ordinary life.

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: The tension has broken. Do what remains quickly and forgive what can be forgiven. Do not keep the argument alive after it is over. The reading favours a prompt return to ordinary warmth.

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: The blockage has cleared. Act fast on the things that the clearing makes possible, then let the matter rest. Pardon errors made under pressure. Lingering over the crisis is the one thing that would restart 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: Relief from a financial strain. Settle what needs settling quickly and return to normal management. Do not make dramatic moves in the euphoria of release.

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: If there is something to do, do it promptly; if not, return to ordinary life. The reading is against dwelling. Choose the option that closes the matter cleanly and forgives what it can.