The Sun has now moved into Gate 15, EXTREMES or LOVE OF HUMANITY. In the I-Ching, this hexagram is called MODESTY. 

This is the energy for EXTREMES in rhythms and patterns. Try as one might to stick with a schedule, it can be quite the challenge for someone with this energy defined. In some ways this has to do with an internal connection to what is going on with nature, there is no denying that pull regardless of what is on the agenda for the day. This is the first week since I started this project that I haven't published my transit article on the first day. I wonder if that is a coincidence. 

Interestingly, no matter how low key someone with this energy defined attempts to be, people immediately notice them when they walk into the room. This is because they have a very large aura that is impossible to ignore. As a result many folks with this energy defined try to shrink themselves to no avail. Hence the hexagram, MODESTY. 

I have also heard this energy called the vortex. It is very easy to get caught up in the energy of someone with Gate 15. Whether that energy is expressing the high or low version of this energy it can be difficult not to get sucked in. At its best, I would like to think this vortex has the capacity for pulling people in to help HUMANITY.

Because this is the energy for the LOVE OF HUMANITY. Love for all who reside here on this planet. For better or worse. Without awareness one can lose track of their own well being when there is so much love for HUMANITY.  

I've been struggling with the LOVE OF HUMANITY this week. The news has been so difficult. The best advice I have ever heard in times like these is attributed to Mr. Rogers, "look for the helpers." That right there will go a long way in restoring your faith in HUMANITY. I saw a small fundraiser go from $5K on Sunday to $17.5M today because people are good and they want to help in any way they can.

So I invite you to reflect on your feelings towards HUMANITY. It is so easy to focus on the bad examples of what is happening in the world today but how can we have more faith in HUMANITY as a whole? Do you generally love HUMANITY or do you hold suspicion in your heart? How can you open your heart to be a force of love in this world?

On the other hand, are you someone who habitually puts others before yourself to a fault? What can you do to establish healthier boundaries? How can you show compassion and love to HUMANITY without losing yourself in the process?

These are strange times. But I keep coming back in my mind to the the role we each play in the puzzle of humanity. We each have an integral part to play. All I can do is strive to be the highest expression of myself I can manage and try be kind to the people around me. 

Small acts of kindness matter. They have to.