Return
复 (Fù)
Hexagram #24
Hexagram Structure
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Thunder
Core Essence
Keywords
Meaning
Represents the return of light and life after a period of darkness and dormancy.
Guidance
Embrace this new beginning. The return of positive energy brings new opportunities.
Classical Texts
Judgment
Return. Success. Going out and coming in without error. Friends come without blame. To and fro goes the way. On the seventh day comes return. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
复：亨。出入无疾，朋来无咎。反复其道，七日来复，利有攸往。
Image
Thunder within the earth: the image of the Turning Point. Thus the ancient kings closed the passes at the time of solstice.
雷在地中，复；先王以至日闭关，商旅不行，后不省方。
Hexagram Story & Origin
The Return hexagram symbolizes the hope of new beginnings and revival. 'Fu' means to return and restore, like winter giving way to spring. The Reign of Zhenguan and the Kangxi-Qianlong prosperity in Chinese history embody the spirit of the Fu hexagram. The Fu hexagram teaches us: even in the most difficult times, we must maintain hope and believe there will be opportunities for new beginnings. Failure is not the end, but a new starting point.
Detailed Analysis
Chat with AI Master
Explore the wisdom of Return hexagram with our AI I Ching master