[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-63":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"content1":9,"content2":10,"seotitle":11,"seodescription":12,"htmlcode":13,"content0":14,"number":15,"seo_keywords":16,"og_title":8,"og_description":12},"iching-63",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:12.451Z","2026-07-04T14:35:10.000Z","Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 63, Completion, Water over Fire, Water above and Fire below","Detailed explanation of the 63rd hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Original text of the Completion hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Completion: Success; small advantage in perseverance. Auspicious at first, disorder at the end.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Water over fire is Completion. The superior person reflects on possible troubles and takes precautions in advance.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>The Completion hexagram: Success. This is a divination showing slight benefit in perseverance. Auspicious at first, but changes will occur in the end.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The upper trigram is Water, and the lower trigram is Fire. Water above fire, quenching the fire, is the image of Completion. The superior person observes this image and prepares for times without trouble, preventing trouble before it occurs.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>The Completion hexagram has Water above and Fire below, and is the third-generation hexagram of the Water palace. Completion means that success has already been achieved and matters have been settled. Yet caution is still required, because when something reaches its extreme, it may reverse.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Aid succeeds; endure and maintain self-respect. Move from great to small and secure the prosperous period.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram will achieve success in their careers; it is an image of success. But beware that prosperity at its height declines thereafter. Retreating and holding one’s ground is auspicious; advancing further brings misfortune.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Prosperity at its height must decline; beware of future troubles.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Act in time and profit can be obtained.\n \u003Cbr>Household: A mansion can be lived in; a marriage can last a hundred years.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Recovering from a serious illness; still needs self-care.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This hexagram consists of two different trigrams, Fire below and Water above, repeated. Water is Water and Fire is Fire; water and fire interact, with water above fire and water overcoming fire, completing the task of putting out the fire. “Already” means completed; “completion” means accomplishment. Completion means that matters have already succeeded, but changes will ultimately occur.\n \u003Cbr>Great image: Water is above Fire; water flows downward and fire flames upward, and water and fire aid each other, signifying completion.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Fame and wealth are both gained; it is an image of success. But beware that things reverse when they reach their extreme: auspicious at first, unfortunate afterward.\n \u003Cbr>Career: You are in a smooth and prosperous phase, perhaps with major work already completed. The key question is how to preserve this momentum. You must recognize the principle that prosperity at its height will decline, consider troubles and prevent them, stop problems while small, and prepare so there will be no disaster. At the same time, closely observe the situation, seize favorable opportunities, continue striving upward, and advance your career.\n \u003Cbr>Business: Because market conditions are favorable, you have already earned much, but this also signals that a crisis may appear at any time. Therefore, be extremely careful: prevent trouble before it arrives and remain vigilant and cautious every day. At the same time, carefully observe market changes, change direction whenever necessary, and develop new markets.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking fame: The basic conditions for pursuing personal fame and wealth are already in place. You must prevent this from making you rigid and conservative, causing you to fall short at the final step and abandon your efforts halfway.\n \u003Cbr>Marriage and romance: Smooth at first, but setbacks will appear midway.\n \u003Cbr>Decision-making: Conditions are good in every respect, and the environment favors growth. Yet this may make you complacent, stop moving forward, and even become depressed and decline. You must keep working hard, preserve the virtue of humility, remain mindful of unease, and prevent unexpected events.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The Completion hexagram is formed by two different trigrams, Fire below and Water above. Water is Water and Fire is Fire; water and fire interact, with water above fire and water overcoming fire, completing the task of putting out the fire. “Already” means completed; “completion” means accomplishment. Completion means that matters have already succeeded, but changes will ultimately occur.\n \u003Cbr>The Completion hexagram follows the Small Exceeding hexagram. The Sequence Commentary explains: “What goes beyond things must achieve completion, therefore Completion follows.” Correcting small errors can bring success, which is why the discussion proceeds to the Completion hexagram.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line as follows: Water over fire signifies Completion; thus, the noble person reflects on possible troubles and takes precautions against them. This indicates that the image of the Completed Hexagram is Li (Fire) below and Kan (Water) above, presenting the image of water over fire. It is likened to using fire to cook food: the food is already cooked, symbolizing that matters have succeeded. After achieving success, the noble person should have a far-sighted outlook, consider the various shortcomings that may possibly arise in the future, prevent trouble before it occurs, and take precautionary measures.\n \u003Cbr>The Ji Ji hexagram symbolizes success and reveals the principle that prosperity at its peak is about to decline. This hexagram is considered moderately auspicious. The Image says: Your name is inscribed on the golden examination list; your years of arduous study have not been in vain. When a person encounters this hexagram, it signifies auspicious celebration and fame; all plans and hopes will proceed with great success.