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I Ching · Hexagram 24 Return

Hexagram 24 for decisions: Return

復 Fù · A decision

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.

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.

Advice
Welcome the turn, begin small, and rest while the new cycle gathers strength.
Warning
Forcing the young light to do a summer's work stalls the return.

The changing lines, read for decisions

If your cast of Hexagram 24 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a decision question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 2 The Receptive

    Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune. You have not gone far; turn back now and no harm is done.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 19 Approach

    Quiet return. Good fortune. Return alongside someone whose example makes it easy.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 36 Darkening of the Light

    Repeated return. Danger. No blame. Keep returning even if you keep slipping; the returns count.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 51 The Arousing

    Walking in the midst of others, one returns alone. Turn back even if no one comes with you.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 3 Difficulty at the Beginning

    Noble-hearted return. No remorse. Admit the fault fully and correct it; then let the remorse go.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 27 Nourishment

    Missing the return. Misfortune. Armies set marching end in great defeat; for ten years, no attack. If you have missed the turn, stop compounding it; do not attack.

Hexagram 24 in fullLove & relationshipsCareerMoney

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