gates of the self
1 - THE GATE OF SELF EXPRESSION | FROM ENTROPY TO SYNTROPY | THE CREATIVE UNIVERSE | PRIMAL CREATIVITY | BEING AUTHENTIC
”Creation as a primal force. The energy potential to manifest inspiration without limitations “
Scorpio // Water // Projected // Self Center // Individual - Knowing Circuit // 1-8 Channel of Inspiration // Liver
Keys:
the innate need to express yourself individually + uniquely
a fairly intense energy that can make some feel anxious if they're not creatively fulfilled.
being in their creative zone will be inspiring to others, even if they’re unaware that anyone is even noticing. Your greatest impact is felt when you are recognized/invited.
don’t need to be the best at what they're doing, they just need to feel free to be fully + authentically themselves.
you find your greatest impact through expressing your truth
creativity beyond the mundane “Earthbound” plane, tapping into new facets of co-creation
“When you suddenly find yourself blind and lost, the best thing to do is to stay still and allow it to pass gently through your system, giving it the minimum mental attention possible. This deep acceptance of entropy as natural in your life will eventually allow you to unlock its true potential and in time transcend it entirely. ”
SHADOW: Entropy (depressive/freeze or frenetic/flight)
GIFT: Freshness
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Beauty
“In cosmic terms, the hexagram states the power and harmony of creativity. In matriarchy terms, she states the spiraling of divine action on women lives as the labors of the High Priestess spirituality is channeled on earth. Strength is gained by seeking the benefit of all women along with oneself, by continuing in what is good and correct.”
THE LINES:
Line 1: The purity of creativity for the sake of creativity, without need for motive. Lean into the places where it is effortless.
Line 2: Creation aligned with Universal Truths, with Love, with Light.
Line 3: Being mindful of how material wants + desires affect your creativity.
Line 4: Finding your creativity is a personal and sometimes solitary journey. Creativity as connection to Source.
Line 5: Your creativity is magnetic.
Line 6: You are a conduit, a channel for Creativity as Source.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
What do I want to leave behind as my legacy?
What does my Midheaven have to say about this?
Am I standing in my authentic truth? What beliefs might be preventing me from being the me-est me?
Am I connected to correct environment + resonant community that supports me?
Through the lens of the Self.
Do I allow myself the ebbs before the flow? Often times periods of low energy or even melancholy are actually times of creative gestation, a time of recharging and fertilizing, a part of the creative process. How do you allow for this without judgment or trying to fix it? As with all of the Gates we need to accept the Shadow side, in this case entropy.
Am I comfortable being completely alone with myself?
AFFIRM:
Each day I begin again.
I thrive by being fully myself + expressing myself creatively daily.
I trust the process.
I honor my internal weather patterns and soften into impermanence.
When I allow my lows to move through I begin again the act of creation.
INTEGRATION:
Hunt for beauty daily.
Make space for the lows and times of retreat as part of the creative process.
Feel your feels (and their fluctuations). Ride the waves and allow it to pass. There is nothing to fix.
When in the shadow of entropy, connect to love.
The Throat Toolbox
Transmute any limiting beliefs + low vibrations
Contemplate, meditate on, anchor in to the archetypal ally Shiva.
Totems: Cockerel, Bull, Firefly
Programming partner: Gate 2
13 - THE GATE OF THE LISTENER | LISTENING THROUGH LOVE | SISTERHOOD | FORGIVENESS | LETTING GO
”Universal ideas and values in an ordered framework which inspires humanistic cooperation”
Aquarius // Air // Projected // Self Center // Collective/Sensing Circuit // 13-33 Channel of the Prodigal // Liver + Amygdala
Keys:
strangers and people they know love to tell them their secrets.
their aura gives off the vibe of a great listener who can keep a secret (so hopefully they do) and they generally enjoy hearing about other's experiences.
the energy of pursuing common interests + goals to benefit all, in all.
feeling appreciated + accepted.
myths + archetypes as codes for evolution
SHADOW: Discord
GIFT: Discernment + Optimism
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Empathy
“In T’ung Jên, the women are not only the power of the community, but are also the empowerment and love in each other’s lives. With clarity and spirituality within and decisiveness without, the Sisters build qualities that make matriarchy possible.”
