I Ching · No.24 · Fu / Return (The Turning Point)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Fû 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 entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

Translation

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just beginning to arrive; wait quietly for it to start moving.
• Wealth 财运: Temporarily suspend the sale of goods, and profit will surely be gained.
• Household 家宅: Wait until spring to relocate; marriages can be accomplished in early spring.
• Health 身体: Phlegm and excessive internal heat; precautions should be taken in winter.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just arriving and has not yet set in motion. Wait quietly, and good luck will come naturally.
• Business 营商: Goods are fully prepared, and market prices are starting to fluctuate. It is advisable to temporarily suspend sales, and profit will surely be obtained.
• Household 家宅: This house is currently closed and quiet. One must wait until springtime to relocate. Good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of the enemy burying landmines or lying in ambush; fighting should be temporarily suspended to build up military strength. Good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: It is an ailment of phlegm-fire, where food and drink cannot be consumed. Guard against this as winter approaches.
• Litigation 讼事: It cannot be trialed and settled for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, delivery around the Spring Equinox.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Because the matchmaker has not yet gone to negotiate, it can be accomplished in early spring. Good fortune.
• Lost Items 失物: Difficult to find for now, but will be recovered in the future.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

• Overall Image 大象: Thunder sounding within the earth symbolizes spring returning to the land: the beginning of a new cycle, when all things are renewed.
• Fortune 运势: An omen of opening luck and smooth progress. It is not advisable to advance hastily in anything; success comes from proceeding step-by-step.
• Career 事业: The difficult period has passed, and you are starting to enter the phase of active implementation. However, you must seize the opportunity and make decisive moves without being impatient. You should also constantly reflect on your own actions, cultivate yourself strictly, and march forward courageously, and success can be expected.
• Business 经商: One can invest boldly, cooperate sincerely with like-minded partners to open up the market, and not shrink back due to setbacks. One can also enter external markets, uphold business ethics, proceed step-by-step, and profit will surely be made.
• Seeking Fame 求名: The opportunity is ripening. Do not rush for success; continue to lay a solid foundation. Once the opportunity arrives, you must seize it, and your fortune will surely turn. The most critical thing is to avoid losing heart.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Smooth. But under no circumstances should you be impatient; consider matters calmly. The bliss and happiness of a family are maintained by strict self-discipline.
• Decision 决策: Vibrant in character and full of energy, but impatience can cause losses in your career. You must think calmly, have the courage to correct mistakes, and you will surely revitalize your undertakings. At this time, you should seize opportunities, clarify your direction, remain flexible and alert, and change your situation in a down-to-earth manner. If something unexpected happens, you should make a quick decision and temporarily withdraw. If you can steer yourself accurately and strive hard, achieving success in your career will be very smooth.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject returning (from an error) of no great extent, which would not proceed to anything requiring repentance. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Returning from not far away, no great error; supreme good fortune. The Xiang Commentary says: Returning from not far away shows the ability to constantly self-reflect and strictly cultivate oneself.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. For those who obtain this line, everything goes as desired, and business yields profit. Officials will hold high positions and great power. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is gradually rising; everything is smooth.
• Wealth 财运: Recovering what was lost; there is no need for regret.
• Household 家宅: Revival of family legacy; marriages are accomplished again.
• Health 身体: Recovery through quiet rest.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is coming and gradually setting in motion; progress is smooth all the way. Supreme good fortune.
• Business 营商: What was lost or consumed before can be recovered; regret is avoided. Supreme good fortune.
• Household 家宅: The revival of the family legacy is right before one's eyes. Supreme good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Defeat can be turned into victory on the very day. Supreme good fortune.
• Litigation 讼事: Although the initial trial was unjust, a second appeal will surely win. Supreme good fortune.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Indicates parting and then reuniting to succeed. Supreme good fortune.