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>","Detailed explanation of the first line, Nine in the 63rd hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning: He drags back the wheel of his cart and wets its tail. No blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Dragging back the wheel is rightfully without blame.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning: Holding up his belt while crossing the river, he wets the hem of his clothing. There is no major problem.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Holding up his belt while crossing the river and wetting the hem of his clothing is rightly without disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who obtain this line have not yet reached their time; they wish to act but have not acted, and can remain safe. Officials may hold a position without receiving its responsibilities, or have rank without attaining the office.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Add diligent effort and there will be no blame.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Stabilize things for now; you will soon escape difficulty.\n \u003Cbr>Household: You can live peacefully; an initial engagement is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: An illness in its early stage can be treated.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the first line changes, it becomes Hexagram 39 of the Zhouyi: Obstruction, Water over Mountain. This hexagram consists of two different trigrams, Mountain below and Water above, repeated. Mountain is high and water deep; life is full of difficulties and obstacles. Seeing danger and stopping, preserving oneself wisely, may be called wisdom. Obstruction means trudging with difficulty.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The first line of the Completion hexagram, line statement: Nine at the beginning: He drags back the wheel of his cart and wets its tail. No blame. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“Drag” means to hold back. “Wet” means to moisten.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Hold back the cart’s wheel to slow its speed. When a little fox crosses the river, its tail becomes wet, preventing it from swimming quickly; there is no disaster.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Nine at the beginning is a firm line in a firm place, properly positioned, with a tendency toward activity and rash advance. Moving upward, it is close to Six in the second place and correctly corresponds with Six in the fourth place. However, if Nine at the beginning moves, the whole situation becomes chaotic. It is like having just achieved success but disrupting stability through rash advance. Therefore, the cart must be slowed and the fox’s tail wetted so it swims more slowly. The first task is to reduce speed.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains: “He drags back the wheel”—this is rightfully without blame. This points out that “holding back the wheel so it does not advance quickly” means that after success, one must act cautiously and guard carefully to avoid disaster. At this time, rest, consolidation, and preserving the position should be primary; rash action is unsuitable, and only this brings no blame.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this line have just begun to see results in what they are doing. They should slow down now and must not move forward at high speed, or they will make a mistake.\n \u003Cbr>Nine at the beginning: He drags back the wheel of his cart and wets its tail. No blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: He drags back the wheel; in principle there is no blame. The classical text means: Dragging the wheel and wetting the rear of the cart brings no disaster. The Image means: Pulling back the wheel is morally free from disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the second line, Six in the 63rd hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: The woman loses her head covering. Do not pursue it; it will be recovered in seven days.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It will be recovered in seven days because the middle path is followed.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: A woman loses her head covering. There is no need to look for it; within seven days it can be found without searching.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It can be found within seven days without searching because the yielding line Six in the second place occupies a yielding position, so its position and image are properly aligned and the lost item will return.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who obtain this line face difficulty first and ease later. Officials have the beauty of adversity first followed by favorable circumstances.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Do not calculate small gains; you will accomplish a great undertaking.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: What was lost will return; there is no need to worry.\n \u003Cbr>Household: It can return after seven years; reunion will be possible.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Recovery will come in seven days.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 5 of the Zhouyi: Waiting, Water over Heaven. This hexagram consists of two different trigrams, Heaven below and Water above, repeated. The lower trigram is Heaven, meaning strength; the upper is Water, meaning danger and entrapment. When strength meets danger, it is appropriate to remain steady and cautious, not act rashly, observe the time and await change; whatever one undertakes will surely succeed.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The second line of the Completion hexagram, line statement: Six in the second place: The woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not pursue it; it will be recovered in seven days. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“Lose” means to lose or drop. “Curtain” means the cloth curtain of a carriage. “Pursue” means to search for.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: A noblewoman loses the curtain shielding her carriage; there is no need to search for it, because within seven days it will be lost and found again.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Six in the second place is a yielding line in a yielding place, positioned in the middle of the lower trigram. It maintains the center and uprightness and possesses the virtues of yielding, centeredness, and correctness. It is in the middle of the lower Fire trigram, which refers to a middle-aged woman, and Six in the second place correctly corresponds with the ruler at Nine in the fifth place, so it is called a noblewoman.\n \u003Cbr>The Image analyzes this line as follows: “It will be recovered in seven days”—the middle path is followed. This means that “the noblewoman loses the curtain shielding her carriage but need not search, because it will be recovered in seven days,” showing that she is in a central position and steadfastly follows the upright path without bias, so what was lost can be regained.