I Ching · No.63 · Chi Chi / After Completion

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Translation

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Decline follows the peak of prosperity; guard carefully against future troubles.
• Wealth 财运: Sell or act in time to secure profit.
• Household 家宅: A great mansion suitable to dwell in; a harmonious union for a hundred years.
• Health 身体: Just recovering from a serious illness, still need to take care of oneself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is at its peak, but decline follows the peak; one must guard against future troubles.
• Business 营商: Current goods are sold at the right time and price, which is satisfying; yet one must leave room for retreat.
• Fame & Career 功名: Think of danger in high places; guard against the end.
• Warfare 战征: The great disaster is pacified, the great danger is settled; victory is achieved and success is attained, yet one should plan from the start to secure the end, leaving no future troubles.
• Household 家宅: The great mansion is completed; it is complete and fit for dwelling, providing long-term planning for descendants.
• Marriage 婚姻: A sign of a harmonious union for a hundred years.
• Illness 疾病: Recovered from a serious illness; all the more reason to protect oneself.
• Litigation 讼事: Do not engage in litigation again.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl in spring and summer, and a boy in autumn and winter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

• Overall Image 大象: Kan Water is above Li Fire; water flows downward and fire flares upward, water and fire aid each other. This signifies completion.
• Fortune 运势: Fame and wealth are both achieved, a sign of success. Guard against the extreme where things reverse; good fortune at first, misfortune in the end.
• Career 事业: You are in a smooth and prosperous stage, or even after great success has been achieved. How to maintain this momentum is the key. You must recognize the truth that decline follows prosperity, think of danger beforehand, nip problems in the bud, and prepare for trouble in times of peace. At the same time, pay close attention to the situation, seize favorable opportunities, continue to strive upward, and promote the development of your career.
• Business 经商: Due to favorable market conditions, much profit has already been made. However, it also portends that crises may appear at any time. Therefore, you must be extremely cautious, prevent problems before they occur, and remain vigilant and fearful throughout the day. Meanwhile, closely observe market changes, pivot at any time, and explore new markets.
• Seeking Fame 求名: The basic conditions for seeking fame and wealth are already in place. You must prevent yourself from becoming rigid and conservative due to this, lest the work collapse at the last stage or end in failure halfway.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Smooth at the beginning, but setbacks will occur midway.
• Decision 决策: Conditions are excellent in all aspects, and the environment is favorable for growth. However, this may lead to self-satisfaction, causing you to stop progressing, or even become decadent and slide into decline. You must continue to work hard, maintain the virtue of humility, remain constantly vigilant, and prevent unforeseen events from occurring.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, (shows its subject as a driver) who drags back his wheel, (or as a fox) which has wet his tail. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Crossing the river holding up the belt, wetting the tail of the garment. No great problem. The Image says: Crossing the river holding up the belt and wetting the tail of the garment, there should naturally be no disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, their fortune has not yet arrived; wanting to move but not yet moving, they remain safe. Officials have positions they have not yet assumed, or offices they have not yet ascended.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Strive diligently, and you can be without blame.
• Wealth 财运: Stabilize for now, and you will be able to escape the difficulties.
• Household 家宅: Can dwell in peace; initial betrothal is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Initial onset of illness can be cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The fortune has not yet escaped danger; one should strive diligently, and can be without blame.
• Business 营商: First business venture, much hardship in traveling; advancing without stopping, though in danger, success will be achieved, without blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Difficult at first, but attained later.
• Warfare 战征: Although there is the danger of the chariot breaking and horses stumbling, advancing at the first beat of the drum will surely lead to victory.
• Household 家宅: Moving for the first time, though this house may not be beautiful or is incomplete from beginning to end, dwelling in it brings no blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fire is the mate of Water; initial betrothal is auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Onset of illness, though dangerous, brings no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: The first pregnancy will result in a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: The object is already wet; look for it in the carriage, and it can be found.
