The Sun has now moved into Gate 19, WANTING, also known as INTIMACY. In I-Ching, this hexagram is called APPROACH.

This energy is highly SENSITIVE on every level. SENSITIVE to touch, SENSITIVE to energy, and SENSITIVE to feelings. Most importantly, people with this energy defined are highly SENSITIVE to other people's needs. They can really dig deep and experience true INTIMACY with other people.

My conscious moon is in this gate at the time of my birth and boy is this a driving theme in my life. They say someone with this energy defined even has SENSITIVE skin and in my case that is absolutely true. I cannot concentrate on anything else if there is a scratchy label on a piece of my clothing. Seriously, just call me the Princess and the Pea. I was also an extremely sensitive child that would be absolutely crushed by a stern word directed at me or anyone else.

Many people with this energy also have a great affinity for animals and find them very comforting. This is true for me.

But this aspect of being SENSITIVE to other people's needs really ruled my life for some time. This combined with the fact that I am an empath truly had me dominated by the needs of the people in my life. At the same time, I was so afraid of being hurt that I removed myself as much as possible from circumstances where I would be otherwise vulnerable.

With awareness however, I can now (at least try to) pin point what isn't mine and make the decision to engage or not. But I'm still SENSITIVE. I accept and appreciate this aspect of my personality as the gift that it is.

Am I still protective of my personal space and choosy about the circumstance that are acceptable for me and my energy? Absolutely. But now I understand why and appreciate this tendency for self care. In fact thanks to this self care, I can also now feel safe enough to be truly vulnerable in the right circumstance and with the right people who do not totally dominate my energy with their own desires and needs.

So during this time, take advantage of this opportunity for INTIMACY. What can you do to allow yourself to be sensitive to other people's needs as well as your own? Just keep in mind, if anyone you encounter seems over SENSITIVE, have compassion. They are experiencing a level of SENSITIVITY that may be a bit shocking and unusual. But when someone shows this kind of vulnerability what an opportunity for compassion and connection, no?

Let's all embrace our inner snowflake and connect!