The Gate of Passion
Other Names: Desire, The Clinging Fire
Biology: pancreas
Archetypal Insight from the I Ching, by Ma Deva Padma; when this description resonates, a shift from novice expression to wisdom is likely imminent:
The message here is to consider the qualities of fire and its dual nature: on the one hand it provides warmth and illumination that disperses darkness, revealing the hidden, and on the other hand it is capable of ruthless destruction. It defines, brings clarity, is brilliant and beautiful, and can be utterly enchanting or alternatively can be all consuming, difficult, and voracious in its appetites.
The climate usually associated with fire is bright, hot, and passionate. Yet in some instances it can be experienced as cool and passionately dispassionate. It is dangerous in its apparent ability to mesmerize while it is consuming, to the point where the consumed is eliminated, devoured by its own attraction like the moth in the flame. And just like that hypnotized moth, we humans will even put our lives at stake to participate, even briefly, in a moment of glory. If passion is strong enough we will fight aggressively to defend our beliefs in spite of the havoc those beliefs might unleash.
To harness the powerful transformative quality of fire requires maturity, and maturity doesn’t happen overnight; it develops at a slow and deliberate pace, sometimes requiring that we get burned in the process. A fiery temperament prefers to leap now and deal with the consequences later, and it is simply childish to blame fate for what you attract when your actions are ruled by impulsiveness. Passionately surrendering one’s own cautious instincts can be in the service of anything – a person, place, object, or point of view and is bound to be transformative in some form or other.
Surrendering to an all-consuming passion virtually guarantees we’ll emerge from the experience irrevocably changed from how we entered it. Once a longing is powerful enough, and it seems impossible to withdraw, we’ve already taken the first steps into the fire. What’s more, even if we could we wouldn’t turn back.
In some instances, to deny a fascination can be deeply troubling. Blinded by “the light” of what seems to be our destiny, we can rush headlong into danger, driven by an inexplicable longing, only to wake up dazed and distraught later on. But with awareness, such experiences can be recognized as invaluable in that they help to clarify our acts and motivations. Awareness makes it possible to appreciate, not simply to endure, the processes of regeneration.
If you feel as though you’re standing in fire now, respect its capacity to cleanse and purify as it burns off whatever has become extraneous and burdensome in your life. This will help you to appreciate what is happening rather than resist it. Remember, too, that life is not out to destroy you, but is working continuously to support your growth and, ultimately, your self-realization.
Once this time has passed, you will have a new respect and appreciation for the uncomplicated and simple things of life. Ultimately it all boils down to your inner perspective, whether you become bitter and burned out by an experience, or take it in stride and appreciate how it has helped you to grow, revitalizing your life in the process.
The Changes (additional insight for applying the Line of an activated Gate)
Line 1 – Investigator/Information
It is just in those moments that you’re tempted to throw all caution to the wind that you need to be extra alert and willing to take responsibility for your choices. The moment when a tumultuous situation is beginning to unfold can sometimes be the best time to take a step back and watch to see where it is going before you leap in with both feet. Beware of the temptation to see what is facing you as your “destiny.” That’s often just a costume for what is actually your “temptation,” and the test could very well be your ability to turn aside before it gets too hot for you to handle.
Line 2 – Responder/Hermit
The problem you face is that the satisfaction of one desire has this annoying tendency to feed the demand for the fulfillment of yet another. After plenty of disappointments and frustration, the realization eventually dawns that you can never be nourished by ignoring the whispered truth of the inner voice that says, “Enough.”
Line 3 – Explorer
Honoring the path of truth may sound like an impossible ideal, as distant as the far horizon. But in real time, it is only as far as the next step. Opening to the guidance that emanates from how you are feeling in the here and now is all you need to do right now. When you adhere to the inner guidance of the heart you can easily learn from mistakes and you are less likely to be thrown off balance by external influences.
Line 4 – Stabilizer
The moth beating against the window in an effort to reach the lighted candle inside the house does nothing but exhaust himself. Better to devote your attention to increasing your awareness and self-remembrance. The glass between you and that flame might be trying to protect you from harm. But you won’t know that until you can manage to settle down and gather your wits about you.
Line 5 – Visionary Leader
When what you have known is burned to ashes, it can cause tremendous sorrow at first. But in your grief, don’t forget the forest always sprouts new growth after a fire, and the scorched meadow will bring even more flowers in the coming spring.
Line 6 – Adept/Role Model
You may find yourself now in the position of being the only one who can perceive the nourishing and revitalizing potential in what seems to others to be an unhappy situation. Be gentle with those around you, and with yourself – your willingness to accept the changes with grace and forgiveness will inspire others to do the same.
Other aspects
Astrological Sign: Aquarius/Pisces
Dynamics: Clinging (fire)
Color: yellow
Attributes: enlightening, clarifying, communicative, intelligent
Action(s): to radiate
Developmental: conception