What is Hexagram 2, The Receptive?
Hexagram 2, The Receptive (坤 Kūn), is built from Earth (坤 Kūn) over Earth (坤 Kūn), and the Wilhelm-Baynes translation reads its themes as receptivity, earth, devotion. The classical sources describe it as a pattern in the Book of Changes (易經 Yìjīng), a situation to recognise, not a verdict to obey.
Key Takeaways
- Hexagram 2 is built from Earth (坤 Kūn) over Earth (坤 Kūn).
- Its central themes, receptivity, earth, devotion, yielding, sit in the Wilhelm-Baynes lineage.
- The classical pairing matches the hexagram to Moonstone as the meditation stone.
- Read alongside BaZi, Kua, and Compass School sector mapping for a fuller picture.
- This is a pattern, not a verdict, the I-Ching frames reflection, not prediction.
The Judgment
The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.
The Image
The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior person who has breadth of character carries the outer world.
Master Wei Lin's Interpretation
Interpretation by Master Wei Lin, Chinese Metaphysics Scholar, pattern recognition, not fortune-telling
The Receptive is pure yin, the earth that receives the seed, the ground that holds the root. This hexagram arrives when the answer to your question is not 'push harder' but 'open wider.' There is immense strength in receptivity, though the world often mistakes it for passivity. The mare is the symbol here: powerful, enduring, but following rather than forcing. Your situation calls for responsiveness, patience, and the wisdom to support rather than initiate. What are you being asked to receive?
The Six Lines
When a changing line appears in your reading, its text carries special guidance for your situation.
Line 1 (bottom)
“When there is hoarfrost underfoot, solid ice is not far off.”
Line 2
“Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing remains unfurthered.”
Line 3
“Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If one follows in the service of a king, one does not seek works, but brings to completion.”
Line 4
“A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.”
Line 5
“A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune.”
Line 6 (top)
“Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.”
🔮 Crystal for Hexagram 2
Moonstone
Hold Moonstone while meditating on The Receptive. Its energy resonates with the themes of receptivity, earth, devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 2 (The Receptive) mean?
In the Wilhelm-Baynes translation of the I-Ching (易經 Yìjīng), Hexagram 2, The Receptive (坤 Kūn), is read through Earth (坤 Kūn) over Earth (坤 Kūn). The classical sources describe its themes as receptivity, earth, devotion. This is pattern recognition, not prediction.
What is the Judgment for The Receptive?
The Judgment reads: "The Receptive brings about sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.", the Judgment is the I-Ching's classical summary of the situation the hexagram describes, and what the present moment is asking of the reader.
What is the Image for The Receptive?
The Image reads: "The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior person who has breadth of character carries the outer world.", in the classical sources the Image is the elemental picture, the upper and lower trigrams in conversation, that the reader holds while sitting with the hexagram.
What crystal pairs with Hexagram 2?
Moonstone is the traditional pairing for The Receptive. The classical Chinese gemology lineage associates this stone with the hexagram's central themes, hold it during meditation on the reading. This is reflective practice, not divination-as-prediction.
How is Hexagram 2 read in BaZi or Feng Shui?
An I-Ching cast is one consultation. The fuller reading, Four Pillars (四柱 Sì Zhù), Kua personal feng shui, and Compass School sector mapping, reads the hexagram alongside the chart. Master Wei Lin's Master Reading section synthesizes the Book of Changes alongside BaZi and the other Chinese metaphysics traditions.
More Hexagrams
Occasional notes on BaZi and feng shui
Master Wei Lin writes when a new free tool ships or a chart pattern is worth explaining properly. No schedule, no spam, one reply removes you.
We respect your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Explore More Tools
I-Ching Online
Cast your own hexagram reading
Open →BaZi Calculator
Your Four Pillars chart (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Five Elements Quiz
Find your Wu Xing balance (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Feng Shui Bagua Mapper
Map your home's 8 sectors (Master Wei Lin)
Open →Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Year animal + element (Master Wei Lin)
Open →