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this line want to undertake something but are repeatedly obstructed for various reasons, like a noblewoman who loses her carriage curtain and cannot proceed. At this time, hold firmly to the upright path and wait quietly for the right moment. What belongs to you will be yours, and you will obtain what is meant for you.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the second place: A woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not pursue it; it will be recovered in seven days.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It will be recovered in seven days because the middle path is followed.\n \u003Cbr>The classical text means: A woman loses her jewelry; there is no need to search, and after seven days it will be recovered.\n \u003Cbr>The Image means: It will be recovered after seven days because the Six in the second place can maintain the middle path.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the third line, Nine in the 63rd hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Third Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the third place: High Ancestor attacked the Gui region and conquered it after three years. Do not employ petty people.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It took three years to conquer it—he was exhausted.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the third place: High Ancestor campaigned against Gui region and took three years to defeat it. When this line appears in divination, do not give important positions to petty people.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It took three years to conquer it because Gui region was exhausted at that time.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Misfortune: Those who obtain this line suffer losses from accumulated resentments and disputes. Officials are likely to be assigned military expeditions and campaigns.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Work hard and what you plan will surely succeed.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Only after operating for several years can profit be obtained.\n \u003Cbr>Household: Move in after three years; marriage may take three years.\n \u003Cbr>Health: No immediate trouble, but it will last only three years.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Third Nine line\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 3 of the Zhouyi: Difficulty at the Beginning, Water over Thunder. This hexagram consists of two different trigrams, Thunder below and Water above, repeated. Thunder symbolizes movement; Water symbolizes rain and danger. Thunder and rain intermingle, danger appears everywhere, and the environment is harsh. “Difficulty at the Beginning” originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth; all things are beginning to arise and are filled with hardships and obstacles, yet by following the season and responding to circumstances, they will surely flourish.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The third line of the Completion hexagram, line statement: Nine in the third place: High Ancestor attacked the Gui region and conquered it after three years; do not employ petty people. Explanation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>“High Ancestor” refers to Wu Ding, the virtuous ruler who revived the Shang dynasty; here it refers to the ruler line at Nine in the fifth place. “Gui region” is the name of a tribe. The meaning of this line statement is: Yin High Ancestor Wu Ding campaigned against the Gui state in the northwest and, after three years of continuous fighting\n \u003Cbr>only then achieved victory. Victory was hard-won; in governing, do not appoint petty people who seek credit and rush ahead, or they will cause internal disorder by exhausting the people and wasting resources.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Nine in the third place is a firm line in a firm place, at the top of the lower trigram. It is impatient and rashly advancing, and is also opposed to Nine in the fifth place, so it will certainly be attacked by the ruler.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains it this way: “After three years, he conquered it”—this refers to exhaustion. It points out that after three years of continuous fighting, the Gui-fang state was finally conquered, showing that the war was extremely fierce and that both sides were exhausted. Victory was hard-won. At this time, governing the area would not be suitable for someone like Nine in the Third Place, who greedily pursued merit and advanced recklessly.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should not seek quick gains. At work, do not oppose your leaders, or you may risk dismissal. In romance and marriage, do not rush to possess the other person, or it may signal a breakup.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Third Place: King Gaozong attacked Gui-fang; after three years he conquered it. Inferior people should not be employed.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It took three years to conquer it—he was exhausted.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fourth line of Hexagram 63 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fourth Place: The boat is plugged with worn-out cloth; be on guard all day.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Being on guard all day means there is something causing doubt.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fourth Place: Holding up a boat whose leaks are plugged with worn-out cloth, he remains anxious all day.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Being anxious all day shows that the heart is filled with doubts.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ordinary: Those who receive this line have average luck; with preparation, there will be no trouble. Officials should make preventive preparations so that their rank and emoluments remain secure.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: When circumstances are favorable, consider difficulties; caution is advisable.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Repair business loopholes as early as possible.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Repair the house; cherish bonds of affection.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Old age and physical weakness.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>When the six in the fourth line moves, it changes into Hexagram 49 of the Zhouyi: Lake over Fire (Ge \u002F Revolution). This hexagram is formed by the stacking of two different trigrams (Li below and Dui above). Li represents fire, and Dui represents the lake, which contains water. Water is above and pours downward, while fire is below and rises upward. When the fire is strong, the water dries up; when the water is abundant, the fire is extinguished. The two generate each other yet also counteract each other, making transformation inevitable. Transformation is a fundamental law of the universe.