• Travelers 行人: On the way, experiencing slight water disaster, without blame.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, (shows its subject as) a wife who has lost her (carriage-)screen. There is no occasion to go in pursuit of it. In seven days she will find it.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: A woman loses her head-veil, do not search for it, for it will be obtained within seven days without searching. The Image says: Obtained within seven days without searching, because Six in the second place is a yin line in a yin position; having attained its proper place, the lost item will return.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, difficulty comes first and ease follows; officials have the beauty of facing adversity first and prosperity later.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Ignore small gains, and great success can be achieved.
• Wealth 财运: Lost and found again, no need to worry.
• Household 家宅: Return in seven years; reunion will be possible.
• Health 身体: Will heal in seven days.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not mind minor gains and losses, only then can you escape great disasters and achieve great success.
• Business 营商: A sign of what is lost being found again.
• Fame & Career 功名: Within seven years, reinstatement is certain.
• Warfare 战征: Plundered midway and losing baggage; within seven days, victory will surely be achieved.
• Marriage 婚姻: At the earliest in seven months, at the latest in seven years, reunion is possible.
• Household 家宅: The house is occupied by others, but after seven years, it will be returned to the original owner.
• Illness 疾病: Will heal in seven days.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be obtained shortly.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Will give birth within seven days, to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, (suggests the case of) Kâo Ȝung, who attacked the Demon region, but was three years in subduing it. Small men should not be employed (in such enterprises).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: Emperor Gaozong attacked the Guifang (Demon Land), and defeated them after three years. Meeting this line in divination, one must not employ inferior men. The Image says: Defeated them after three years, because the Guifang was already exhausted by then.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, there are losses from bearing grudges and litigation. Officials will have many dispatches and military expeditions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Work hard, and what you plan will surely succeed.
• Wealth 财运: It requires several years of business operation to secure profits.
• Household 家宅: Dwell after three years; marriage possible in three years.
• Health 身体: Safe for the moment, but only guaranteed for three years.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Endure hardships and work hard, and what you plan will surely succeed.
• Business 营商: It requires several years of business operation to secure profits.
• Fame & Career 功名: Achieved through hard work.
• Warfare 战征: Exhausting troops in a long campaign; though the attacked target is captured, the forces are exhausted.
• Marriage 婚姻: The marriage can be finalized within three years.
• Household 家宅: The yin energy of this house is too heavy; it can only be lived in after three years.
• Illness 疾病: This illness seems harmless for the moment, but it will be hard to survive within three years.
• Litigation 讼事: The lawsuit can be settled in three years; guard against inferior men making trouble again; be cautious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject with rags provided against any leak (in his boat), and on his guard all day long.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Steering a boat plugged with worn rags, remaining on guard all day long. The Image says: Remaining on guard all day long shows that the heart is full of doubts.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, their fortune is ordinary; if prepared, there will be no trouble. Officials must take precautions so that their rank and salary remain secure.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Think of adversity when in prosperity; caution is advised.
• Wealth 财运: Repair business loopholes early.
• Household 家宅: Renovate the house; cherish relationships.
• Health 身体: Old age and physical weakness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is at its peak, but without precaution, decline will arrive immediately; one should be extremely cautious.
• Business 营商: Like a boat sailing, when it leaks in midstream, it should be repaired immediately.
• Fame & Career 功名: Fear of sudden bestowal and sudden deprivation.
• Warfare 战征: Capturing and changing flags; in victory, think of defeat; what is valued is being cautious in the face of events.
• Marriage 婚姻: The ancients often compared clothing to husband and wife, meaning one should not delight in the new and discard the old.
