The Gate of Purpose
Other Names: Self-Expression, The Creative
Biology: liver
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 Creative represents ultimate potential. It only manifests in an atmosphere of receptivity so charged that the quickening flash of inspiration can arc across it. In ancient China this potentiality, brimming on the point of being, was accorded the highest respect and was attributed to heaven. Known as the dragon power, it was depicted as an illuminated dragon continuously twisting in the darkness of the void. In the West it has been called the hand of God that creates all things. Because its very nature is the lack of a fixed form, the enormous energy of The Creative is undefinable. This is the primary active force that is spontaneous and unpredictable, untiring in a nature that is eternally in motion effecting change.
Remaining in an attitude of openness, with a yes to the twists and turns of life unfolding, attracts The Creative. When expectations are dropped, we are able to yield to, and be transformed by, what comes from heaven. In that receptivity we become available for The Creative to descend – stimulating inspiration. It is as if, waiting in an attitude of openness, you are impregnated with the seed of creative expression. Through its potency, everything is made manifest: the entire universe is governed by its principles, across all dimensions from the molecular to the cosmic. Its signature is visible throughout nature and human consciousness.
The Creative is yang, the active principle balancing The Receptive, the yin principle. Their entwined harmony is depicted as the yin/yang symbol; they are utterly interdependent and can never be separated. This mighty force must have something to act upon, and inspire into being.
When this energy appears, the moment is ripe with potential and the male dynamic is emphasized, highlighting energetic going forward, expansiveness, and tenacity. Heaven wants to work through you, and it requires fortitude to channel that energy for the greater good. To operate freely, this principle relies upon the yielding, receptivity of the yin feminine principle; nothing will cause it to retreat faster than rigidity that masks as power. There is tremendous advantage in being blessed by the power of heaven; therefore, it must be used intelligently with humility and respect.
This compelling yang power cannot be prevented – or manipulated to your will. Any attempts to impose ego upon it only distorts the outcome. Then the “best-laid plans often go awry.” Because mind is always dissatisfied, always hankering for the “new and improved,” we fiddle around, interfering with the steady unfolding of The Creative. It is foolish to hurry it along impatiently, or to try to alter the dynamic that is at work.
To remain in harmony with its course, and so benefit from its infinite resource, remain open and willing to work intuitively and spontaneously with what is offered to you. You are empowered to inspire by having been inspired, so think big, let your dreams be grand. Cultivate integrity, kindness, and humanity. Allow your nature to develop a relaxed alertness, in harmony with the way of Tao (aka universal/natural flow), for then the power of The Creative can become the wind beneath your wings. Let the hand of this heaven principle reveal the higher, visionary perspective which is there in potential for us all.
The Changes (additional insight for applying the Line of an activated Gate)
Line 1 – Investigator/Information
Action is unnecessary. Patiently prepare the way for the new to appear; it will bring increased understanding and support.
Line 2 – Responder/Hermit
Prioritize connection with the inner voice of intuition. Trust it and be free of the limited perspective of doubt and hesitation that can keep you immobilized.
Line 3 – Explorer
Anxiety and frustration will muddy your clarity. Don’t push toward what you perceive as the goal. Let the goal, and the way to it, reveal itself. You may be surprised to find it is something very different from what you thought.
Line 4 – Stabilizer
Remain flexible. A fear of failure will undermine the exhilarating experience of personal empowerment and expansiveness that naturally accompanies The Creative. Let your intuition guide you; if it feels right in your gut, then it is right.
Line 5 – Visionary Leader
Being in tune with The Creative illuminates and gives definition to your life. Allow yourself the time and space to absorb and honor what is happening for you. This enlightened quality radiates effortlessly and attracts others to you; be gracious in sharing the gifts that are so abundantly offered by existence now.
Line 6 – Adept/Role Model
Hunger for success will distort clarity and create arrogant behavior. The nature of Tao is to restore balance: in this case, by bursting the overinflated bubble of ego and its aspirations, and returning you to earth. You’ll experience a fall – but it is in the nature of things that this is how we learn. This fall will lead you to mastery of the energy of The Creative and aid you as a role model.
Other aspects
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Dynamics: Yang/Creative (heaven)
Color: white
Attributes: authority, strength, power, inspiring
Action(s): to empower
Developmental: transformation/death