Sun in Gate 1: Transition into the Quarter of Mutation
We have now transitioned out of the Quarter of Duality and into the Quarter of Mutation. Enough seeking purpose through relationships and bonding- now our focus shifts to the transformation of individual consciousness and awareness. This is the season with the greatest potential for alchemy, a time of extraordinary possibility.
The mystical theme of this quarter is accepting death. The theory is that if you live correctly, you will die correctly- ie, experiencing your type’s signature.
We begin the quarter with the Sun in Gate 1: The Creative (The Gate of Self Expression)
This is the deep impulse to express oneself. It’s not about trying to be the best- it’s about being original and authentic.
This is the drive to differentiate yourself and leave your distinct mark on the world, so that your unique creativity outlives your physical form. You die knowing that you left it all on the table, you expressed all you were here to express and now you are truly complete.
It is “Creation as a primal force. The energy potential to manifest inspiration without limitation”
Line 1, the foundation of what this is all about, says “Creation is independent of will”
This is the essence of creation- it is not something we get to control. It is a primal force. Mutation comes when it does, we cannot will it to happen in our preferred timing. We don’t get to choose what the mutation is.
And, creation is not about the ego. It’s not about being better or worse than anyone else, it’s about being true to yourself.
The anecdote to unhealthy comparison is differentiation. If you’re jealous of what someone else is creating, it’s because you’re not accessing your own creative potential. If you think that you’re in competition with others, this might be a signpost that you’re still trying to be something you’re not.
Gate 1 is the most YANG of all the hexagrams- it is not receptive, and not to be interfered with. It is not looking for guidance from external sources, it simply wants to put its unique creativity out into the world.
And then in contrast we have the Earth currently in Gate 2: The Receptive (Direction of the Self). This is the most YIN. You will never manifest your true creative direction by attempting to impose your will on the world around you- alignment only comes through receptivity and surrender. This is the key to higher knowing.
How do we balance the yin and the yang? Not by trying to conceptualize it, but by cultivating an intimate relationship with the creative process.
This week, I encourage you to set aside time to allow your creativity to express itself, without concern for the end product. You’re not trying to sell or prove anything, you’re just making art for the joy of it. Less civilized, more primal. How long has it been since you’ve done this?
Then ask yourself…
When do I feel the most creative and most myself?
What potential new directions are presenting themselves to me at this time?
Am I open to being guided towards my true path, even if it differs from what I envisioned?
Where am I allowing others' expectations, wishes and projections to interfere with my pursuit of creativity and alignment?
How might the pressures of the material world be distorting my creativity? My direction?
How do I create the optimal conditions for inspiration to strike?