I have gate 18 in Pluto on both my personality and design side. The gates in Pluto are the qualities that bring about the deepest, most important transformation and can take a lifetime to explore. Pluto is what holds you back and what sets you free.
In my life, I really have to put myself in check with gate 18's urge to correct, especially when it comes to my kiddos. I mean well but it isn't always received in that way.
About Gate 18
Name: The Gate of Correction
Center: Spleen
Circuitry: Collective Understanding
Gate Physiology: Lymphatic System
Spleen Physiology: Immune System, T-cells, Lymphatic System
Amino Acid: Alanine
Gene Key Shadow: Judgement
Gene Keys Gift: Integrity
Gene Keys Siddhi: Perfection
Archetype: the Perceiver
Gate 18's Inherent Energetic Traits
Gate 18's gift comes from splenic awareness and intuition in the now. It focuses on the present moment while also has a sense about progress into the future.
Gate 18 has a natural gift to correct what has been spoilt, to sense what needs to be fixed, and to understand how to make something better. It intuitively sees a weak point in a pattern and has the instincts to know how the experience can be refined. Gate 18 is able to judge, “is the process going well?” "What’s missing in the processes?"
In the highest expression, gate 18 is here to challenge the collective authority in areas that are not working. It's here to empower the self and others by making corrections and sharing these criticisms in order to better society. An invitation or permission eliminates resistance in others.
The Shadow of Gate 18 is Judgement & Criticism
Judgement can have an empowering or disempowering effect in your life, depending on how it is expressed. The mind plays a powerful role here, but remember this energy comes from the Spleen -- the body! There's no thought process here. It's more about instinct, intuition, and knowing that something is off. When this energy moves to the mind and you start identifying with the mental judgement and criticism, this is the low expression.
Do you recognize your inner critic? Do you have perfectionist standards that are holding you back? Do you expect perfection with the way you eat, how often you exercise, your body weight, the way you look, etc.? The act of "perfecting" yourself is a very slippery slope, and is the low expression.
Perfectionism blocks your flow of life! Gate 18 is all about flow -- lymphatic flow and the flow of life.
The high expression is the ability to have integrity about your judgement and what it has to offer society (or not).
Maintain a gentle mind around judgement. Is your judgement going to change the World or is it just nitpicking?
If you're a parent, how does the judgement, correction, and criticism play out in your family and with your kiddos? I know there's good intention here, but there's a high likelihood your child is not receiving your "helpful" judgements in that way. It can be felt as nagging. It's critical to explore the integrity and restraint side of gate 18.
Working with Gate 18's Energy
Key takeaway here: You have the energy to correct things, but this gate of correction isn’t ideal for turning inward on yourself! You're not here to place judgement on yourself (or others in your life). This energy is meant to be focused outward on the collective. In addition, this is a projected gate and will always be received better when it is invited to be heard!
When you notice yourself in the low expression and are focusing on dissatisfaction, turn your attention outward to your environment and find something to correct, such as a messy cabinet that needs organized, or ponder the education system, medical system, your business, a project, etc.
Lymphatic System and Gate 18 in Human Design
Gate 18 is located in the Spleen Center, which is the center for health, well-being, survival, safety, instincts, intuition, and existential fears. The Spleen is also the location of the immune system, with a focus on T-cells and the lymphatic system.
The Spleen functions as a blood filter, removing damaged blood cells. It also contains white blood cells that fight infections and produce antibodies.
The lymphatic system functions like a virus and bacteria cleanup crew for the body. It consists of a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells and helps to remove waste products, toxins, and excess fluid from tissues.
Lymph helps keep you healthy by filtering and trapping foreign particles, such as bacteria and viruses, and facilitating their removal from the body.
The lymphatic system and the spleen work together to help maintain a healthy immune response by fighting against infections and disease.
Gate 18’s physiological connection in the body is the lymphatic system. Your lymph needs to flow! Gate 18 in its lowest expression can be critical and judgmental, and it focuses on dissatisfaction instead of your own empowerment to make changes. Constant perfectionism can also show up here. So....that vibe of criticism, nagging, judging, perfecting ---that will keep you stuck energetically! It's disempowering for both yourself and others. Physically, the lymph needs to flow - you don't want "stuck" lymph! Does judgement make you feel stuck or block your flow? Does your lymph need some love so it can flow better? There is an energetic and physical connection here.
If you have gate 18, I strongly encourage you to find ways to promote lymphatic flow and drainage.
Four Nutrition Tips to Support Gate 18 and the Lymphatic System
It's helpful to know how to support gate 18's nutrition needs as part of a deeper understanding of your human design. Here are four tips to support the Lymphatic System health and flow.
#1: Stay Hydrated! Drinking enough water is essential for keeping lymph flowing smoothly. Certain herbal teas such as ginger and dandelion tea help reduce fluid retention and support lymphatic flow.
Reduce your intake of alcohol and coffee because they can be dehydrating and disrupt the flow of lymph. In addition, excessive salt can lead to water retention and affect lymphatic circulation. Have you ever eaten a salty dinner, like Mexican food, Pizza, or a lot of cheese and woke up with big bags under your eyes? That's an example of poor lymph drainage and dehydration.
#2: Consume Fruits and Vegetables Colorful foods like fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support lymphatic health. Especially foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, arugula). Aim for at least 3 cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
#3: Reduce Inflammatory Foods and Increase Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Highly processed foods and sugary foods cause inflammation and excess fluid retention in the body, and negatively impact lymphatic health. Inflammatory seed oil fats also do. I recommend removing those as much as possible. It will be a journey to do this because they're addicting and in so many foods on the grocery store shelves.
Include more omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger. Here's why I take omega-3 fish oil every morning, and what my favorite brand is.
#4: Bonus Tip - I swear by Gua Sha for Lymph drainage!
I absolutely love using gua sha as a way to stimulate the lymphatic system, unclog lymph blockages on the face and neck, reduce undereye puffiness, and reduce overall fluid retention and inflammation in my face. Gua sha is a traditional Chinese technique that involves "scraping" the skin with a smooth-edged stone, typically made of jade or rose quartz. It's a light and gentle technique and doesn't take long.
Remember, FOOD IS KNOWLEDGE to your cells. The types of food you provide your body will either support or hinder your Spleen's ability to extract the essence of life.
Follow Your Determination Diet Type
In addition to those three nutrition tips, also consider following your Primary Health System (PHS) Determination Diet type. This is a way of eating that supports your well-being.
For example, if your Determination is Alternating, this means your body digests food and information best when you eat one item completely before moving to the next food item in your meal. Try slowing down while you eat in order to have a singular and clear mental awareness of what you're eating. Experiment with having lighter, smaller meals instead of big meals.
Questions for Inquiry
Do you have gate 18? Is it hanging or connected via a channel? Is your spleen defined or undefined? How would you describe your immune health and resiliency?
I would love to hear from you.
Much love,
Kelly
Human Design Appointments
Moving from where you are now to where you want to be requires long-term dedication to learning and experimenting with your human design. I've learned so much through the process of researching, observing myself and others, experimenting, and repeating that cycle over and over.
I believe growth requires more than one appointment, which is why I offer an initial appointment (90 minutes) with a follow-up appointment (60 minutes).