Hexagram 24: Return

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 24 in plain words

Earth sits above thunder. Thunder stirs deep inside the earth: movement is just beginning beneath the surface. A single strong line returns at the bottom, under five yielding ones, like the first light after the winter solstice. Tradition ties this hexagram to that turning of the year, when the darkest day passes and the days begin to lengthen. The movement is natural, not forced, and in seven stages it comes round again.

In your situation, the worst may be behind you, or you may be returning to something you had lost: a habit, a relationship, a sense of who you are. The traditional advice is to treat this new energy with care. Like the ancient rulers who closed the passes at the solstice and let travelers rest, give the fresh start time to grow before demanding much of it. Return to what is good in yourself and drop what led you astray. Friends and helpers come back too, and the way opens again in both directions. Rest, reflect, and take small steps forward; the turn has happened, and it will gather strength with time.

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: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) the earth and that for thunder in the midst of it form Fû. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, on the day of the (winter) solstice, shut the gates of the passes (from one state to another), so that the travelling merchants could not (then) pursue their journeys, nor the princes go on with the inspection of their states.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Thunder stirs deep inside the earth at midwinter, the first movement of a return. Let the new start rest a little: protect it, stay quiet, and do not rush out too soon.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, 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.

You turn back after only a short distance. Correcting yourself quickly means no regret and great good fortune.

Line 2

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

A quiet return, guided by a good example. Turning back calmly, with help from someone kind, brings good fortune.

Line 3

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

You return again and again, after slipping repeatedly. It is risky to keep wavering, but each return is still not a fault.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, 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).

You walk among others but turn back alone. Following what is right even when the group goes another way is the true path.

Line 5

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

A noble-hearted return. Looking honestly at yourself and choosing to change brings no regret.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost SIX, 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.

You miss the moment to return. Stubbornly staying on the wrong course leads to misfortune for a long time: turn back while you can.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 24 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 24 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram may point to reconnection, a reconciliation, or a fresh start after a hard time. Go slowly, let trust return in small steps, and do not rush back into old patterns.

Hexagram 24 for work and decisions

At work, momentum is coming back after a slow period. Return to basics and to what works, rest before the next push, and build up gradually.

Questions