Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 复 (Fù) |
| English Name | Return / The Turning Point |
| Trigrams | Earth over Thunder (坤上震下) |
| Number | 24 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Return. Success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without blame. The way goes back and forth; on the seventh day comes return. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
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 Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六二 | 2nd | Quiet return. Good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六三 | 3rd | Repeated return. Danger. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六四 | 4th | Walking in the midst of others, one returns alone. | Step back; the time for advance has not come |
| 六五 | 5th | Noble-hearted return. No remorse. | Step back; the time for advance has not come |
| 上六 | Top | Missing the return. Misfortune. If armies are set marching, one will in the end suffer a great defeat. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- The turning point; first yang returns after complete darkness
- Upper trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing) over lower trigram Thunder (arousing and energizing)
- Embodies the qualities of return, renewal, recovery and rebirth, hope, cycle
Keywords
ReturnRenewalRecoveryRebirthHopeCycle
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious — The Turning Point
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. The turning point; first yang returns after complete darkness Channel the energy of return and renewal for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on recovery to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels return and renewal. The Earth trigram above suggests receptive and nurturing energy in your outer dealings, while the Thunder trigram below points to arousing and energizing foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on stomach and digestion and liver and feet. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody return and renewal. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes recovery and rebirth. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate return in all your actions
- Practice renewal consistently
- Embrace recovery as your guiding principle
- Develop rebirth through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of hope
- Abandon cycle under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 23. Bō (剥) | Splitting Apart — the decay that precedes return |
| 2. Kūn (坤) | The Receptive — earth from which new life springs |
| 19. Lín (临) | Approach — further advancement of yang energy |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “After a long setback, I'm starting to see opportunities again. What now?”
You received Hexagram 24, Return. The judgment says: 'Return. Success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without bla...' The turning point; first yang returns after complete darkness This is a favorable sign. The energy of return supports your intention. Move forward with recovery, but remain mindful of proper timing.