Hexagram 24
FuReturn
Earth (Kun) · Thunder (Zhen)
The image
Thunder within the earth: The image of THE TURNING POINT. Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes At the time of solstice. Merchants and strangers did not go about, And the ruler Did not travel through the provinces.
This hexagram in one line
The idea of a turning point arises from the fact that after the dark lines have pushed all of the light lines upward and out of the hexagram, another light line enters the hexagram from below. The time of darkness is past. The winter solstice brings the victory of light. This hexagram is linked with the eleventh month, the month of the solstice (December–January).
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Thunder moves beneath earth
Hexagram Judgment
RETURN. Success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without blame. To and fro goes the way. On the seventh day comes return. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. The upper trigram K'un is characterized by devotion; thus the movement is natural, arising spontaneously. For this reason the transformation of the old becomes easy. The old is discarded and the new is introduced. Both measures accord with the time; therefore no harm results. Societies of people sharing the same views are formed. But since these groups come together in full public knowledge and are in harmony with the time, all selfish separatist tendencies are excluded, and no mistake is made. The idea of RETURN is based on the course of nature. The movement is cyclic, and the course completes itself. Therefore it is not necessary to hasten anything artificially. Everything comes of itself at the appointed time. This is the meaning of heaven and earth. All movements are accomplished in six stages, and the seventh brings return. Thus the winter solstice, with which the decline of the year begins, comes in the seventh month after the summer solstice; so too sunrise comes in the seventh double hour after sunset. Therefore seven is the number of the young light, and it arises when six, the number of the great darkness, is increased by one. In this way the state of rest gives place to movement.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Return succeeds because the firm returns. Movement acts in compliance, and so going out and coming in brings no harm. Friends come without blame, for one returns to the proper path. On the seventh day comes return: this is the movement of heaven. It is favorable to have somewhere to go because the firm grows by returning.
Return has success because the firm energy returns. Movement and action with devotion ensure that going out and coming in brings no harm. Friends come without blame as one returns to the true way. The seven-day cycle follows the course of heaven. Having somewhere to go furthers one because the firm grows stronger by returning.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder within the earth: The image of THE TURNING POINT. Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes At the time of solstice. Merchants and strangers did not go about, And the ruler Did not travel through the provinces.
The winter solstice has always been celebrated in China as the resting time of the year—a custom that survives in the time of rest observed at the new year. In winter the life energy, symbolized by thunder, the Arousing, is still underground. Movement is just at its beginning; therefore it must be strengthened by rest, so that it will not be dissipated by being used prematurely. This principle, i.e., of allowing energy that is renewing itself to be reinforced by rest, applies to all similar situations. The return of health after illness, the return of understanding after an estrangement: everything must be treated tenderly and with care at the beginning, so that the return may lead to a flowering.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 24 (Return [The Turning Point]) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 24 (Return [The Turning Point]) reveal about love and relationships? After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. The u... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 24 (Return [The Turning Point]) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 24 (Return [The Turning Point]) mean for your career? After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. The u... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fu / Return mean in the I Ching?
After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. The u...
How should I study Hexagram 24 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Slight digressions from the good cannot be avoided, but one must turn back in time, before going too far. This is especially important in the development of character; every faintl...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Return has success because the firm energy returns. Movement and action with devotion ensure that going out and coming in brings no harm. Friends come without blame as one returns to the true way. The seven-day cycle fol...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.