Hexagram 24 · 复 · Fù
Return
- Element:
- Thunder over Earth
- Key themes:
- renewal, recovery, rebirth, second chances, progress
Image
Thunder returning beneath the earth, symbolizing the return of positive energy and new beginnings.
Overall message
Hexagram 24 represents the concept of return and renewal. It emphasizes the importance of patience, perseverance, and making the most of second chances. Success comes from embracing new beginnings, overcoming setbacks, and working harmoniously towards progress.
Embrace the opportunity for renewal and recovery. A return to harmony and progress is possible. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and making the most of second chances.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.
Image. (The trigram representing) the earth and that for thunder in the midst of it form Fû. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, on the day. of the (winter) solstice, shut the gates of the passes (from one state to another), so that the travelling merchants could not (then) pursue their journeys, nor the princes go on with the inspection of their states.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Return
The period of return is complete. Reflect on the journey and prepare for the future.
Reflect on the lessons learned. Use this knowledge to build a stronger foundation.
Line 5 · Leadership in Renewal
Strong leadership guides the return to harmony and success.
Lead with integrity and vision. Your guidance will inspire others.
Line 4 · Harmonious Return
The return is harmonious and well-supported. Success is within reach.
Work with others to achieve harmony. Collaboration will enhance your progress.
Line 3 · Overcoming Setbacks
Setbacks may occur, but they can be overcome with determination.
Stay resilient and focused. Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
Line 2 · Steady Progress
Progress is steady but slow. Patience is key.
Be patient and persistent. Small, consistent steps will lead to success.
Line 1 · Initial Return
The first signs of return and renewal appear. Be open to new beginnings.
Welcome the return of positive energy. Stay hopeful and open to change.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 44 · 姤 · Gòu. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 2 · 坤 · Kūn
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 19 · 临 · Lín
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 36 · 明夷 · Míng Yí
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 51 · 震 · Zhèn
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 3 · 屯 · Zhūn
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 27 · 颐 · Yí