Kun
The Receptive Earth
When you receive Hexagram 2, Kun, the I Ching turns your attention to the receptive earth. The Receptive is vast and originating. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
The Receptive is vast and originating. It penetrates, furthers, and holds the steadiness of a mare. When the centered one must act, taking the lead brings confusion. Following brings the right guide. Gain comes through companions in the southwest, and release from ties in the northeast. Resting in steady correctness brings good fortune.
Classical (Legge)Khwan (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man has to make any movement, if he take the initiative he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
The Image
The earth in its power sustains all things. The centered one carries others and the world with generous virtue.
Classical (Legge)The (capacity and sustaining) power of the earth is what is denoted by Khwan. The superior man, in accordance with this, with his large virtue supports (men and) things.
The Changing Lines
Treading on hoarfrost. The hard ice is coming.
Classical (Legge)Treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).
Straight, square, and great. Without repeated effort, everything furthers.
Classical (Legge)The (attribute) is being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.
Keeping one's excellence hidden, yet holding it firm. If called to serve, claim no credit for the outcome, and things will reach completion.
Classical (Legge)Keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.
A sack tied shut. No blame, no praise.
Classical (Legge)A sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.
The yellow lower garment. Great good fortune.
Classical (Legge)The yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.
Dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood runs purple and yellow.
Classical (Legge)Dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.
Ask your own question
StillPoint casts Hexagram 2, Kun, the traditional way, then offers a reflection grounded in your actual question. The full ritual lives on your iPhone.
Cast a reading in StillPoint