The Gate of Self-Love
Other Names: Love of Self, Treading
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:
There are basically two modes of conduct in human life: conduct that arises from ego, and conduct that arises from essence. While it can be a lifelong endeavor to acquire the inner awareness, centering, and integration that enable you to act from essence, the hexagram of Treading characterizes a situation where the differences between these two modes of conduct come sharply into focus.
When you feel impatient or irritated with someone or something, it is a sure sign that the ego is agitated by the possibility its desires won’t be met. The ego isn’t hard to identify once it begins aggressively promoting its own cause and pushing others aside to get its way, regardless of the consequences. Cut off from any influence other than its own wants, the ego fuels an inner attitude that undervalues other people and, consciously or unconsciously, oversteps their personal boundaries. You may tend to believe you have special dispensation to go for it regardless of whether “it” is in sync with the rest of life or not. Anyone who is seen to be working at cross purposes to the ego’s agenda is self-righteously dismissed as irrelevant, inept, or impossible.
In situations involving the completion of a project, or working together with a team, ego-driven conduct never takes responsibility for the glitches, but it is quick to claim the credit for any success. In situations of private unhappiness, it is the ego that wants to avoid all responsibility by placing blame on some other person, superstition, or outside force like fate.
Once we have lost the awareness and integrity of essence and become distracted by the demands of the ego, we tend to start acting like robots, using old conditioned-behavior patterns that are so entrenched that we start thinking this is what makes up “me.” For the ego, functioning from habit is trouble-free because it can play out its favorite program of fantasies and projections without interference from the risky reality that opens up when sensitivity, spontaneity, and trust are allowed to lead the way.
The essence, on the other hand, is so self-assured and at home in its own skin that it has no need to prove itself by advancing its own goals against the goals of others. It is happy to move on the middle path and takes great interest in the challenge of remaining aware of each step on the way. When you act from essence, in other words, you act with awareness and sensitivity to all the variables in play, including the feelings of those around you, the demands of the times, and how your actions might best promote a greater sense of harmony and understanding.
This is particularly true when you sense that there is trouble brewing somewhere “out there” or within yourself. When you act from essence, you understand that marching to the beat of your own drum is not contradictory to playing in harmony with the band. We tread this fine line between egoistic drives and essential awareness throughout the whole of our lives. Getting savvy to these individual attributes of human nature makes the going a lot less treacherous, and a lot more rewarding.
The Changes (additional insight for applying the Line of an activated Gate)
Line 1 – Investigator/Information
People who know their own value have no need to disparage the value of others, nor will they join the ranks of those who try to use others to advance their own aims. When you find yourself surrounded by egomaniacs, the best way to conduct yourself is with dignity and simplicity. It will be nice if a few others somehow come to their senses and follow your example, but that’s really not your concern. Staying out of the fray will be its own reward.
Line 2 – Responder/Hermit
The stage is set, the costumes are ready, and the entire troupe of actors is on the stage. The trouble is, they all seem to be trying to play the lead role at the same time. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking it’s your job to sort them out, or to demonstrate that actually you yourself are the best person for the job. There’s a seat reserved for you in the audience where you can sit back and chuckle at the drama.
Line 3 – Explorer
One of the ways that ego can sabotage essence is to try to persuade you that what you must do is so “essential” that any means justifies the ends. This is almost never the case – in the laws of existence, means and ends are inextricably linked. So no matter how worthy the goal, if unworthy means are used to reach it, the consequences of your conduct will be quite different from what you imagined.
Line 4 – Stabilizer
No matter how wobbly you may feel now, it’s okay to go – slowly, gently, and with caution. Above all, work within your limits, be forthright about what you can and cannot do, and respect the boundaries of others. Slowing down makes it easier to perceive the way. As the surrounding atmosphere gradually clears, it becomes possible to consider alternative approaches that you might otherwise have missed if you didn’t take your time.
Line 5 – Visionary Leader
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between the quiet commitment of the essence and the cunning determination of the ego – but only from the outside. From the inside, you know perfectly well which mode of conduct is at work. But you have to take the time to go inside and look at the situation from there. Depending on what you see when you get there, you might want to reevaluate where you’re coming from and switch gears.
Line 6 – Adept/Role Model
Like the tree is known by the fruit, so the conduct can be evaluated by how it affects the inner and outer environment. If you’re feeling stressed out, there’s likely to be some ego involvement in what you’re trying to do. If all seems to be going well for you, and the whole situation seems to be benefited by your actions, you are probably right in tune with your essence.
Other aspects
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius on cusp of Capricorn
Dynamics: Joyous (reflecting lake) + Yang/Creative (heaven)
Color: pink + white
Attributes: communicative, pleasurable, sexual, expressive + authority, strength, power, inspiring
Action(s): to open and empower
Developmental: youth + transformation/death