• Travelers 行人: Will return in a few days. Good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Recovery through quiet rest. Prime good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy on this very day.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be recovered on this very day.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows the admirable return (of its subject). There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Admirable return; good fortune. The Xiang Commentary says: The good fortune of an admirable return is due to one's capability to yield to and serve the virtuous.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. For those who obtain this line, sharing profits with others brings thriving business, and the sick will recover. Demoted officials will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Following what is good; all things will be auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Sharing profits with others; business will thrive.
• Household 家宅: Harmony prospers the household.
• Health 身体: Consult the previous doctor again.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is good. By following what is good in all matters, everything will turn out auspicious.
• Business 营商: By sharing profits with others, the business will surely thrive. Good fortune.
• Household 家宅: There are many signs of blessings and auspiciousness in the household; the old legacy can naturally be restored. Good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Temporarily suspend offensive actions for the time being, showing weakness to nurture troop morale. Good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable for the doctor who first treated the illness to examine it again. Good fortune.
• Travelers 行人: Will surely return by following an elder.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.
• Lost Items 失物: Look for it in low places.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one who has made repeated returns. The position is perilous, but there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Returning with a worried face; danger, but retreating upon encountering difficulty brings no harm. The Xiang Commentary says: Although returning with a worried face, one has escaped danger, and thus there should be no harm.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, matters are full of reversals, yin and yang are in conflict, and fortunes fluctuate. Officials' positions are unstable and subject to constant changes.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Sometimes good and sometimes bad; hold the reins yourself.
• Wealth 财运: There are gains and losses; it all depends on yourself.
• Household 家宅: Unsettled relocation.
• Health 身体: The illness recurs repeatedly despite treatment; though dangerous, it is not fatal.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One good and one bad, with constant gains and losses. Whether one can hold onto the gains and avoid losses depends entirely on the person.
• Business 营商: There are losses and profits; if one can make profits exceed losses, turning loss back into profit, one can still make a profit.
• Household 家宅: A sign of unsettled relocation.
• Illness 疾病: The illness recurs repeatedly despite treatment; though dangerous, safety can be assured without fatal harm.
• Litigation 讼事: A sign of repeatedly changing testimonies, which turns into danger and severity.
• Travelers 行人: The determination to return is not yet decided.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; the labor is somewhat difficult but free from harm.
• Lost Items 失物: Lost more than once, but should eventually be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ming I (Darkening of the light) Hexagram. It is beneficial to divine about difficult matters. The Image says: The inner hexagram of this hexagram is Li, Li is the sun; the outer hexagram is Kun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinking into the earth is the image of Darkening of the light. Observing this image, the gentleman governs the people and administers the government not by being harshly scrutinizing to show intelligence, but by being outwardly simple and inwardly wise, tolerating things and drawing close to the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun enters into the earth, and the light is damaged; all things are obstructed, waiting for fortune. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, their fortune is poor, and everything is laborious. They should firmly adhere to the correct path, be patient and self-respecting, and await the opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Li below, Kun above). Li is light, Kun is obedience; Li is the sun, Kun is the earth. The sun sinks into the earth, light is damaged, the future is unclear, and the environment is difficult. It is advisable to follow the times and nurture obscurity, firmly adhere to the correct path, be outwardly simple and inwardly wise, and hide one's light and nurture obscurity.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Walking in the middle and returning alone. The Xiang Commentary says: Walking in the middle and returning alone is to return to what is right.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, good fortune can be expected, and business plans will yield profit. Officials will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although wishing to rally one's spirits, strength falls short.
• Wealth 财运: Although the planning is meticulous, capital is insufficient.
• Household 家宅: More females than males; it is advisable to follow the previous matchmaker.
• Health 身体: It is advisable to consult the doctor who first treated the illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is weak. Though wishing to revitalize, it is a pity that strength cannot match the desire.
• Business 营商: Planning is precise and correct, but capital is not yet abundant, which is a pity.
