What is Hexagram 24, Return?
Hexagram 24, Return (復 Fù), is built from Earth (坤 Kūn) over Thunder (震 Zhèn), and the Wilhelm-Baynes translation reads its themes as return, renewal, turning point. The classical sources describe it as a pattern in the Book of Changes (易經 Yìjīng), a situation to recognise, not a verdict to obey.
Key Takeaways
- Hexagram 24 is built from Earth (坤 Kūn) over Thunder (震 Zhèn).
- Its central themes, return, renewal, turning point, recovery, sit in the Wilhelm-Baynes lineage.
- The classical pairing matches the hexagram to Clear Quartz as the meditation stone.
- Read alongside BaZi, Kua, and Compass School sector mapping for a fuller picture.
- This is a pattern, not a verdict, the I-Ching frames reflection, not prediction.
The 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.
The Image
Thunder within the earth: the image of the Turning Point. Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes at the time of solstice.
Master Wei Lin's Interpretation
Interpretation by Master Wei Lin, Chinese Metaphysics Scholar, pattern recognition, not fortune-telling
Thunder stirring beneath the earth, the first movement of return after the winter solstice. This is one of the most hopeful hexagrams. After a period of darkness, withdrawal, or loss, the light is returning. The turning point has arrived. Don't rush it, the seed is just sprouting, but know that the cycle has shifted. What is returning to you now?
The Six Lines
When a changing line appears in your reading, its text carries special guidance for your situation.
Line 1 (bottom)
“Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune.”
Line 2
“Quiet return. Good fortune.”
Line 3
“Repeated return. Danger. No blame.”
Line 4
“Walking in the midst of others, one returns alone.”
Line 5
“Noblehearted return. No remorse.”
Line 6 (top)
“Missing the return. Misfortune. If one uses armies, one will in the end suffer a great defeat.”
🔮 Crystal for Hexagram 24
Clear Quartz
Hold Clear Quartz while meditating on Return. Its energy resonates with the themes of return, renewal, turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 24 (Return) mean?
In the Wilhelm-Baynes translation of the I-Ching (易經 Yìjīng), Hexagram 24, Return (復 Fù), is read through Earth (坤 Kūn) over Thunder (震 Zhèn). The classical sources describe its themes as return, renewal, turning point. This is pattern recognition, not prediction.
What is the Judgment for Return?
The Judgment reads: "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.", the Judgment is the I-Ching's classical summary of the situation the hexagram describes, and what the present moment is asking of the reader.
What is the Image for Return?
The Image reads: "Thunder within the earth: the image of the Turning Point. Thus the kings of antiquity closed the passes at the time of solstice.", in the classical sources the Image is the elemental picture, the upper and lower trigrams in conversation, that the reader holds while sitting with the hexagram.
What crystal pairs with Hexagram 24?
Clear Quartz is the traditional pairing for Return. The classical Chinese gemology lineage associates this stone with the hexagram's central themes, hold it during meditation on the reading. This is reflective practice, not divination-as-prediction.
How is Hexagram 24 read in BaZi or Feng Shui?
An I-Ching cast is one consultation. The fuller reading, Four Pillars (四柱 Sì Zhù), Kua personal feng shui, and Compass School sector mapping, reads the hexagram alongside the chart. Master Wei Lin's Master Reading section synthesizes the Book of Changes alongside BaZi and the other Chinese metaphysics traditions.
More Hexagrams
Occasional notes on BaZi and feng shui
Master Wei Lin writes when a new free tool ships or a chart pattern is worth explaining properly. No schedule, no spam, one reply removes you.
We respect your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Explore More Tools
I-Ching Online
Cast your own hexagram reading
Open →BaZi Calculator
Your Four Pillars chart (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Five Elements Quiz
Find your Wu Xing balance (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Feng Shui Bagua Mapper
Map your home's 8 sectors (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Year animal + element (Master Wei Lin)
Open →