02 :: Kun :: Earth :: 坤

Supreme offering: favorable for the mare : first confused, later corrected by submission : favorable for the superior person going somewhere :: Resources1 arrive from southwest: losses taken in the northeast concerning peace: auspicious
  1. 9 :: first
    Walking on frost, ice will soon form.
    The situation is fragile, but through compliance and subordination things develop and solidify for you. A period of courtship is over and marriage is expected. Primordial yin gives its first indications of return- the appearance of frost, then ice. Winter is near.
  2. 6 :: second
    Observe the limitless terrain, the straight and the square. Auspicious.
    Limitless terrain represents Earth or Space. Through thorough observation you discover your resources. It is like reviewing troops in a time of peace. There is no action. When evaluating space (meditation), observe its natural boundaries (straight/square).
  3. 6 :: third
    Jade scepter maintained. Doing the ruler's bidding; you find supreme success.
    You derive power from loyalty, constancy, and subordination. You eventually grow into a position of power (jade scepter). Comply with the orders of your superiors and accept what is given to you. This will keep you nourished and sustained.
  4. 9 :: fourth
    There are tied sacks of grain. No harm. No praise.
    Your power is in reserve, hidden away like stored grain or a pregnancy. Compliance is correct. Seeking praise and blaming others wastes energy. The power of Primordial Yin cannot be grasped, it is like a cosmic soup.2
  5. 9 :: fifth
    You receive a yellow skirt.3 This is great good fortune.
    You are appreciated and rewarded. You are accomplished but make no ostentatious show of it. The basis of power is a natural politeness and sensitivity. Hold power gracefully.
  6. 9 :: top
    Dragons make war at the boundary. Blood is flowing.4
    Yin is in excess. By appearing passive you provoke a strong negative response.
    The stillness of winter ends with the arousal of spring and blood (birth and renewal).

Image

Kun is the power of Earth/Space. It is the Primordial Yin that returns each autumn (harvest/nourishment) and flourishes in the dark of winter (still-ness). It is a solitary mare roaming in the wilderness (freedom) and then bridled and ornamented to be given as a sacrificial offering (submission). It is also the natural confluence of six rivers. It is associated with the way Nature supports, defines and nourishes all things without ostentatious gesture. It is the constancy of our primordial mother.

Auspices

Let things naturally fulfill themselves. Let go of planning and meddling. Wait.

Restraint is rewarded. It is favorable for peace and inaction.

Good for rest, self-cultivation, meditation, retreat, acceptance, and manners.

Bad for self-promotion, pressing forward, and initiation.

Comment

The Primordial Yin, with all its gentleness, is the true nature of events and things as they spontaneously unfold in Space. It is the inner nature of things expressing compliance with the environment that sustains it. It is not the product of human effort. The aimless wandering of the mare represents the openness and sensitivity that is accepting and responsive to fate and circumstance. The key to the power of Kun is found in the cultivation of supple compliance and should not be confused with passive docility, suppression or laziness. Kun is the inherent responsiveness and resolution of all of beings and things in Nature.

Other Correspondences

Business Collecting dividends and royalties, acknowledging helpers, and giving bonuses.

Disharmonies Fatigue, edema, excess damp, and most chronic conditions.

Prognosis Very Good. The patient is cooperative and responds well to treatment.