The Gate of Peace
Other Names: Friendship, The Family
Biology: kidneys and 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:
We are all members of one human family. Faced with constant threats to their survival, our ancestors black, red, yellow, and white – developed family and tribal bonds. Clans, tribes, nations have fought one another down the ages to protect themselves and further their bloodlines, customs, and beliefs. Now, as a species, we have finally reached a threshold: we can no longer afford to base our relationships on factionalism and noncooperation. If we remain entrenched within our collective inheritance of aggression, fear, and separation, we will bring to a standstill life as we know it.
We have the intelligence to learn from our shared past and create a better world for our children to inherit. Each of us carries the seeds of that future buried deep within our hearts and in our dreams. Lasting change can be made, but only through our collective commitment to clear up the mistakes of the past. This process requires not only tolerance of our differences but a genuine willingness to work with them. Initially these are shaky, challenging steps to take, but they are made easier when we focus on our commonality rather than our dissimilarity. The effort is more than worth it, for the leap in consciousness that will occur when we leave the negative legacy of history behind will transfigure the entire earth and all that live on it.
Taking responsibility for playing your part well means making a conscious choice to increase your awareness; only then can you avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Listen to others and be respectful of differences but stay alert to any factionalism, comparison, or segregation. Shift the attention toward creating and strengthening mutual support, rather than rehashing old, worn-out patterns of perception and reaction. If you live by what you say, you will be respected for it. And the integrity of your actions will speak for itself.
Cross-culturally, a variety of predictions have stated that the dawn of a new age would arrive near the onset of the twenty-first century. That critical juncture is now. Crossing the threshold into the new means leaving behind our deeply ingrained fearfulness of others, and of Nature in general. The best place to start is at home, with your own familial relationships. It is virtually impossible to separate the attitudes we have toward our family members, friends, and neighbors from the way we approach society in general. The power plays we indulge in at home, behind closed doors, are no different from those that cause division among the nations of our world. Fully realizing that our longings, hopes, and dreams are a universally shared bond is a giant step in the direction of healing ourselves.
By starting right where you are you can profoundly effect positive change by eliminating your own tendencies toward creating separation, seeking control, or manipulating others. It is high time to let go of the belief that creating pain and discord improves our lives or makes us safer. Creating a difference begins with you.
The Changes (additional insight for applying the Line of an activated Gate)
Line 1 – Investigator/Information
Just as there is a need for form and structure within a blood family, so, too, there must be form and structure to create cohesiveness within any group or society. When each individual shares in the responsibilities, all can benefit from the success. Unless everyone understands at the outset what is required of them, however, chaos will reign.
Line 2 – Responder/Hermit
Take care to stay with the work that is right in front of you. If you stick with it, you and everyone else will benefit. But if you become distracted or try to push matters along, you’ll create trouble for all, especially yourself.
Line 3 – Explorer
A lax attitude at home or at work is creating an undercurrent of permissiveness, creating the opportunity for certain individuals to take more and more for granted. It’s essential to take a firm stand now or matters will soon spin out of control. Be sharp and clear and decisive; if your method is overly forceful, it might wound others, but even that is preferable to ignoring the problem and everyone suffering for it later.
Line 4 – Stabilizer
Enjoy times of plenty, but don’t forget to maintain the fundamentals that created the abundance in the first place. It’s a good idea to create healthy habits for the maintenance of well-being while times are sweet; this will enable you to maintain centeredness when the going gets tougher.
Line 5 – Visionary Leader
Others look to you for guidance and support, and respect you for your natural warmth and strength of character. A growing atmosphere of trust and well-being is being nourished by your care, but it’s important to remember your own needs as well.
Line 6 – Adept/Role Model
At the end of the day, it’s the guy at the top who is held accountable for the successes or failures of the group. If you faithfully walk your talk without compromising your truth or your vision, others will be supportive and there will be progress.
Other aspects
Astrological Sign: Pisces
Dynamics: Clinging (fire) + Gentle (wood/wind)
Color: yellow + jade green
Attributes: enlightening, clarifying, communicative, intelligent + penetrating, subtle, influencing, dispersing
Action(s): to radiate and penetrate
Developmental: conception + adult