• Illness 疾病: It is a symptom of old age and weakness.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Ge (Revolution/Molting). On the day of sacrifice, captives are used as human offerings; supreme success, auspicious divination. There is no regret. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Dui, and Dui represents the marsh; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Inside it steams and outside it presses, water dries up and grass withers, just like a great fire burning within a marsh; this is the image of the Revolution hexagram. The gentleman, observing this image, understands the cyclical changes of rising and falling marsh waters, and the withering and flourishing of grass and trees, and thus regulates the calendar and clarifies the seasons.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Many changes occur in affairs, stick to the correct path; follow Heaven and respond to humanity, implementing reforms. Moderately auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are in flux. It is advisable to discard the old and establish the new to correspond with the image of innovation, which will bring good fortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Li below, Dui above). Li is fire, Dui is marsh, and there is water inside the marsh. Water is above and flows down, while fire is below and rises. When fire is strong, water dries up; when water is vast, fire is extinguished. The two generate and also overcome each other, inevitably leading to reform. Revolution (change) is the fundamental law of the universe.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbour in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: The Eastern Neighbor's slaughter of an ox is not as good as the Western Neighbor's simple summer sacrifice; the latter actually receives the blessing. The Image says: The Eastern Neighbor's slaughter of an ox is not as good as the Western Neighbor's simple summer sacrifice, for the latter's intent is beautiful and good. The Western Neighbor receives the blessing, and great auspicious celebration will descend.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, short-term plans are substantial, while long-term plans are empty. Unfavorable in the east, favorable in the west.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintain prosperity and preserve peace; good and bad fortune are self-determined.
• Wealth 财运: Frugality is better than luxury; one actually reaps the benefits.
• Household 家宅: A house facing west is auspicious; neighbors agree on marriage.
• Health 身体: It is best to pray.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Retreat if already prosperous, advance if just rising; one should preserve frugality and avoid luxury. Fortune and misfortune are self-determined.
• Warfare 战征: The dominant spirit is in the west; one should follow heaven and cultivate virtue, rather than deploy troops and parade military might.
• Business 营商: In partnerships, the wealthy may be luxurious, but they are not as good as the frugal, who actually reap the benefits.
• Fame & Career 功名: Those who have succeeded should be cautious; those who have not succeeded have great hope.
• Marriage 婚姻: It is auspicious to betroth to the western neighbor.
• Household 家宅: The house is auspicious if it faces west.
• Illness 疾病: Should pray.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ming I (Darkening of the light) Hexagram. It is beneficial to divine about difficult matters. The Image says: The inner hexagram of this hexagram is Li, Li is the sun; the outer hexagram is Kun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinking into the earth is the image of Darkening of the light. Observing this image, the gentleman governs the people and administers the government not by being harshly scrutinizing to show intelligence, but by being outwardly simple and inwardly wise, tolerating things and drawing close to the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun enters into the earth, and the light is damaged; all things are obstructed, waiting for fortune. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, their fortune is poor, and everything is laborious. They should firmly adhere to the correct path, be patient and self-respecting, and await the opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Li below, Kun above). Li is light, Kun is obedience; Li is the sun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and the environment is difficult. It is advisable to follow the times and nurture obscurity, firmly adhere to the correct path, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, and hide one's light and nurture obscurity.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject with (even) his head immersed. The position is perilous.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Wading across the river, wetting one's head; danger. The Image says: Wetting one's head, how can one remain long?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, there is harassment by inferior men. For those traveling by boat, beware of drowning. Officials face the worry of breaking by being too rigid.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has passed; watch out for danger.
• Wealth 财运: First transaction will surely be unprofitable.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for the eldest branch; the first wife faces disaster.
• Health 身体: A disease in the head; the danger is obvious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has passed, deeply critical and dangerous; caution is advised.
• Warfare 战征: Occupying the extreme of the Kan danger; the top represents the head, fearing that the leader or head will suffer adversity.
• Business 营商: First transaction will surely be unprofitable.
• Fame & Career 功名: May be promised the top rank.
• Marriage 婚姻: First wife faces disaster; remarriage brings no blame.
• Household 家宅: This house is unfavorable for the eldest branch.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against losing the head/leader.
• Illness 疾病: The disease lies in the head or face; dangerous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.