I Ching

Hexagram 24 — The Return Fu

Hexagram 24, The Return — the six lines

Classical meaning

Success. Departure and arrival without illness. Friends come without guilt. Return to the path. In seven days the return comes. It is favorable to have a place to go.

復。亨。出入無疾。朋來無咎。反復其道。七日來復。利有攸往。

Image: The thunder within the earth: the image of return. Thus the ancient kings closed the gates at the solstice to avoid disturbing the people.

It signifies renewal, the return to the path, the natural restart after the end.

The six lines

Line 1. Not far returns. Without great regret. Supreme fortune. If you have strayed slightly, return immediately. A swift return prevents harm and brings renewal.
Line 2. Restful return. Fortune. Return with serenity. The spontaneous return strengthens the path.
Line 3. Frequent return. Dangerous. Without guilt. Avoid repeating the same deviations. Constant oscillation causes wear. Maintain firmness in the return.
Line 4. On the middle path, one returns alone. Trust in your own conviction. Even alone, the proper return strengthens the heart.
Line 5. Sincere return. Without regret. Be true in your return. Authenticity dispels regret.
Line 6. Confused return. Misfortune. There is calamity and adversity. Employing the army leads to great defeat. The ruler suffers ruin. Up to ten years without being able to undertake a campaign. If the return is delayed until the course is lost, ruin ensues. Avoid insisting on force or prolonging error. Early rediscovery of the path is vital.
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