Hexagram 24
Return
復 · 복
Earth over Thunder
The Judgment
After the furthest decline, the first movement of renewal appears. Return succeeds because it follows the living rhythm of the time, not because it conquers exhaustion by force. Coming and going may proceed unharmed, and companions can gather without fault. The cycle completes its turn in seven days, showing that restoration has its appointed measure. Movement is again favorable, but the new beginning is tender: nourish it patiently, and let the recovered direction establish itself before demanding abundance.
The Image
Thunder lies within the earth, a hidden stirring not yet released into full activity. The ancient rulers marked the turning season by closing the passes and suspending travel and inspection. The noble one likewise protects renewal with stillness, allowing the earliest pulse of life to gather strength.
In the light of the Dao
Return is the Way's quiet answer to excess. What has gone outward comes home; what has spent itself rests and begins again. Do not pull at the first green shoot. Empty the space around it, and trust the small movement that arises without command.
The two trigrams
Upper · outer
☷Earth
Receptive, yielding · Mother
Lower · inner
☳Thunder
Arousing, movement · Eldest son
The six lines
Read from the bottom up. A line speaks only when it moves — when the cast gives it as 6 or 9.
First line · the beginning · yang, nine
The departure from the right course has been slight, and the return is immediate. There is no need to make a dwelling of remorse or defend the error. Recognizing the first deviation and turning back promptly opens the way to great good fortune.
Second line · the inner centre · yin, six
Return comes gently, through a receptive disposition and the influence of a worthy companion. One does not insist upon solitary pride, but willingly draws near to goodness. Because the heart can rest in this correction without resistance, the outcome is favorable.
Third line · the threshold · yin, six
One turns back repeatedly, yet repeatedly wanders away. Such instability is dangerous, since intention has not become a settled way of living. Nevertheless, each genuine return remains free from essential blame; the remedy is to strengthen constancy rather than abandon the effort.
Fourth line · the minister · yin, six
Moving among companions who continue in another direction, one alone turns toward what is right. The return is inwardly chosen, not supported by the crowd. This line honors fidelity that can leave familiar company without hostility when conscience recognizes a different path.
Fifth line · the ruler · yin, six
The return is wholehearted and searching. One examines one's own conduct without evasions, recovering an honorable purpose through sincere self-correction. Because the change reaches the heart rather than merely the outward manner, there is no cause for regret over the turning.
Top line · the end · yin, six
The moment for return is missed through confusion and obstinacy. Persisting in the wrong direction brings calamity; forceful expeditions magnify the error into defeat and harm the ruler as well. Recovery is obstructed for a full ten years, so deeply has the course gone astray.