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Nine in the third place is a firm line in a firm place, at the top of the lower trigram. It is impatient and rashly advancing, and is also opposed to Nine in the fifth place, so it will certainly be attacked by the ruler.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains it this way: “After three years, he conquered it”—this refers to exhaustion. It points out that after three years of continuous fighting, the Gui-fang state was finally conquered, showing that the war was extremely fierce and that both sides were exhausted. Victory was hard-won. At this time, governing the area would not be suitable for someone like Nine in the Third Place, who greedily pursued merit and advanced recklessly.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should not seek quick gains. At work, do not oppose your leaders, or you may risk dismissal. In romance and marriage, do not rush to possess the other person, or it may signal a breakup.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Third Place: King Gaozong attacked Gui-fang; after three years he conquered it. Inferior people should not be employed.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: It took three years to conquer it—he was exhausted.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Nine in the Fifth Place is a yang line in the ruler’s position. The “eastern neighbor” in the line statement refers to Nine in the Fifth Place, because east is yang and west is yin. The “western neighbor” refers to Six in the Second Place. The lower trigram of Already Fulfilled is Li, while Nine in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth places together form Li. Li represents brightness, and Nine in the Fifth Place is at its summit, meaning that the career is at its zenith. This can easily foster arrogance and extravagance. Thus, although oxen are slaughtered for sacrifice, sincerity and reverence are lacking. Six in the Second Place, however, occupies the center and maintains correctness, advancing cautiously; therefore, much can be accomplished.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: “The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox”—it is not as good as the western neighbor’s timing; “truly receives its blessing”—great good fortune is coming. It points out that the eastern neighboring state’s grand sacrifice of cattle and sheep is inferior to the western neighboring state’s simple yet sincere sacrifice. The western neighbor’s “truly enjoying the blessing bestowed by the spirits” shows that it is acting in the proper position, and auspicious blessings will continue to arrive.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line are currently self-satisfied, emphasizing display and outward momentum. At work, you advocate doing things with great publicity and fanfare, yet the results are less profitable and less rewarding than what others accomplish quietly. In love and marriage, you also care about appearances and hold an elaborate wedding, but you may not be as happy as couples who keep things simple and low-key. Remember that sincerity in action matters more than anything else.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fifth Place: The eastern neighbor’s mixed sacrifice is inferior to the western neighbor’s simple sacrifice; it truly receives the blessing.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The eastern neighbor’s slaughtering of an ox is inferior to the western neighbor’s timing; truly receiving its blessing means great good fortune is coming.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Ninth-Fifth line of Hexagram 63 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Fifth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fifth Place: The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; this is inferior to the simple sacrifice in the western outskirts, which truly receives its blessing.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The eastern neighbor’s slaughtering of an ox is inferior to the western neighbor’s timing. Truly receiving its blessing means great good fortune is coming.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fifth Place: The Yin people slaughter oxen and make lavish offerings to the spirits; this is inferior to the Zhou people’s modest offerings, and the Zhou people instead receive the spirits’ blessing.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The Yin people’s lavish sacrifice of oxen to the spirits is inferior to the good intention of the Zhou people’s modest sacrifice. The Zhou people receive the spirits’ blessing, and major auspicious celebrations will arrive.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: Those who receive this line will find substance in near-term plans but emptiness in distant plans. The east is unfavorable; the west is favorable.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Preserve fullness and maintain stability; good or bad fortune depends on your own choices.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Frugality is better than extravagance; you will gain real profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: A west-facing home is auspicious; the two neighboring families arrange an engagement.\n \u003Cbr>Health: It is best to pray.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Fifth Nine line\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Ninth-Fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 36 of the Zhouyi: Darkening of the Light, Earth over Fire. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Li below and Kun above. Li is brightness and Kun is compliance; Li is the sun and Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, its brightness is damaged, the future is unclear, and circumstances are difficult. One should follow the times, preserve one’s inner light, adhere firmly to the right path, appear foolish outwardly while remaining wise within, and conceal one’s brilliance.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fifth line of the Already Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Nine in the Fifth Place: The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; this is inferior to the simple sacrifice in the western outskirts, which truly receives its blessing. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Slaughtering an ox: An ox is a major sacrificial animal, indicating an elaborate sacrifice. Simple sacrifice: Refers to a modest offering.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: The eastern neighboring state slaughters cattle and sheep for a grand sacrifice, but this is inferior to the western neighboring state’s modest sacrifice; only then can it truly enjoy the blessing bestowed by the spirits.