Archetype 64: Before Completion

CR P02 C64 A01

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

—Luke 23:44–49

The Reading

The ministry of Jesus has come to an end. But his mission has not been completed. There are signs. The temple curtain that separated the inner sanctum (God’s dwelling place) from the rest of the temple has symbolically been torn in two. The earth has been plunged into darkness for three hours and then restored to light. Even the Roman centurion has recognized something special has just occurred. The mission of Jesus was to establish the Kingdom of God, a new era for the earth grounded in love, justice, and peace for all of God’s creation. All the pieces are in place. But Ego still rules. And the earth is still a place that rejects the Kingdom of God. Will Jesus have suffered in vain? That question remains unanswered.

The Hexagram

CR P02 C64 A02

This hexagram consists of the lower trigram Chaos and the upper trigram Christ. Chaos is the order of the day. Christ carries the message of redemption. Christ hovers over Chaos, but has not yet won.

The Archetype

There is a time...

  • To see the task that must be completed as one of cosmic significance, of leading the world out of Chaos and into the Kingdom of God.
  • To understand the seriousness and difficulty of the task that must be completed.
  • To take heart knowing that God is with us on this path.
  • To proceed with the greatest caution.
  • To clearly understand the forces that oppose.
  • To begin the transformation in our own hearts.

Now is that time.

Moving Lines

Moving Line in the First (Bottom) Position

A moving line in the bottom position tells us to slow down. We are tempted to move quickly and seize the moment. But if the time for change is not here, we cannot be successful. The line tells us that the time is not right.

Moving Line in the Second Position

A moving line in the second position reiterates the message of the previous line: the time is not right. But this line suggests that we use this time to build up our internal strength. We will need this strength to move forward.

Moving Line in the Third Position

A moving line in the third position suggests that the time for change has come, but we are not ready. We are not strong enough. Pushing forward now will only result in disaster. We must first redefine the situation by building relationships and engaging the energy of others. Once we have done this, change will be possible.

Moving Line in the Fourth Position

A moving line in the fourth position proclaims that the time for change has come. We are in a do-or-die situation; we must make the change happen. We must be resolute and put aside all doubts. We must understand the importance of the change that is to be; a failure will mean that darkness has won and Ego has triumphed. What we do now will lay the foundations for the future.

Moving Line in the Fifth Position

A moving line in the fifth position tells us that we have won. The change has occurred. The forces of darkness have been overcome. The light of a wise one shines forth, and the children of light have come together in support. A new era has begun, an era that replaces darkness by light. The changes are welcomed and energizing and are in marked contrast to the misery of the old era.

Moving Line in the Sixth (Top) Position

A moving line in the top position tells us that we are at the dawning of the new era. We are waiting and watching, drunk with anticipation. However, the line warns us to maintain our dignity and remain centered. Otherwise the forward momentum may be lost.

Other interpretations of Archetype 64:

Internal Links:

  • Return to the Hexagram Index Table [click here].
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Reproduced with permission from Wisdom's Way; The Christian I Ching copyright (c) 2015 Roger Sessions.