THE LINES:
Line 1: Having openness + equilibrium in your interactions with others. Being friendly serves you.
Line 2: Being unbiased and fair in your interactions.
Line 3: Cultivating self-reliance.
Line 4: Hearing at great depths.
Line 5: Finding purpose in all.
Line 6: Hunting for (and seeing) the best in everyone.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
What does your past have to teach you? Have you integrated the lessons? Processed the memories?
Are there places in your life where things are ready to be released? Things from your past that require a letting go? A detachment? A reprogramming of patterns?
Are there places in your life where you need to transmute the shadow of pessimism?
Are there any areas of your life where you let people walk over you? Is there anywhere where you are narrow-minded or divisive?
Are there places where your personal feelings get in the way of objectivity?
Are there areas where you need to widen your perspective?
What are the main archetypes +/or myths playing out in your life?
Through the lens of the Self.
AFFIRM:
I am in service to the Divine.
I hold a sacred space.
Love is my guide.
I am a keeper of secrets, it is my sacred job.
INTEGRATION:
The Throat Toolbox
Mantra support
Listen with your entire being.
Align with clarity (and your purpose) through quiet retreat. Often.
Process + transcend your emotions to make space for objectivity.
This gate is actually tied to glutamine, a very important amino acid. How is your gut health + ability to eliminate? Support where needed.
Work with the Hawaiian ho'oponopono prayer as mantra/meditation: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.”
Totems: Wagtail, Mouse, Starfish
Programming partner: Gate 7
ADDITIONAL READING
Myths + Fairy Tales
Heroes/Heroines Journeys
25 - THE GATE OF THE SPIRIT OF THE SELF | THE MYTH OF THE SACRED WOUND | INNOCENCE (WONDER) | TRUSTING IN SOURCE
”The perfection of action through uncontrived and spontaneous nature.”
Pisces // Water // Projected // Self Center // Individual-Centering Circuit // 25-51 Channel of Initiation // Liver + Heart
Keys:
pure love without discrimination
natural healer
initiations
spiritual warrior
detachment from outcome.
SHADOW: Constriction
GIFT: Acceptance
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Universal Love
“A woman plants a seed: from first a tiny sprout, a strong vine grows. On the vine are delicate flowers that draw bees. The bees create honey, and the flowers become small fruit. The fruit matures and it is pleasing to the tase, and honey and fruit nourish the woman that planted the seed. Within the eater fruit are seeds to plant again, to continue the cycle and wonder of life.”
THE LINES:
Line 1: Spontaneity without ulterior motive.
Line 2: Appreciation of the now + releasing future predicting/expectations.
Line 3: Acceptance.
Line 4: Cultivating innocence + wonder.
Line 5: Protecting your well-being.
Line 6: Innocence over knowledge.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
Through the lens of the Self.
Do you trust the Universe to have your back? Are you open to infinite possibilities?
What are you taking for granted?
AFFIRM:
I choose love instead of ____________ (this).
I tap into loving acceptance through softness.
INTEGRATION:
Practice loving self stewardship.
Contemplate, meditate on, anchor in to the archetypal allies: The Healer, Mother Theresa, The Hugging Saint, Agape, The Existentialist
Make an Angel to do list or one for your higher mind of tasks to turn over + surrender to Spirit.
