Hexagram 24 — Return (复)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 24—Return (Fù): The turning point — renewal begins.
Fu is return — one yang returns, thunder in earth. After stripping comes renewal; return early and sincerely. Lost return brings misfortune; solstice rest nourishes the turning point.
The Judgment
亨。出入无疾，朋来无咎。反复其道，七日来复，利有攸往。
Hēng. Chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.
“Success. Going out and coming in without illness. Friends arrive without blame. The way returns; in seven days comes return. It furthers to undertake.”
In plain terms: The turning point — renewal begins.
The Image
雷在地中，复；先王以至日闭关，商旅不行，后不省方。
Léi zài dì zhōng, fù; xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.
“Thunder in earth — ancient kings closed passes at the solstice; merchants and travelers did not move.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Return not far — supreme good fortune, no regret.
- Return in peace — good fortune.
- Repeated return — danger, no blame.
- Return alone in the middle way.
- Return in sincerity — no regret.
- Lost return — misfortune and calamity.
In Daily Life
When Return appears in reflection, consider:
- Return early when off course
- Seven days return — cycles turn; wait patiently
- Solstice rest — stillness nourishes renewal
Practical scenarios:
- After failure — return soon; supreme fortune
- Repeating habits — sincere return breaks the cycle
- Around solstice — rest and reset
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Return is often associated with the East and the Wood phase.
Lower Zhen (east) and upper Kun (southwest). Thunder in earth — store energy in the east, quiet nourishment in southwest for renewal.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Return reminds us: The turning point — renewal begins. What is this pattern asking of you right now?