I Ching Reading: Weiji (Before Completion) changing to Ding (The Cauldron)

未濟Weiji · Before Completion

PrimaryWeiji

ResultingDing

Weiji: Six in the third place

Not yet across. To set forth brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

未濟，征凶，利涉大川。

慎Proceed with care

Reading

Yes, but carefully.Not done yet. One last step remains, and this is the step where mistakes come most easily.

Governing text · Weiji: Six in the third place

Text未濟，征凶，利涉大川。Not yet across. To set forth brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

In plain wordsThe thing is not yet done and your own strength is weak; forcing your way forward brings misfortune. But you can cross the river by riding the current: borrowing the strength of others is favorable.

Now: The little fox has nearly finished crossing the river, but its tail is wet. The matter is not complete and things are not yet in their places; but precisely because it is not complete, there is still possibility.
The key: Only one line is changing: Six in the third place. The answer is in that line. The text speaks of misfortune and also says it can be avoided. The danger lies in rushing and forcing. Stay steady, correct mistakes, and the bad outcome can be escaped.
Where it is heading: Things are moving toward Ding (The Cauldron): A new order is being set up. Great good fortune.
What to do: The closer to the end, the more careful you must be; act within your strength. Put each thing where it belongs, and sort out what is important and what is urgent.

Which text applies

One changing line: read that line of the primary hexagram.

Your six throws, bottom to top: 1: 8 yin · 2: 7 yang · 3: 6 yin (changing) · 4: 7 yang · 5: 8 yin · 6: 7 yang

The seven rules for changing lines →

Line position

Not in its proper place · answered by the top line

Third place: the top of the lower trigram, a place of risk. A moment of transition. Be on guard.

Verdict words in the text

利 favorable: a course of action that helps, under the stated condition
凶 misfortune: a bad outcome if you continue this way

Nuclear hexagram · Jiji (After Completion)

The thing is already accomplished. What you most need to guard against now is slackening.

The nuclear hexagram is formed from the four inner lines. It shows what is going on inside the situation.

Full texts

Weiji (Before Completion): judgment and all six lines →

Ding (The Cauldron): judgment and all six lines →

Begin

One who truly knows the Changes does not need to divine. The text is for reflection; what you do is up to you.