Totems: Flamingo, Lion, Salmon
Programming partner: Gate 46 (below)
ADDITIONAL READING:
The Heroines Journey by Maureen Madock
46 - THE GATE OF THE DETERMINATION OF THE SELF | THE SCIENCE OF LUCK | THE TREE OF LIFE (REACHING) | EMBODIMENT + VITALITY
”Good fortune that may be perceived as the result of serendipity but derives from effort and dedication”
Virgo // Earth // Generated // Self // Collective/Sensing Circuit // 29-46 Channel of Discovery // Blood + Liver
Keys:
this energy reminds me of the how you often hear in the film industry of over night successes but most of the time these folks have been working for a long time, with determination, to get that big break and also sometimes for you it really is just right place right time.
serendipity and good fortune
people with this energy have the understanding that their body is a temple, appreciating its form and being mindful to nurture it, it is an energy tied to our physical existence and experience therein.
they will do best once they surrender to the ups and downs that life brings their way, or the stress of trying to control situations can really start to affect their physical health.
honoring your cyclical nature to your life
SHADOW: Seriousness
GIFT: Delight
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Ecstasy
“A tree grows upward through earth, and her leaves gain the sky and universe. Her roots remain firmly below. The Priestess of matriarchy reaches in the way of the tree and achieves; with hard work and thoughtful choices, she attains her goals, and is connected to the earth and stars.
LINES:
Line 1: The kind of support you attract is reflective of your inner state.
Line 2: Innate growth + expansion through just being you.
Line 3: Releasing doubt as an obstacle to your own progress.
Line 4: Committing to your own growth + evolution.
Line 5: A natural growth that cannot always be measured in what is seen.
Line 6: Re-evaluating regularly on where you want to put your attention and awareness.
SUPPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
Are you following your heart?
Are you expressing yourself physically?
AFFIRM:
I love my body + celebrate its beauty.
I honor the magic of my body.
INTEGRATION:
honor, nourish and take care of your body.
sensual practices like non-linear movement or dance to get you in your body
experience life through all of your senses, nourish your cognition, read about all of them
Totems: Road Runner, Otter, Ladybird
Programming partner: Gate 25 (above)
2 - THE GATE OF THE DIRECTION OF SELF | RETURNING TO THE ONE | THE RECEPTIVE EARTH | KEEPER OF KEYS | SELF WORTH
”Receptivity as the primal base through which any response is determined, the root of action —”
Taurus // Earth // Generated // Self Center // Individual - Knowing Circuit // 14-2 Channel of the Beat // Liver + Sternum
Keys:
this is the energy for managing money and resources
they often look for someone with Gate 14 to supply those resources for them to manage.
can make a wonderful manager of their household finances or that of an organization like a book keeper or treasurer
have the creative ability to maximize the potential of the money they’re managing. Creativity is important.
an energy of receptivity; it is the most yin of the gates
this is the energy of the world’s shadow around seeing ourselves as somehow separate from nature.
taking action from fear puts you on the wrong path.
moving in harmony with the quantum field
synchronicity in its high vibration + a profound enjoyment of life, a powerful magnetic aura
most likely the original texts began with this hexagram, representing complete yin, Creation, and was at some point revised to begin with yang/masculine (gate 1)
SHADOW: Dislocation
GIFT: Orientation
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Unity
“The Receptive has earthly reality, the image of the mare. The mare is grounded, strong, swift and free-roaming; she is gentle and open and loving.
The Superior Woman knows when to seek guidance, she knows when she does not know.”
LINES:
Line 1: Hunting for beauty to connect to your inner knowing.
Line 2: Access to genius, a gifted intelligence.
Line 3: Honoring that life always offers lessons and being patient with our own perfect way + timing.
Line 4: Keeping some things secret + sharing the essential.
Line 5: Knowing when to wait to take action + intelligent application.
Line 6: Being mindful of getting fixated and how that might limit your creativity.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
Through the lens of the Self.
How can I be less in doing and more in being in present awareness?
How am I moving about the world outside of the vortex, dislocated from Source?
AFFIRM:
I am open to receiving all of the abundance in the Universe.
I am connected to everything/one and everything/one is connected to me.
I act from a place of trust rather than fear.
My life is always in perfect harmony with Source.
INTEGRATION:
Root Toolbox for foundations around abundance.
Heart Toolbox to move from your heart.
Practice receiving.
Practice financial literacy.
Connecting to the Divine Feminine through whatever archetypes are resonant with you; Mother Mary, Gaia, Parvati, the great weavers.
