Hexagram 63: After Completion
Completion, transition to new cycle
| Chinese | 既濟 (Jì Jì) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Lower trigram | ☲ Fire — The Clinging (Fire) |
| Keywords | completion, order, caution, transition |
| Opposite | Hexagram 64: Before Completion |
| Inverted | Hexagram 64: Before Completion |
What does Hexagram 63 (After Completion) mean?
After Completion 既濟 (Jì Jì) is hexagram 63 of the I Ching, formed by Water (The Abysmal) over Fire (The Clinging). Its theme is completion, transition to new cycle, with key ideas of completion, order, caution, transition. The Judgment reads: “After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning good fortune. At the end disorder.”
The Judgment of After Completion
After Completion. Success in small matters. Perseverance furthers. At the beginning good fortune. At the end disorder.
The Image of After Completion
Water over fire.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 63
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“He brakes his wheels. He gets his tail in the water. No blame.”
Caution at the very beginning of completion — checking momentum before it carries one too far — preserves the achievement.
Six in the second place
“The woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not run after it; on the seventh day you will get it back.”
Small losses immediately after completion resolve themselves without pursuit. Wait; what is rightfully yours returns of its own accord.
Nine in the third place
“The illustrious ancestor disciplines the Devil's Country. After three years he conquers it. Inferior people must not be employed.”
Consolidating true completion against residual disorder takes persistent effort over time. Entrust this work only to those of genuine character.
Six in the fourth place
“The finest clothes turn to rags. Be careful all day long.”
Even the finest achievements decay without constant attention. After completion, vigilance must be maintained throughout every day or the gain dissolves.
Nine in the fifth place
“The neighbor in the east who slaughters an ox does not attain as much real happiness as the neighbor in the west with his small offering.”
Sincere simplicity of spirit after completion surpasses lavish celebration in genuine worth. Inner devotion outweighs outer display.
Six at the top
“He gets his head in the water. Danger.”
Going back into difficulty after completion — submerging what should now be above water — is the final warning. The completed state must be maintained, not revisited recklessly.
Will After Completion answer your question?
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