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______ Hexagram Twenty-Four:  
       Fu / Return

Thunder regenerates
deep within Earth's womb:
Sage rulers recognized
that the end of Earth's
seasonal cycle
was also the starting point
of a new year
and a time for dormancy.
They closed the passes
at the Solstice
to enforce a rest
from commerce and activity.
The ruler himself did not travel.

You have passed this way before
but you are not regressing.
This is progress,
for the cycle now repeats itself,
and this time you are aware
that it truly is a cycle.
The return of old familiars
is welcome.
You can be as sure of this cycle
as you are that seven days
bring the start of a new week.
Use this dormancy phase to plan
which direction you will grow.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line One:
Return after straying off-trail.
Good fortune and no blame.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line Two:
Your return is welcome.
Great fortune.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line Three:
Return after return after return.
Risky, but never a mistake.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line Four:
As the masses move on,
you see a better path
and return alone.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line Five:
Openly admitting your mistake,
you humbly and nobly return.
No blame.


Hexagram Twenty-Four/Line Six:
You have missed the opportunity
for a triumphant return.
You must now wait years
before such an opportunity
cycles your way again.
Grave misfortune.

Copyright 1995-1996 Roger Norton Consulting. All rights reserved.