• Household 家宅: Many female relatives and few male heirs; one cannot help but sigh, sleeping alone and singing upon waking.
• Warfare 战征: Beware of ambushes set along the way.
• Illness 疾病: An ailment of weakness; it is advisable to be treated by the doctor who first handled the case.
• Travelers 行人: Returning midway, will return again after finding a companion.
• Marriage 婚嫁: It is advisable to follow the previous matchmaker.
• Lost Items 失物: Seek it midway.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Zhen Hexagram. When the sacrifice is approached, the sound of thunder arrives, making some people tremble with fear; yet shortly afterward, they talk and laugh as usual. A sudden clap of thunder shocks a hundred li, yet some remain calm and composed, holding the sacrificial ladle without spilling a single drop of wine. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Symbols) says: The upper and lower trigrams of this hexagram are both Zhen, and Zhen is thunder. Thus, successive claps of thunder form the image of the Zhen Hexagram. The gentleman, in accordance with this, stands in awe and dread, examining and cultivating his character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Successive thunderclaps resound; one should exert oneself and strive for progress. First difficult, then easy; first bitter, then sweet. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should rise up and strive, for much can be achieved; however, while the surface appears prosperous, there may be hidden difficulties within. One should be cautious in speech and behavior to avoid losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Zhen below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder. The doubling of Zhen creates a resounding echo, which clears away stagnant air, leading to smooth progress and prosperity. In daily life, one should prepare for danger in times of peace, harboring a sense of reverence and fear without daring to slacken, so that even in the face of sudden emergencies, one remains calm, talking and laughing as usual.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows the noble return of its subject. There will be no ground for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Returning after examination brings no regret. The Xiang Commentary says: Returning after examination brings no regret, meaning one examines oneself from within using the correct path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune. For those who obtain this line, there will be savings, but one must guard against accidents happening to one's father. Officials will have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Treat matters with magnanimity; there will be success and no regret.
• Wealth 财运: Capital is sufficient; profit is gained from both going and returning.
• Household 家宅: Bring glory to the ancestral legacy.
• Health 身体: Vital energy and breath are both mature; there is no need for excessive worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is righteous. Approach everything with generosity; there will be past merits and no regrets.
• Business 营商: Capital is abundant; profit is gained from transaction cycles.
• Household 家宅: The ancestral foundation is deep and solid, and the old legacy shines anew. Good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Military force is substantial; cities can be attacked and recaptured.
• Illness 疾病: The patient is full of spirit and physically robust; there is no cause for concern.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: It is advisable to reflect and search on one's own.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

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.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Missing the return; misfortune. There is disaster and calamity. If this line is encountered in divination, launching a military expedition will end in a great defeat, bringing danger to the ruler. The state's vitality is severely damaged, and it will be unable to launch another campaign even after ten years. The Xiang Commentary says: The misfortune of missing the return is due to the ruler violating the way of a sovereign.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. For those who obtain this line, actions are perverse and everything goes against them; quietude brings good fortune, whereas action brings misfortune. Officials will suffer due to excessive greed for power.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Actions are perverse; be cautious to avoid disaster.
• Wealth 财运: Everything is unfavorable; it is difficult to restore the business.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for the residents.
• Health 身体: Difficult to preserve.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is reversed and actions are perverse; be cautious to avoid disaster.
• Business 营商: Goods are incomplete, contracts are unreliable, and market prices are unstable, which will surely lead to great loss. The business cannot be restored at this time. Misfortune.
• Household 家宅: Beware of ghosts or weird occurrences; it is mostly unfavorable for the residents.
• Warfare 战征: Chariot tracks in confusion and flags dragging; a sign of crushing defeat.
• Illness 疾病: The condition is already dangerous; if the long illness allows one to prolong their years, it is still a blessing.
• Travelers 行人: Being abroad is full of dangers; it is feared they cannot return within ten years.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl. When this girl grows up, she is also destined to bring great ruin.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.