Hexagram 24 · 復 · fù
Hexagram 24. Fù · Return
☷☳ Earth over thunder: Kūn above, Zhèn below.
FA indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and
FA indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and
In deep winter the first light is born: after disintegration, life returns. Everything begins anew — gently, without strain, in nature's own rhythm. Do not force the growth and shelter what is young: for now it is enough simply not to hinder the return.
The Image
Thunder has returned beneath the earth: in the depth of winter a new cycle is conceived. After crisis, direction recovers first, strength second. Do not force the convalescence and do not carry the young out into frost: a gentle regime, trusted people, short cycles. Whatever is sown now in accord with the natural course will rise with disproportionate strength.
Interpretation of hexagram 24
XXIV. The Ft) Hexagram. too strong; but the fashion of political life passes away. If he wait, a change for the better will shortly appear.
The lines of hexagram 24
First line
The first line, undivided, shows its subject re¬ turning (from an error) of no great extent, which would not proceed to anything requiring repentance. There will be great good fortune.
The lesser symbolism is chiefly that of a bed or couch with its occupant. The idea of the hexagram requires this occupant to be overthrown, or at least that an attempt be made to overthrow him. Accordingly the attempt in line 1 is made by commencing with the legs of the couch. The symbolism goes on to explain itself. The object of the evil worker is the overthrow of all firm correctness. Of course there will be evil.
Second line
The second line, divided, shows the admirable return (of its subject). There will be good fortune.
Line 2 is to the same effect as 1; only the foe has advanced from the legs to the frame of the couch.
Third line
The third line, divided, shows one who has made repeated returns. The position is perilous, but there will be no error.
Line 3 also represents an overthrower; but it differs from the others in being the correlate of 6. The subject of it will take part with him. His association is with the subject of 6, and not, as in the other weak lines, with one of its own kind.
Fourth line
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject moving right in the centre (among those represented by the other divided lines), and yet returning alone (to his proper path).
From line 4 the danger is imminent. The couch has been overthrown. The person of the occupant is at the mercy of the destroyers.
Fifth line
The fifth line, divided, shows the noble return of its subject. There will be no ground for repentance.
With line 5 the symbolism changes. The subject of 5 is ‘lord of all the other weak lines,’ and their subjects are at his disposal. He and they are represented as fishes, following one another as if strung together. All fishes come under the category of yin. Then the symbolism changes again. The subject of 5, representing and controlling all the yin lines, is loyal to the subject of the yang sixth line. He is the rightful sovereign in his palace, and 5 leads all the others there to enjoy the sovereign’s favours.
Top line
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject all astray on the subject of returning. There will be evil. There will be calamities and errors. If with his views he put the hosts in motion, the end will be a great defeat, whose issues will extend to the ruler of the state. Even in ten years he will not be able to repair the disaster.
We have still different symbolism under line 6. Its strong subject, notwithstanding the attempts against him, survives, and acquires fresh vigour. The people again cherish their sovereign, and the plotters have wrought to their own overthrow.
Did hexagram 24 come up in your reading? The oracle itself gives the full reading, with changing lines and the second hexagram.
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