Hexagram 2: The Receptive

坤为地 · Kūn

Hexagram 2, The Receptive (Kūn, 坤), is formed of the upper trigram Earth (坤) over the lower trigram Earth (坤). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Supreme success through the perseverance of a mare. Leading, one goes astray; following, one finds guidance. Friends in the southwest, parting in the northeast. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune.
元亨,利牝马之贞。君子有攸往,先迷,后得主,利。西南得朋,东北丧朋。安贞吉。

Trigrams

Upper · Earth 坤
the receptive, devotion
Lower · Earth 坤
the receptive, devotion

The outer (upper) trigram Earth describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Earth describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of The Receptive.

The Six Lines

用六

Lasting perseverance furthers.
利永贞。

Reading Hexagram 2 for Your Question

When The Receptive appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of The Receptive to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.

Ask the oracle your own question and see whether The Receptive answers.

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