Joe Dispenza meditations
The works of Abraham Hicks
Take action from the idea that we are all connected and that we are nature; pick up trash, change something in your life to a more sustainable option, perform an act of service, tithe regularly
Cultivate a connection to the greater cosmic forces, to something bigger than you.
Protecting and clearing your space and aura of EMF’s regularly.
Totems: Hen, Cow, Octopus
the Aura Toolbox
Programming partner: Gate 1
15 - THE GATE OF EXTREMES | AN ETERNALLY FLOWERING SPRING | TEMPERANCE | CONTRIBUTION
”The quality of behavior which expresses the proper balance between extremes”
Gemini // Air // Generated // The Self // Collective Logic Circuit // 5-15 Channel of Rhythm // Liver
“Nature and its numberless cycles might be compared to a great symphony with each cycle having its unique place in the ongoing rhythm of the whole. From cell division to the rise and fall of civilizations, each cycle fits into the larger rhythms of the earth and the cosmos.” - Shirley Nicholson
Keys:
These folks have a deep understanding and appreciation for diversity.
They are always looking for their rhythm, but it is always changing...which brings a level of excitement to day to day life when they can roll with it.
People notice this aura before they even walk into the room because of how loving and accepting they are of other people's individuality.
There is an intimate connection here with the natural world; with nature, elementals, animals, etc.. While this energy represents a deep love for humanity, this includes all sentient beings and Mama Earth herself.
SHADOW: Dullness through a feeling of emptiness/numbness or being reactive. Extremist tendencies. Martyrdom
GIFT: Magnetism
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Florescence
“The Superior Woman recognizes positive cycles in her life and builds towards them, and acknowledges what destructions are also necessary or tearing down, the Superior Woman meets the quality of modesty or temperance. She radiates wisdom at her heights, but has weight and strength at her roots as well. She thus completes her tasks with great certainty, and lives at the center of her Wheel.”
THE LINES:
Line 1: Humility + honoring your nature and needs through self discipline.
Line 2: Persistence + staying in integrity.
Line 3: Modesty + finishing what you begin.
Line 4: Centering in your Inner Guidance.
Line 5: Fellowship/Guiding Others
Line 6: Being an example by taking responsibility of your own life.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
Are your hiding in any way, making yourself small?
Where can you adjust your rhythm to be in flow?
Where does rhythm already serve you in your life?
Is there anywhere you would like to make a deeper contribution to humanity?
Anywhere you can/desire to deepen your connection to nature?
Through the lens of the Self.
AFFIRM:
When I slow down I find magic and transformation through the ordinary details and the mundane.
My magnetism is radiant.
INTEGRATION:
Explore Cycles that resonate with you: See Moon, Seasonal Support + Menstrual support here + Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox, Samhain, Winter Solstice, Spring Equinox, and Beltane. What are your own seasons? Do they feel in line with the natural cycles? If not, how can you honor where you are?
Get into nature. Our magnetism is directly tied to our connection to the Schumann Resonance of the Earth. Get outside into the abundance of Mama Earth. Put your bare feet on Her, your Sacral, your full body. The Earth program on the MagHealy and Brid’s expert Earth program for the personal healy are two of my favorites.
Meditate on/Anchor in the Archetypes: Brahma The Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, Shiva the Destroyer, The Wheel of Fortune. The I Ching itself is based on the cyclical flow between the two archetypal poles of Yin + Yang (feminine + masculine).
The Sacral Chakra Toolbox for finding flow.
