A concept popped into my head recently while talking with somebody about astrological aspects between planets and human design's channel compatibility, such as harmonic, resonant or dissonant. It all has been rolling around inside my head til I saw some bike paths worn into the earth on a small hillside today, while driving. It reminded me of a place not too far from my childhood home. It was a drainage ditch that ran through the neighborhood with large cottonwood trees interspersed on its edges. Multiple bike paths ran through it from one side to the other, connecting to the neighborhood nearby. It was a thrill for a kid like me - that "next level" big kid experience when your friends and family didn't keep you from riding headlong into the ditch, attempting to make it to the other side without crashing or falling back due to a lack of forward movement/pedal power.
Now, there were maybe 4 or 5 paths that I recall. Each with its own angles and characteristics. The ones to the left were much deeper and steeper, narrow, and you needed to be careful of low tree branches getting in the way. Definitely a higher difficulty! Also a LOT more fun. The paths to the right were not quite as deep, wider and easier to navigate in general. A comfort for those moments when you didn't feel confident enough for the more intense routes.
That all being said - aspects and gate connections can be like this. Some may be more intense and have some dangers involved that sometimes feel unnecessary or arbitrary, however they are all part of the experience! If we work at it, practice or just get to know these elements, we can adapt and grow stronger, be able to reach the other side more easily than when we first tried, or when we were younger and/or not as strong. Time and outside influences can have an impact, too. Can you imagine riding those paths in the Winter? Or during a Thunderstorm?
Another couple of things I saw on my way home today - children playing in a courtyard, loudly exclaiming that there may be snakes in their yard! It made me quirk a smile at the expression and energy.
Shortly after, I saw a poster with a quote on it, "A truly great man never puts away the simplicity of a child." - Confucius
It reminded me of some readings I've done when it involves Leo or the 5th house. That pure energy of joy, radiance and the inner child. How as we grow and experience the world, that pureness is beaten down, walked upon and buried under the detritus of our life and the conditioning of our family, peers, co-workers as we grow into adulthood. It is compromised for the sake of fitting in, achieving success in others' eyes or to feel like we're making something for ourselves (when in fact we are not). This is the resistance training of life. With it we can become strong, but we have to realize what we are doing it for? Is it to be more aware, mindful and wise? To experience life in alignment with our design? Or is it just to please others or participate in a race with no finish line. When in doubt - ride and experience!