Hexagram 24 changing to 19: Return to Approach

Where it starts: 24 Return

The turning point: light returns after the darkest day, and the beginning must be treated gently. Thunder below, earth above: movement stirring under the ground at the winter solstice. One yang line has entered at the bottom beneath five yin lines. Return is the turning point, the first day of the light's recovery, and the tradition treats it with great tenderness: the ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice and let everything rest. The reading says the turn has come, that the old cycle is over and a new one is beginning, and that the beginning is small and must not be forced. Friends come without blame; going and coming is without error; the way returns in seven days.

Where it goes: 19 Approach

A favourable time approaching, and the reminder that it will pass: use it before the eighth month. Lake below, earth above: the earth leaning over the water, the higher approaching the lower with care. Approach describes a rising time, spring coming, the strong lines entering from below and growing. The judgement is very favourable and it contains a warning: in the eighth month there is misfortune. The season will turn. The reading asks you to act now, generously and attentively, as someone in authority approaches those they are responsible for, and to keep the coming turn in mind so that the gains are secured before it arrives.

The lines that move

1. Line 2

   Quiet return. Good fortune.

   Turning back in good company, drawn by the example of someone better rather than by argument. Self-mastery that comes easily because of a good influence nearby. The line is calm and fortunate. Return alongside someone whose example makes it easy.

What is changing. The situation of Return is moving toward Approach. Welcome the turn, begin small, and rest while the new cycle gathers strength. As the change completes: Act generously and attentively while the time is favourable, and secure the gains before it turns.

love and relationships

Now: A return: of warmth, of contact, of someone, or of your own feeling. It is real and it is young. Do not test it with demands. Let the new beginning grow at its own pace and rest with it. Then: Things are growing and the time to invest in them is now. Approach the other person with care and generosity. The reading's warning is that a good season is not permanent: use it to build what will last past it.

career

Now: The low point has passed and a new cycle is beginning. Do not launch everything at once. Take the first small step, let the momentum build naturally, and rest while it does. The tradition closes the passes for a reason. Then: Rising influence and opportunity. Engage fully, teach and protect the people you are responsible for, and secure the gains. The eighth month is a real deadline: what is not established by then may be lost.

money

Now: Recovery begins, small at first. Do not rush to make up losses; the return to strength follows its own timing. Reinvest gently and let the cycle carry you. Then: A growing phase. Invest, build and act while conditions favour it, and set aside for the turn. Do not assume the rise continues indefinitely.

decisions

Now: Decide for the fresh start, and decide to make it gently. The reading favours returning to your own proper path over any dramatic new direction. Small first, and in season. Then: Act now on the opportunity; delay wastes a favourable season. Choose the option that uses the rising conditions while they last and does not depend on them lasting.