I Ching hexagram
2. The Magnetic
坤Kūn
Earth over Earth
Also called The Receptive, The Symbol of Earth, Submission, The Passive Principle, Field, The Flow, Responsive Service, Yin, Natural Response, The Bearer
Hexagram 2, The Magnetic (坤 Kūn) is formed by Earth over Earth. It is also known as The Receptive, The Symbol of Earth, Submission, The Passive Principle, Field, The Flow, Responsive Service, Yin.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
元亨，利牝馬之貞。君子有攸往，先迷後得主，利。西南得朋，東北喪朋。安貞吉。
The Magnetic means success through the docility of a mare. If the superior man takes the initiative, he goes astray, but if he follows, he finds his proper lord. It is advantageous to find one's friends in the southwest, and to lose them in the northeast. Through a passively firm correctness, there will be good fortune.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
履霜，堅冰至。
If you observe closely, you'll notice the early signs of decline entering the situation. Complete breakdown isn't far off, so it's wise to prepare for the forthcoming changes.
- Line 2Yin
直方大，不習无不利。
Eliminate any pretense in your actions. Look to nature for inspiration: Be accepting, honest, and straightforward. Find inner balance at this time, and success will come naturally.
- Line 3Yin
含章可貞。或從王事，无成有終。
Let others seek fame while you focus on delivering your best work. If you keep your talents under wraps for now, you will grow naturally without outside interference. There will be a time later to reveal yourself and your accomplishments.
- Line 4Yin
括囊，无咎无譽。
This is a challenging period that demands caution. Strengthen your inner resources and keep a low profile. You can do this whether you remain in society or withdraw into solitude. Confrontations now will likely create conflict or unwanted commitments.
- Line 5Yin
黃裳，元吉。
Rather than broadcasting your abilities and strengths directly, let them subtly influence everything you do. Humility and discretion about your true value will bring you the greatest fortune.
- Line 6Yin
龍戰于野，其血玄黃。
An aggressive and ambitious attempt is made to seize control from someone in authority. A fierce battle will follow, causing harm to both sides.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 2 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.