Earth above – Thunder below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Fu which translates to recovering, repeating, coming around, beginning anew. Other names for Fu are Turning Point, Recover, Renewal. The archetypes within this hexagram are not necessarily about going back to a place as much as it is about returning to the path of your own values. Fu also touches on the idea of a turning point where there is a recovery, perhaps an answer is found or some essential component is renewed.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Thunder is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. The power of Thunder is as an awakener. Importantly, it carries and gives voice to the precise laws and timing of Heaven. In Fu, Thunder plays the vital role of providing useable energy and precise directions up and through to manifest in trigram Earth.
Trigram Earth is on top of trigram Thunder (top 3 lines in image below right). Earth is the place of manifest reality for every creature and creation; the space where growth is nurtured. The concept Earth centers on within the hexagram Returning (Fu) is not about forming a new path or direction; it is about the need to “return” to the essential core of one’s own path.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The left portion shows three steps moving away showing the past. On the right there is a form showing going out and coming back, illustrating endless cycles of going around and beginning again.
In summary: Thunder within Earth is the image of Fu. The concept of Return resembles the turning point at the Winter solstice**; the return of the light aligns with the ideal of returning to one’s path. Ancient diviners understood there will always be times people will move away from their essential self or their original tasks. Return (Fu) shows the necessity of returning and reconnecting with one’s essence (the core which remains unchanged over time) again and again throughout life.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – Ancient diviners knew a straight-line course with no deviations through life is not natural or perhaps even not possible. When, especially at the beginning, one takes a side road or steps out a bit to explore options, this is not a great mistake. The best way to “return” from an incorrect road is through self-awareness, by realizing it yourself. This is a much stronger and enduring position than a “return” resulting from bad consequences or other people’s warnings.
Line 2 – One may have the influence of good company, whether by following other’s examples and/or through listening to one’s own internal strength of character. Therefore, moving off the path for a time and then moving back can be done with relative dexterity. When one is natural and without fuss, it is possible to move on and off their path in a manner which adds to their wisdom and does not disrupt the lives of those around them.
Line 3 – Some individual personalities, life paths or situations are more difficult, resulting in the need for repeated “returns”. This may be a life or situation of setbacks and difficulties, but also adventure and discovery if one is able to keep “returning” to their core. Perhaps there is a crisis which takes time to resolve or vacillation caused by weakness of will. There may risk, but no blame if one maintains a long-term goal of always returning to their own core.
Line 4 – Guidance suggests meeting others without prejudice and with internal awareness that allows for maintenance of one’s own path. Comparing oneself with others is discouraged. The best course of action Is found in respecting everyone’s uniqueness, including your own.
Line 5 – No matter what twisty turns have been taken, there is a need to continually return to self-examination and awareness to re-center and get back on the path. One who is able to return over and over in this way will, despite anything, be able to find true meaning and freedom in life.
Line 6 – It will take some introspection to drop defiance, denial or illusions and work through both inner and/or outer barriers to a return. There may still be time to return to the core of your essential being, but this means using intuition in a calm, careful and well-planned attitude toward recognizing those inner and/or outer barriers.
**Winter Solstice: Within the I Ching the principle of light is represented by yang and dark by yin. The bottom yang (solid) line (shown in trigram Thunder in the hexagram) represents the “return of the light” to a person or situation; a “turning back” from the confusion of the external world to touch base with the truth of the inner core.