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

This is the energy for EXTREMES in rhythms and patterns. It can be quite the challenge for someone with this energy defined to stick to a rigid schedule. In many ways this has to do with an innate connection to what is going on with nature, there is no denying that pull regardless of what is on the agenda for the day. So it is less a refusal to stick with a schedule and more of an awareness of the true correct timing of nature.

For example, someone with this definition might drive their partner nuts by having to do this or that last minute before leaving their house for a party. But then when they arrive, they might find out the party had been delayed for some reason and that they are in fact arriving at the optimal time. This is an example of the seemingly erratic, yet divine timing of Gate 15.

Also people with this energy defined have very large auras. No matter how low key someone with this energy tries to be, people immediately notice them when they walk into the room. 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, truly through no fault of their own. 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 in the end 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.  

Do you struggle to keep a fixed schedule? Is that bad? Is it possible to see this as a gift rather than a fault? Does it make you feel less safe if the people around you are incapable of sticking to a pattern? Why? Is it possible to allow yourself to go with their flow every once in a while and allow divine timing to happen?

I invite you to also 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?

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 we can do is strive to be the highest expression of ourselves we can manage and try be kind to the people around us. 

Small acts of kindness matter. They have to.