I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 24: Return
Fu · 復
After the darkest point, the light returns of itself. A gentle turning that must not be forced.
- return
- renewal
- turning point
- light
- Upper trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震 · Movement
The Judgment
RETURN has success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without blame. The way goes to and fro: on the seventh day comes return. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image
Thunder within the earth. Thus the kings of old closed the passes at the solstice; merchants and strangers did not travel, and the ruler did not journey through the provinces.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Return' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and initiating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Earth above Thunder suggests a natural dynamic of receptivity over movement.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
First position: the force is still hidden and unripe. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
The beginning of movement. The energy is real, but it is too soon to show yourself or act drastically. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 2nd place
Second position: receptivity in its proper place. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Natural balance. Act with correctness and simplicity, without artifice. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 5th place
Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Earth (Receptivity) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Return — the matter is return: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 24 mean?
Return (Fu): The hexagram 'Return' carries the energy of Earth (Receptivity) acting upon Thunder (Movement). This moment asks for balance between supporting outwardly and initiating inwardly.
What does hexagram 24 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests devotion and care combined with sudden passion. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 24 say about work?
At work, the energy favors administration and support grounded in new ventures. Consolidate your base.