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Meaning and Context
Kun is the pure Yin trigram—all three lines are broken. It stands for the receptive, nurturing power that receives and actualizes the creative impulse of Qian.
- Symbol: ☷ (three broken lines)
- Element: Earth (in Five Elements system)
- Direction: Southwest (Later Heaven)
- Family role: Mother
- Body: Abdomen, stomach
- Animal: Cow, mare
- Quality: Receptivity, devotion, nurturing, yielding
Cosmic significance
Kun completes Qian. Where Qian initiates, Kun receives and brings to fruition. Together they represent the complete cycle of creation.
Classical Roots
Hexagram 2 (Kun doubled) immediately follows Qian, emphasizing their complementary nature:
From Yijing · Hexagram 2
「坤：元，亨，利牝马之贞。」
Plain translation
"Kun: Primal, Success, beneficial is the perseverance of a mare." The mare symbolizes strength combined with gentleness—power through receptivity.
The Shuo Gua explains:
From Yijing · Shuo Gua
「坤，地也，故称乎母。」
Plain translation
"Kun is Earth, thus it is called Mother." Kun is the maternal, sustaining principle that gives form to creation.
Symbolism and Associations
Kun's extensive symbolic associations:
- Natural phenomena: Earth, soil, field, darkness
- Human relations: Mother, wife, masses, followers
- Qualities: Receptivity, yielding, nurturing, devotion
- Body parts: Abdomen, stomach, flesh
- Time: Late summer to early autumn
- Color: Black, dark yellow
- Taste: Sweet
In hexagrams, Kun as upper trigram often indicates receptive circumstances or need for adaptability; as lower trigram, it suggests inner yielding or foundation.
How to Read It
When Kun appears in a reading:
- Note the position (upper or lower trigram)
- Consider its Yin nature—receptive, yielding, supportive
- Look at its relationship with the other trigram
- If transforming from/to Qian, note the complete polarity shift
- Consider themes of support, nurturing, or following
Reading tip
Kun's power lies in receptivity, not passivity. It actively receives, nurtures, and brings things to completion—this is strength, not weakness.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Kun trigram displayed with its symbol ☷
- Position in hexagram (upper/lower) clearly shown
- Associated meanings provided in interpretation
- Relationship with complementary trigrams explained
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about Kun:
- Thinking pure Yin is "weak" or inferior—it is essential and powerful
- Associating it only with females—Kun energy exists in everyone
- Confusing receptivity with passivity—Kun actively nurtures and completes
- Seeing it as subordinate to Qian—they are equal complements
Sources and Quotes
FAQ
Is Kun weaker than Qian?
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No. Kun and Qian are complementary equals, not hierarchical. Qian initiates; Kun receives and completes. Neither can function alone.
Think of it like planting seeds (Qian) versus the earth nurturing them to fruit (Kun). Both are essential; neither is superior.
Is Kun feminine energy?
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In traditional cosmology, Kun is associated with Yin, the "feminine" principle—receptive, nurturing, yielding. But this doesn't mean it applies only to women.
Every person has both Yin (Kun) and Yang (Qian) energies. Kun represents the receptive, supportive aspects of any person regardless of gender.