Hexagram 24
Return (The Turning Point)
复 (Fù)
Earth over Thunder
The image is of Thunder stirring deep within the Earth. After a long period of darkness and decay (Hexagram 23), a single yang line returns at the very bottom, signaling the return of light and life. This is the winter solstice, the point at which the darkness has reached its peak and the light begins its slow, natural return. It represents a fundamental turning point, a spontaneous and gentle emergence of positive energy. This is a time of hope, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This hexagram promises success because a natural and positive turning point has been reached. Movement is encouraged ("favorable to have somewhere to go"), as the cycle is now shifting towards growth. The return of positive energy attracts like-minded people ("friends come without blame"). The "seventh day" symbolizes the completion of the cycle of decay and the start of this new phase. Everything is returning to its proper course, and you can move forward with confidence, free from error.
The Image (象传)
This seems to contradict the Judgment, but it offers crucial wisdom. The returning light (Thunder) is still young and tender. The ancient kings closed the passes not to stop progress, but to protect this nascent energy from being disturbed or exhausted too quickly. It's a call to nurture the new beginning. Before launching major new initiatives, one should rest, consolidate strength, and allow the returning positive force to grow stronger. It is a time for quiet internal renewal before major outward action.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 24, you have reached a significant turning point. After a period of difficulty, loss, or stagnation, positive energy is re-entering your life. This is a natural, organic process. Your main task is not to force it, but to welcome and nurture it. Let go of past errors and align yourself with this new, hopeful trend. It is a time for second chances and quiet optimism. Correct small mistakes as soon as you notice them. The path forward is clear, but it requires patience. Allow things to recover and grow at their own pace, protecting the fragile new beginnings from unnecessary stress or conflict.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune."
You have strayed only slightly from the correct path and realize it quickly. By immediately correcting this minor error, you avoid any negative consequences and align yourself perfectly with the returning good. This is a sign of high awareness and brings great fortune.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"Quiet return. Good fortune."
You are inspired by the good example of another (the yang line below) and choose to return to the right way. This is a humble, quiet decision made without need for attention. This sincerity and openness to good influence brings good fortune.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"Repeated return. Danger. No blame."
This line indicates a tendency to waver. You return to the right path, but then stray again, and must repeatedly correct your course. This vacillation is inherently dangerous, but because your fundamental intention is to return to the good, you are ultimately without blame. It is a call for greater resolve.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Walking in the midst of others, one returns alone."
Though surrounded by negative or misguided influences (the other yin lines), you are able to follow a higher principle (inspired by the yang line at the bottom) and find your way back to the right path by yourself. This shows independent moral character and strength.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Noble-hearted return. No remorse."
This describes a profound and sincere return. It comes from a deep self-examination and a commitment to one's core values, without any external pressure or need for justification. This is a high form of integrity that leaves no room for regret.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Missing the return. Misfortune. Misfortune from within and without. If one sets armies marching in this way, one will in the end suffer a great defeat."
This is a dire warning. The opportunity to turn back has been completely missed. One persists stubbornly on a wrong path, deaf to all signs. This leads to catastrophe. The consequences are severe, long-lasting, and self-inflicted. It represents a total failure to align with the natural order.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram is a powerful and hopeful sign in matters of love. It often signifies a reconciliation or a second chance after a period of distance, conflict, or misunderstanding (the 'splitting apart' of Hexagram 23). An old flame may return, or a relationship that was on the brink can begin to heal. The key is to recognize that this new beginning is tender. Do not rush to resolve every past issue at once. Instead, nurture the returning warmth with patience and kindness. It's a time to let go of old grievances and focus on the positive energy that is re-emerging. For those who are single, this hexagram suggests the end of a lonely period and the beginning of a new, healthier cycle of connection. It's a return to hope in love, and you should move forward, gently and optimistically.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, 'Return' marks a welcome turning point. A project that was failing may now show signs of viability. A period of stagnation is ending, and momentum is beginning to build again. This is the light at the end of the tunnel. However, the wisdom of the Image—to "close the passes"—is crucial. This is not the time for a massive, risky launch. It is a time for consolidation. Review what went wrong, correct mistakes, and strengthen your foundation. Focus on core activities and re-engage with your team or loyal clients. This hexagram can also mean returning to a former career path that you were passionate about, or rediscovering your original purpose in your current role. Nurture this renewed motivation. By allowing this positive energy to build naturally, you are preparing the ground for significant and sustainable success in the near future.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This is an extremely positive hexagram for health. It signifies the beginning of recovery after an illness, injury, or a period of physical or mental exhaustion. Your natural vitality and healing powers are returning. The crucial advice here is convalescence. The new energy is like a tender sprout and must be protected. The temptation may be to jump back into a full, active life immediately, but this would be a mistake. It could lead to a relapse. Instead, embrace rest. Simplify your schedule, focus on nourishing foods, and engage in gentle, restorative activities like walking or stretching. This is a time to listen deeply to your body's needs and respect its natural rhythm of healing. By creating a quiet, protected space for recovery, you ensure that your return to full health will be complete and lasting.
Financial Matters (财运)
After a period of financial loss or hardship, this hexagram signals that the tide is turning. The downward trend is ceasing, and a slow but steady recovery is beginning. This is a time for returning to sound financial principles. It is not a moment for speculative or high-risk investments, as the new growth is still fragile. Instead, focus on rebuilding your foundation. Start saving again, even if the amounts are small. Create a plan to address any outstanding debts. Make conservative choices and focus on long-term stability rather than short-term gains. By being patient and deliberate, you allow this natural return to prosperity to build solid momentum, leading to a much more secure financial future. It's about letting your finances heal and grow organically.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
This hexagram represents a profound moment in your journey of self-discovery. It marks a return to your authentic self, your core values, and your true path after a time of confusion, self-doubt, or having lost your way. This is a spontaneous awakening, an inner voice guiding you back home. The work now is to listen to that voice and honor it. What old, positive habits can you reintroduce into your daily life? How can you gently correct the course of your life to be more in line with your soul's purpose? This is less about a forceful act of will and more about ceasing to do what is wrong, which naturally allows what is right to emerge. It’s a time for quiet introspection, forgiving yourself for past mistakes, and joyfully embracing the new, clearer direction that is unfolding before you.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is auspicious for new beginnings, but they must be handled with care. The energy is favorable for movement, but it should be deliberate and well-considered, not rash. The key advice is to nurture the returning good. Protect your new ideas, your recovering health, or your rekindling relationship from harsh external pressures. Correct mistakes early. Be patient and trust the natural cycle of renewal. Your role is to be a good steward of this returning light. By doing so, you ensure that this turning point leads to a period of lasting success and well-being.
