I Ching Oracle Result: Hexagram 24 (Unchanging)
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24 Unchanging
24. Return (復 Fù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing
The Symbolism of Hexagram 24
Hexagram 復 (Fù) describes a return to origin after decline. It is the reappearance of movement at the base, marking the beginning of a new cycle.
Hexagram 24 Judgment
The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
"Return. Origin and smooth progress. Movement in and out without harm. Companions return: no error. The course turns back on itself; after seven days, return occurs. It is favorable to proceed."
After decline reaches its limit, movement begins again at the base. This return is not forced—it follows a natural cycle.
Because it aligns with the underlying pattern, movement is now possible again. What was lost begins to re-emerge.
Hexagram 24 Image
The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
"Thunder stirs within the earth: return. The superior person closes the passes and restrains movement at the turning point."
The returning force is still contained below the surface. It has not yet emerged fully.
At this stage, external movement is limited. The return must complete internally before outward expansion resumes.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team