Above; fire, brightness
Below; dangerous deep water.

This hexagram is the reverse of the previous one. The transition from disorder to order is not yet complete. Ji Ji is associated with autumn, when the year’s growth is complete. Wei Ji is associated with the burgeoning spring.
Success. The little fox has almost crossed the water but gets its tail soaked. No destination is favourable at present.
This hexagram indicates progress and success because the weak yin line in the fifth position occupies a central position in the upper trigram between the two yang lines. The little fox has crossed the stream but he has not yet succeeded in getting past the middle of the danger. The fox’s wet tail and the fact that no destination is favourable imply that there is no way at present of advancing one’s own affairs. Although the yin and the yang lines are not in their proper places, they nevertheless accord suitably with one another.
Fire over water is the image of Wei Chi . The Superior Man accordingly carefully distinguishes between the nature of things and between the various places that they occupy.

Line 1

His tail is soaked. Disgrace.

When the times are in ferment, there may be a temptation to push one’s way forward in order to achieve something while there is an opportunity. But such precipitancy can lead to failure and humiliation if the time is not ripe.

Line 2

The driver brakes his chariot. Righteous persistence brings its reward.

The time for action is not yet here. The subject of this line shows his persistence in his determination to slow his chariot by applying the brake.

Line 3

The destination is not yet reached. Going forward brings misfortune. Nevertheless, it is advantageous to cross the great water.
Although the time to go forward to the climax has arrived, one is not yet properly prepared. However, it is essential to preserve one’s determination to advance as soon as the conditions become sufficiently favourable.

Line 4

Righteous persistence brings good fortune. Regrets vanish. To subdue the country of the devils took great effort. But after three years vast territories were won.

As in the previous hexagram, this is a reference to the campaigning of Wu Ting . Only perseverance will bring success in times of struggle.

Line 5

Righteous persistence brings good fortune. Regrets vanish. The Superior Man shines forth in sincerity. Success.

Victory has been won. All has gone well. Perseverance has triumphed and the successful outcome has justified the action. He who has achieved all this makes his influence felt amongst all men and gains their confidence. But he should remember to be generous in sharing his good fortune with the followers who have contributed to his successful undertaking.

Line 6

Confidence and trusted he may drink in celebration. No blame. But if he wet his head, he loses all.

Now, at the moment of achievement before climax, is the time to celebrate success. Since the way forward may make many hard demands, there is no blame. But the man who carries his celebration to excess will lose the trust of others as quickly as he has won it.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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