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#2

The Receptive (Earth)

坤 — Kūn
Upper trigram: Earth (Kūn) · Lower trigram: Earth (Kūn)

Overall meaning

Hexagram The Receptive symbolizes the receptive power of Earth; all six lines are yin. It signifies gentleness, tolerance, patience, and nurturing. Earth contains and gives birth to all things — this is the hexagram of wise submission and persistent following.

Judgment text (Thoán từ)

Sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare. The superior person has somewhere to go. First lost, then finds the master — favorable in the southwest, unfavorable in the northeast. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.

Line texts (6 lines)

  1. 1
    First Six: Treading on hoarfrost — solid ice is near. Notice small signs and prepare for greater things to come.
  2. 2
    Second Six: Straight, square, vast — without effort, nothing remains unfurthered. Natural virtue; uprightness brings results on its own.
  3. 3
    Third Six: Hidden lines, perseverance is possible. Serving the king's affairs without seeking personal credit. Yin in concealment, serving superiors brings good fortune.
  4. 4
    Fourth Six: A tied-up sack — no blame, no praise. A time for silence and withdrawal is the best policy.
  5. 5
    Fifth Six: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. In a high position holding to gentle virtue, one is respected and successful.
  6. 6
    Top Six: Dragons fight in the meadow, their blood black and yellow. Yin at its peak contending with yang — disaster results. Know when to stop.

Applications by topic

Marriage
Yin gentleness brings good fortune, suited to marriage. The woman should keep gentle virtue, the man should take initiative. Marriage endures when roles are clear.
Career
Not a time for personal display, but for following and supporting. Excelling as a deputy or assistant earns trust and steady promotion.
Wealth
Wealth is stable, suited to preservation rather than risk. Defensive investment and gradual accumulation — avoid speculation or chasing quick profit.
Health
Health is steady. Watch for digestive, stomach, and spleen issues. Live moderately and avoid damp environments.
Lawsuit
Your position is weak — do not initiate litigation. Reconciliation is best — yielding at the right moment avoids great loss.

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