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Nine in the Fifth Place is a yang line in the ruler’s position. The “eastern neighbor” in the line statement refers to Nine in the Fifth Place, because east is yang and west is yin. The “western neighbor” refers to Six in the Second Place. The lower trigram of Already Fulfilled is Li, while Nine in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth places together form Li. Li represents brightness, and Nine in the Fifth Place is at its summit, meaning that the career is at its zenith. This can easily foster arrogance and extravagance. Thus, although oxen are slaughtered for sacrifice, sincerity and reverence are lacking. Six in the Second Place, however, occupies the center and maintains correctness, advancing cautiously; therefore, much can be accomplished.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: “The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox”—it is not as good as the western neighbor’s timing; “truly receives its blessing”—great good fortune is coming. It points out that the eastern neighboring state’s grand sacrifice of cattle and sheep is inferior to the western neighboring state’s simple yet sincere sacrifice. The western neighbor’s “truly enjoying the blessing bestowed by the spirits” shows that it is acting in the proper position, and auspicious blessings will continue to arrive.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line are currently self-satisfied, emphasizing display and outward momentum. At work, you advocate doing things with great publicity and fanfare, yet the results are less profitable and less rewarding than what others accomplish quietly. In love and marriage, you also care about appearances and hold an elaborate wedding, but you may not be as happy as couples who keep things simple and low-key. Remember that sincerity in action matters more than anything else.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fifth Place: The eastern neighbor’s mixed sacrifice is inferior to the western neighbor’s simple sacrifice; it truly receives the blessing.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The eastern neighbor’s slaughtering of an ox is inferior to the western neighbor’s timing; truly receiving its blessing means great good fortune is coming.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Upper-Sixth line of Hexagram 63 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six line statement\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six: His head becomes wet; danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: With the head wet, there is danger—how could this last long?\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six: While crossing the river, the water strikes and wets his head; danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: With the water wetting his head, how could he remain there for long?\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspiciousness turns to misfortune: Those who obtain this line will suffer disturbances from petty people. Those traveling by boat should guard against the danger of drowning. Officials who are excessively unyielding face the worry of being broken by their rigidity.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Good luck has passed; beware of danger.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: In the first transaction, profit will certainly be difficult.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Unfavorable for the eldest branch; the first wife will face calamity.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Illness of the head; the danger is evident.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the Upper-Sixth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 37 of the Zhouyi: The Family, Wind over Fire. This is a pair of contrasting trigrams, with Li below and Xun above. Li is fire; Xun is wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. Everything should take the inner as its foundation before extending outward. What occurs within takes form without. It signifies governing the family first and the world afterward: when family principles are upright, the world is peaceful and happy.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The sixth line of the Already Fulfilled hexagram: Line statement—Upper Six: His head becomes wet; danger. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: When the little fox crosses the river, it gets its head wet; there is danger.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, Upper Six is a yin line in a yielding position, so it is in its proper place. Yet it is content with the status quo and satisfied with its achievements, even becoming intoxicated by victory. “His head becomes wet”—this is extremely dangerous.\n \u003Cbr>The Image analyzes this line: “His path is wet; danger”—how could it last long? It points out that the little fox’s head becoming wet while crossing the river is a warning: after success, one must be even more careful and prudent, or how could one avoid defeat for long?\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should not be satisfied with the status quo. Remember that “fullness invites loss”; success and completion cannot last forever, so prepare early.\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six: His head becomes wet; danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: With the head wet, there is danger—how could this last long?","Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 63, the Already Fulfilled hexagram, Water over Fire, Kan above Li below—detailed explanation of the hexagram judgment—Eastern Metaphysics Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi\u002FI Ching Hexagram 63, the Already Fulfilled hexagram (Water over Fire, Kan above Li): the original judgment and plain-language translation, auspicious and inauspicious analyses of each line statement, and interpretations for career, relationships, and fortune.","䷾","\u003Cp>Completion: Small success; favorable for perseverance. Good at the beginning, disorder at the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: Completion brings small success; the small things succeed. Perseverance is favorable because the firm and yielding are correct and occupy appropriate positions. The beginning is auspicious because the yielding is centered. If one stops at the end, disorder follows because the Way has reached its limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: Water over fire is Completion. Thus the superior person reflects on possible troubles and takes precautions in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>",63,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 63, the Fulfilled hexagram, the 64 hexagrams, hexagram judgment, line statement, detailed plain-language explanation",1787044933378]