← Glossary
Kun (坤 ☷) — The Receptive
Also known as: Earth Trigram · ☷ · 地
The most yin of the eight trigrams; representing earth, receptivity, devotion, and nurturing power.
Kun (坤) consists of three broken yin lines (☷). The Shuogua commentary associates it with earth, mother, belly, the cow, and cloth — images of yielding, holding, and supporting all things without struggle.
In divination Kun signifies receiving rather than initiating, supporting another's vision, careful preparation, and patience. Doubled, it becomes the second hexagram (重坤) — "Earth over Earth," the perfect complement to Qian.