Totems: Finch, Wildebeest, Beetle
Programming partner: Gate 10 (below)
ADDITIONAL READING:
Conversations with Siddhe by David Spangler
The Thanksgiving Address
10 - THE GATE OF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE SELF | BEING AT EASE | TREADING SOFTLY (CORRECTNESS) | SELF LOVE
”The underlying code of behavior which ensures successful interaction despite circumstances”
Sagittarius + Capricorn // Fire + Earth // Projected // Self // Individual / Integration Circuit // 10-20 Channel of Awakening, 10-34 Channel of Exploration, 10-57 Channel of Survival // Chest (Heart) + Liver
Keys:
this energy is all about self-love and acceptance via surrendering.
an energy of embodiment that leads by example, showing the world how comfortable they are in their individuality, inspiring the same in others.
the high vibe side to this gate is taking responsibility for their actions and taking the initiative to make things right.
the lower vibe to this energy will be inclined to play the victim and blame others for their problems.
following your Strategy + Authority to deeper authenticity and a greater commitment to being fully you
SHADOW: Self Obsession (through narcissism or denial)
GIFT: Naturalness
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Being
“In matriarchy, women are powerful and treat each other with respect, correctness and a sense of humor. Gentleness welcomes and prospers.”
LINES:
Line 1: Following your instincts around your correct place in any space or situation.
Line 2: Finding inner sanctuary when confronted with external stressors.
Line 3: Following your own unique reality rather than aligning with others.
Line 4: Following your Strategy + Authority to enter into the correct opportunities.
Line 5: Challenging tradition.
Line 6: The Role Model.
SUPPORT
CONTEMPLATION:
Do you fully accept and love yourself? Are there parts of you excluded from that love?
Do you take accountability for your life?
Do you act from a place of empowerment?
Do you feel like you know your true self?
Are you focused on changing others or cleaning up your own side of the street?
AFFIRM:
I deeply and completely love + accept myself.
I stand fully in my own individuated uniqueness. This is my special sauce.
I create my life.
My love of myself puts me on the right path.
INTEGRATION:
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) for the support in acceptance and love for ALL parts of yourself.
Clearing all limitations to love, including any victim stories.
Practice appreciation and gratitude.
Heart coherence meditation
Unpacking your Design with support and integration to release not self and re-member yourself.
Give yourself space and time to understand your true nature separate from everyone else, separate from society, etc..
Totems: Kookaburra, Chimpanzee, Frog
Programming partner: Gate 15 (above)
7 - THE ROLE OF THE SELF IN INTERACTION | VIRTUE IS ITS OWN REWARD | THE WOMEN (SISTERS) | EMPOWERMENT
”The point of convergence. By design, the need for leadership to guide and order society.”
Leo // Fire // Projected // The Self // Collective/Understanding Circuit // 7-31 Channel of the Alpha
Keys:
the power behind the throne (influencing people who influence).
they can be the direct figurehead of leadership if Gate 31 is defined in their chart to create the The Channel of the Alpha.
naturally a great and powerful leader by being a trusted influence to the individual who leads the collective and has the ability to notice when things are needing to pivot.
this leadership is not meant to be forces as it is a Projected energy and requires recognition.
real leadership comes from truly listening.
SHADOW: Division
GIFT: Guidance
HIGHEST VIBRATION: Virtue
“The women are individuals with individual needs who become a nation for the good of all. To do so, each participates in the starting and running of matriarchy; they build and create her by their own empowerment. They choose as Mothers women who are skilled in order; they choose as Priestesses women who are connected in the cycles of the universe. Each woman has skills that benefit the community and no skill is wasted.”
LINES:
Line 1: Authoritarian, establishing order.
Line 2: The Democrat, alignment with your community.
Line 3: The Anarchist, disordering.
Line 4: The Abdicator, knowing when + how to pull back.
Line 5: The General, cultivating clear communication in your leadership.
Line 6: The Administrator, assigning responsibility + remaining flexible in using resources.
SUPPORT:
CONTEMPLATION:
What are your current dreams and what actions do you need to take to move forward?
Are you shining your light?
Do you have any limiting beliefs that need clearing around your own ability to be empowering?
Through the lens of the Self.
AFFIRM:
I stand in my power and trust I will be called to lead in the right timing + right way to share my authentic expression.
INTEGRATION:
recognize and own your power within.
practice active listening + tuning in to the needs of your community.
Solar Plexus Toolbox for standing in your power.
Totems: Kiwi, Ram, Caterpillar
Programming partner: Gate 13