I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 2: The Receptive
K'un · 坤
The force of nature that gives form. Nourish, support and receive.
- devotion
- support
- mother
- earth
- Upper trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
- Lower trigram
- Earth 坤 · Receptivity
The Judgment
THE RECEPTIVE brings sublime success through the perseverance of a mare. If the man tries to lead, he goes astray; if he follows, he finds guidance.
The Image
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man carries the outer world with breadth of character.
Meaning
The Receptive is the force of nature that gives form to ideas. It is the moment to nourish, support, listen and wait. Do not try to force destiny or lead aggressively. Success comes through cooperation and patience.
In love
Devoted, tender, mutually supportive love. It is time to be receptive to your partner’s needs. Let things flow naturally.
In work and business
Excellent for administration, human resources and support. Not the hour for risky launches, but for consolidating and managing what exists. Follow a capable leader or a market trend.
Symbolism
Earth doubled. The Earth does not create the seed, but nourishes it into a tree. It symbolizes the mother, space, the multitude.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Six in the 1st place
Hoarfrost underfoot. Solid ice is near.
Small negative signs.
Small negative signs. Ignored, they will become great problems.
Six in the 2nd place
Straight, square, great.
Act with naturalness and honesty.
Act with naturalness and honesty. You need no artifice to succeed.
Six in the 3rd place
Hidden lines.
Do not show all you know.
Do not show everything you know. Work well, but leave the fame to others for now.
Six in the 4th place
A tied-up sack.
Danger. Keep absolute silence.
Danger. Keep absolute silence and stay discreet to protect yourself.
Six in the 5th place
A yellow garment.
Success through discretion.
Success through discretion and the middle position, not through display.
Six in the 6th place
Dragons fight in the meadow.
Violent conflict from refusing to yield.
Violent conflict from not knowing how to yield. Blood and loss on both sides.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 2 mean?
The Receptive (K'un): The Receptive is the force of nature that gives form to ideas. It is the moment to nourish, support, listen and wait. Do not try to force destiny or lead aggressively. Success comes through cooperation and patience.
What does hexagram 2 say about love?
Devoted, tender, mutually supportive love. It is time to be receptive to your partner’s needs. Let things flow naturally.
What does hexagram 2 say about work?
Excellent for administration, human resources and support. Not the hour for risky launches, but for consolidating and managing what exists. Follow a capable leader or a market trend.