䷗ Returning Fù
Core Meaning
The Returning hexagram reveals the wisdom of return and rebirth. 'Thunder in the middle of the Earth,' yang energy germinating underground, after extreme stripping, restoration comes; it is the revival of vitality. 'Seven days come back,' the Celestial Way cycles and returns; after ultimate decline, there must be prosperity. 'Is it not visible in the return of the heart of Heaven and Earth?' This continuous life is the original heart of Heaven and Earth. The key is 'not far to return' – immediately returning upon deviation, 'great good fortune'; if 'lost in returning,' having gone too far and not knowing how to return, 'misfortune, there will be calamity and disaster.' 'The former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes,' resting and nurturing on the day when yang arises, conforming to the cosmic timing. 'Yang grows,' yang energy is gradually increasing, 'it is beneficial to have a destination.'
The Judgment
Returning. Success. No illness in going out and coming in. Friends come without blame. Returning on its path. Seven days come back. It is beneficial to have a destination.
Interpretation:
The Hexagram of Returning symbolizes restoration and smooth progress. The yang energy comes and goes unimpeded. Friends return without blame. The cycle of return follows the Way of Heaven; it will return in seven days. It is beneficial to proceed.
The Image
Thunder in the middle of the Earth: Returning. The former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes. Merchants and travelers did not move. The ruler did not inspect the regions.
Structure
The Returning hexagram has Zhen (Thunder) below and Kun (Earth) above. Zhen is thunder, Kun is earth. Thunder in the middle of the earth signifies the first emergence of yang, opposite to the Hexagram of Stripping. 'Yang returns,' yang energy comes back, 'moving in accordance,' regenerating in compliance. 'Seven days come back' embodies the celestial cycle, 'returning on its path' is a natural law. 'Is it not visible in the return of the heart of Heaven and Earth?' – continuous generation, cyclic renewal, is the original intention of Heaven and Earth creating all things. This hexagram emphasizes timely return to the right path. 'Not far to return' is most auspicious.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial Nine: Not far to return. No need for regret. Great good fortune.
Six in the Second Place: Auspicious return. Good fortune.
Six in the Third Place: Frequent returning. Perilous but no blame.
Six in the Fourth Place: Returning alone in the middle path.
Six in the Fifth Place: Sincere returning. No regret.
Top Six: Lost in returning. Misfortune. There will be calamity and disaster. If an army is used, there will ultimately be a great defeat. If it concerns the ruler of the state, misfortune. Lasting for ten years, unable to conquer.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Career is beginning to revive, 'yang grows,' 'it is beneficial to have a destination.' But the pace must be managed. Initial Nine's 'not far to return' is best; returning to the right path at the outset is 'great good fortune.' Six in the Second Place's 'auspicious return' is also 'good fortune.' Six in the Third Place's 'frequent returning,' though 'perilous,' is 'no blame' for repeated hesitation. The key is not to be 'lost in returning.' Top Six, having gone too far and not returning, 'if an army is used, there will ultimately be a great defeat,' 'lasting for ten years, unable to conquer.' 'The former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes'; during the recovery period, one should rest and accumulate energy, not be impatient. 'No illness in going out and coming in,' gradual progress is necessary for healthy growth.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships begin to warm up; with the return of the first yang, it is a good time for repair. 'Not far to return,' repairing early is best. Six in the Second Place, 'auspicious return,' a beautiful rebuilding. Six in the Third Place, 'frequent returning,' persist even if it is repetitive. Six in the Fourth Place, 'returning alone in the middle path,' adhering to the right path and returning individually. Six in the Fifth Place, 'sincere returning,' repairing with sincerity and earnestness. But avoid Top Six's 'lost in returning'; if one continuously refuses to return, 'misfortune, there will be calamity and disaster,' and the relationship will ultimately be beyond salvation. 'Seven days come back,' give each other time to find the original intention in the cycle of return.
🎯 Decision Making
Currently, it is the beginning of recovery; one must conform to the 'celestial action.' 'Seven days come back, returning on its path' – this is a natural law, requiring patience. 'Yang grows,' yang energy is gradually increasing, 'it is beneficial to have a destination' and one can proceed. But one must 'not far to return' – correct mistakes immediately upon discovery. 'The former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes; merchants and travelers did not move' – in the initial phase, one should rest and not make grand moves. 'Returning is seeing the heart of Heaven and Earth,' returning to one's original heart and intention. 'Moving in accordance with compliance,' acting according to the situation. Avoid 'lost in returning,' as not knowing the way back will lead to 'lasting for ten years, unable to conquer.'
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is Top Six's 'lost in returning.' Having gone too far and not knowing how to return, 'misfortune, there will be calamity and disaster.' 'If an army is used, there will ultimately be a great defeat,' reckless action will lead to a tragic failure. 'If it concerns the ruler of the state, misfortune,' also bringing disaster to the leader. 'Lasting for ten years, unable to conquer,' long-term inability to revive. Conversely, 'not far to return' is key; the earlier the return, the better. 'Frequent returning' is 'perilous' but better than 'lost in returning.' Do not be impatient; 'the former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes,' recovery takes time. 'Opposing the way of the ruler' (or 'reversing the path') is the cause of 'lost in returning.'
Applicable Scenarios
The Returning hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
King Wen of Zhou, after being imprisoned in Youli, embodied the spirit of the Returning hexagram by 'not far to return.' Although he was wrongfully accused, he did not get 'lost in returning'; instead, he returned to his original heart, compiling the 'Zhou Yi' in prison. 'Seven days come back,' he was finally released and returned. 'The former kings, on the day of the solstice, closed the passes,' he rested and accumulated energy in adversity. 'Yang returns, moving in accordance,' outwardly complying with King Zhou of Shang, but inwardly maintaining the right path. 'Returning is seeing the heart of Heaven and Earth,' he returned to the original intention of the Way of Heaven through his work on the Yi. 'Not far to return, great good fortune,' by returning to the right path in time, ultimately 'yang grows,' and the Zhou dynasty arose. This is precisely the wisdom of the Returning hexagram: after ultimate stripping, there must be restoration; return without going far astray; conform to the cosmic timing; eventually, there will be success.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Returning hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: