Hexagram 2: The Receptive
Pure yin energy, receptivity, nurturing
| Chinese | 坤 (Kūn) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Lower trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Keywords | receptivity, yielding, nurturing, devotion |
| Opposite | Hexagram 1: The Creative |
| Inverted | Itself — the figure is symmetric |
What does Hexagram 2 (The Receptive) mean?
The Receptive 坤 (Kūn) is hexagram 2 of the I Ching, formed by Earth (The Receptive) over Earth (The Receptive). Its theme is pure yin energy, receptivity, nurturing, with key ideas of receptivity, yielding, nurturing, devotion. The Judgment reads: “The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”
The Judgment of The Receptive
The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
The Image of The Receptive
The earth's condition is receptive devotion.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 2
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off.”
Early signs of danger should not be ignored. Small beginnings carry great consequences if unchecked.
Six in the second place
“Straight, square, great — without purpose, yet nothing that does not further.”
Pure receptivity naturally aligns with right action. No forcing is needed; virtue speaks for itself.
Six in the third place
“Hidden lines — one is able to remain persevering. If you are in the service of a king, seek not works, but bring to completion.”
Capable yet discreet; do the work without craving credit. Completion itself is the reward.
Six in the fourth place
“A tied-up sack — no blame, no praise.”
Caution and reserve keep one safe when conditions are unclear. Silence preserves what openness might lose.
Six in the fifth place
“A yellow lower garment — supreme good fortune.”
Yellow is the colour of the mean; the lower garment is concealment. Humble service to the whole brings the highest blessing.
Six at the top
“Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is dark and yellow.”
Yin has overreached and contests yang; both are wounded. Force against one's nature invites conflict and loss.
Will The Receptive answer your question?
Cast the three coins yourself — the I Ching reading is free, no account needed.
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