Fu: 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. Thunder within the earth: the image of Return. Thus the kings of old closed the passes at the time of solstice.

Do you feel that after a period of darkness or exhaustion, a tiny spark of life is beginning to flicker once more? “Fu” represents the turning point—the subtle rumble of thunder deep beneath the earth. This is a journey of self-repair and rediscovering your original intent.

Psychologically, this corresponds to the recovery phase following a trauma or burnout. You may have lost yourself trying to please others or shut down due to pain, but now, your authentic self is attempting to return. This new energy is fragile, which is why the hexagram advises “closing the passes.” It’s a reminder to protect this vulnerable new beginning. Don’t rush to prove anything; give your soul the quiet time it needs to find its place again.

Practice being gentle with this budding hope. If you slip into old habits occasionally, don’t judge yourself harshly—the way of return is naturally cyclic. Every time you return to your center, you strengthen your inner resilience. When you stop fighting your past and embrace the chance to start over, you find that life’s strongest power has been waiting for you in the quietest part of your heart.

Laozi said: “To return to one’s root is called stillness.” Fu is the natural breath of the universe. During the winter solstice, while the world is freezing, the vital energy is already quietly rising underground. Modern life focuses on “restarts,” but Taoism suggests that true renewal is returning to your original nature. Don’t worry about big plans; just settle your heart. Like a seed in the soil, root yourself in quietude. Flow with the natural rhythm and find the simple peace within.