First Six (初六)
Treading on hoarfrost; the strong ice will come.
Small signs matter greatly. Do not dismiss early warnings, for minor missteps can grow into serious difficulties. Begin with care and attention from the very start.
Hexagram 2
Kūn 坤
Upper · Kūn (Earth) | Lower · Kūn (Earth)
Receptivity · yielding · earth · pure yin · embrace · devotion
What does Hexagram 2 mean?
Hexagram 2, Kūn (坤), is about receptivity, yielding, and earth. Kūn embodies the principle of receptive power—vast, nurturing, and fundamentally sound.
The Judgment
Khwan represents what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare.
Kūn embodies the principle of receptive power—vast, nurturing, and fundamentally sound. When you move with initiative, you risk losing your way; when you follow and respond, you discover your true guide. Seek companions in the southwest and accept the loss of those in the northeast. Remain grounded in integrity and steadfastness, and fortune will follow.
The Lines
Second Six (六二)
Being straight, square, and great; without repeated efforts, all proves advantageous.
When your nature is genuinely upright, things unfold naturally without strain. Sincerity and integrity are your greatest strength.
Third Six (六三)
Keeping excellence under restraint, yet firmly maintaining it; serving the ruler without claiming success, yet bringing affairs to good issue.
Work humbly in the background, offering support without seeking credit. Quiet dedication and selfless service lead to lasting good outcomes.
Fourth Six (六四)
A sack tied up; there will be no ground for blame or for praise.
When opportunity has not yet arrived, silence and restraint are wisest. Avoid both criticism and recognition by remaining still and unobtrusive.
Fifth Six (六五)
The yellow lower garment; there will be great good fortune.
Cultivate inner virtue through humble conduct. Genuine worth shines through modest appearance and grounded character far more than outward display.
Sixth Six (上六)
Dragons fighting in the wild; their blood is purple and yellow.
When yin overreaches its proper bounds and encroaches upon yang, both sides suffer harm. Transgressing your limits invites calamity; know your place and honor it.
Use of Sixes (用六)
Perpetual correctness and firmness will bring advantage.
When all lines have become yielding and receptive, the teaching is to hold fast to what is right and true without wavering. Constancy in virtue, even in a state of complete receptivity, ensures lasting benefit.
Hexagram 2 FAQ
What does Hexagram 2 mean for career?
This is a season for deepening your foundation rather than stepping into the spotlight. You will find your greatest strength in supporting roles, in being the steady hand behind the scenes. Build your skills and reputation quietly; when the right moment arrives, opportunity will recognize you.
What does Hexagram 2 mean for love and relationships?
Embrace your partner with genuine acceptance and understanding. Let your devotion be expressed through attentive listening and thoughtful presence rather than grand gestures. By responding to their lead with warmth and stability, you create the trust that bonds hearts together.
What does Hexagram 2 mean for study and personal growth?
Progress comes through patient, consistent effort rather than flashy achievement. Focus on mastering the fundamentals and building a solid base of knowledge. Receive instruction with humility from those who teach you, and you will grow far beyond what you imagined.
What does Hexagram 2 mean for business and money?
Strengthen what you already have rather than rushing to expand. Partnership and collaboration will serve you well—position yourself as a reliable supporter and facilitator. Your value lies in being the dependable foundation upon which others build.
What should I be careful about with Hexagram 2?
Beware of becoming so yielding that you lose sight of your own worth and voice. Excessive self-sacrifice and passivity can cause you to miss important opportunities. Maintain balance: know when to speak up, when to assert your value, and when to rest rather than give endlessly.
What if Hexagram 2 has changing lines?
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.