復
Hexagram 24 · 復
Upper trigram: 坤 · Lower trigram: 震
Fu (Return): the hexagram of renewed direction. Correct small departures early, protect a fresh beginning, and rebuild through steady habits.
The image
Earth covers thunder, holding the first stirring of movement within. One yang line returns at the base beneath five yin lines. Fu means return, the recovery of a sound direction after decline. Its image values a beginning while it is still quiet and easily disturbed.
Judgment
亨。出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。
Flourishing. Going out and coming in are without affliction. Friends arrive without blame. The way turns back upon itself; after seven days comes return. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go.
The commentary sees firm energy returning and growing through responsive movement. Like resuming a neglected practice, renewal often begins with a small repeatable action; the seven days belong to the classical cycle rather than a promised personal timetable.
Great Image
雷在地中，復；先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。
Thunder within the earth: Return. At the solstice the former kings accordingly closed the passes; merchants and travelers did not journey, and the ruler did not inspect the regions.
The old seasonal pause protects a beginning from excessive activity. A student restarting after a demanding period may need a quiet routine before returning to a full workload.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初九
不遠復，无祇悔，元吉。
Returning before going far. No great regret. Great good fortune.
Nine in the first place is returning yang at its proper foundation. The Small Image calls this self-cultivation, like noticing an unkind remark quickly and correcting it before resentment grows.
Line 2 · 六二
休復，吉。
A restful return. Good fortune.
Six in the second place is central yin close to the returning yang. The Small Image credits approaching humane conduct, like joining a dependable friend's modest daily study routine.
Line 3 · 六三
頻復，厲无咎。
Repeated return. Danger, but no blame.
Six in the third place is yin unsettled at a threshold. The Small Image distinguishes difficulty from blame, like repeatedly restarting a useful habit while learning what makes it hard to maintain.
Line 4 · 六四
中行獨復。
Walking among others, one returns alone.
Six in the fourth place is fitting yin corresponding with the first yang. The Small Image describes following the way, like leaving a group shortcut behind to complete one's work honestly.
Line 5 · 六五
敦復，无悔。
A wholehearted return. No regret.
Six in the fifth place is central yin examining itself sincerely. The Small Image emphasizes inward assessment, like a supervisor acknowledging an error without waiting for public pressure.
Line 6 · 上六
迷復，凶，有災眚。用行師，終有大敗，以其國君，凶；至于十年，不克征。
Missing the return. Misfortune, with calamity and error. If the army is set in motion, there is a great defeat in the end, with misfortune for the state's ruler. For ten years it cannot campaign.
Six at the top is yin farthest from the returning yang. The Small Image describes reversing the ruler's proper way, like an organization expanding stubbornly instead of correcting its course; the campaign language is no personal prediction.
When asking about
Career
A modest restart often suits neglected work. Correct direction before restoring the full pace.
Love
A sincere return begins with changed conduct. Repair a small breach without demanding immediate reassurance.
Money
Returning to basic records can restore clarity. Rebuild ordinary saving habits through manageable amounts.
Home
Simple familiar routines may help a household settle. Restore one dependable practice at a time.
Study
Reviewing earlier material often supports a fresh start. Keep the first sessions short enough to repeat.
Health
Gentle, regular rest can support a renewed daily rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Return as soon as you notice a departure from sound practice. Protect the new beginning with quiet consistency rather than excessive demands.
Related hexagrams
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