We’re a few days sampling the energy of Gate 27, the Gate of Caring. This is the energy of preservation. To care for ourselves, for others in order to survive and ensure the continuation of our species.

From Sacral to Spleen

Located in the Sacral— the hub for vital life force, reproduction, sustainability and sexuality. Gate 27 is the Sacral’s power to respond to what we need to nourish + take care of ourselves along with ways to care for our community to ensure our survival.

It reaches towards the Spleen—the awareness center for instinct, intuition, fear and the immune system. Connecting to 50 Gate of Values, which is here to enforce, establish + challenge societal rules.

Together they form the 27-50 Channel of Preservation.

Community Defense Circuit

The 27-50 is half of the Community Defense Circuit. Which is here to protect life and ensure life gets created. This is about intimacy + preservation.

As the fuel to care for life, Gate 27 is often expressed through compassion.

While the Gate of Caring might feel similar to the 19-49 Channel of Synthesis; the difference is that the 19-49 is focused on seeking relationships and principles to meet our needs while the 27-50 is what generates and establishes the structures necessary to sustain, nourish + protect ourselves.

But before you have the capacity to take care of others, you must start by filling your own cup first.

Shadow Expression of Gate 27

In the shadow expressions, the 27 might neglect their own needs, self sacrificing to manipulate, expecting something in return or on the other end of the spectrum being selfish + isolated from all.

• While the 59-6 Channel of Mating is about creating life through intimacy + connection
• the 27-50 Channel of Preservation is the energy to take care and sustain it through nourishment and enforcing the right values

But the 27 without Gate 50, has the fuel to care for themselves and also others but doesn’t always have the awareness or the right boundaries to do so without overextending themselves.

Generated Channel

This is a generated energy, the Sacral is here to be in response. What’s a full body yes? How does the no or not yet feel? Without the awareness of Gate 50 you might not always know who/how to care for others until your response kicks in.

• If your Sacral is defined: How do you nourish yourself daily? What are some practices that helps you feel grounded + refreshed? What are some outlets that allows you to channel this life force energy into supporting others? (Work, community, volunteering, art etc)
• If your Sacral is undefined: How does the pull to care for others show up for you? How can you release the expectation to be the one doing it all? How do you care for yourself and check in with your strategy & authority?

Wisdom of Gate 27

The wisdom of the Gate of Caring is embodied through altruism; to give out of compassion and love, without expecting something in return. And depending on the circumstances, to sacrifice for the greater good not because it’s a “should” but because it feels right.

On one hand of the spectrum, I think of this energy of care + protection expressed through the selfless warrior/superhero archetype, who’s here to help because they can, they are guided by their strong moral compass and purpose (i.e Captain America)

And on the other hand, I also see this beautiful energy expressed in simple acts of service. Like cooking, setting up shelters, soup kitchens, leading fundraising events, social work, social justice etc.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”—Leo Buscaglia

“Giving from the heart can stir up unexpected cosmic forces that work to your favour. To give to others simply for the sake of giving activates healthy currents deep within your body. Through selfishness you may acquire much for yourself, but you will not acquire a true sense of higher purpose.

Purpose flows from altruism like water from a spring — it bubbles up inside you making you feel warm as well as spreading this feeling to others. Another aspect of altruism is its ability to be detached.” —Richard Rudd

Lesson from the Gate of Caring

A lesson from Gate 27 is the importance of filling our cup so we can expand our capacity to nourish and care for others. Similar to 19 Gate of Wanting, it’s important you take care of your needs first.

• What are some non negotiable practices you need daily? How do you nourish your Sacral? (defined or undefined)
• How can you take care of others without overextending yourself? What helps you come back to your center?
• What makes you feel nourished? Time alone, with a love one, space to exploring your curiosities, a good book, walking in nature etc.
• How do you create the space to tune in to yourself? And the guidance of your strategy and authority?

Gate 27 Keynotes

Share your Reflections

Do you have Gate 27 active? Or know someone who does? Would love to hear your reflections, simply hit reply to share.

Exploring Further

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More free resources on the blog as well