Channel 18, also known as the Channel of Judgment, is formed by the connection of gates 18 and 58. It’s a channel from the matrix of direction, connecting the spleen center to the throat center. This channel brings powerful and constant energy of discernment, the ability to evaluate and make fair decisions.
When this channel is defined, it gives the individual clarity of judgment and natural authority in taking a stand. People with this defined channel often have a keen sense of justice, ethics, and what is appropriate in a given situation. They have a knack for cutting through confusion and appearances, to get to the heart of the matter and express their truth with force and integrity.
However, this same energy of judgment can also manifest as a tendency towards excessive criticism, intransigence or harshness towards oneself and others. People with the Channel of Judgment defined may have trouble accepting the grey areas, compromise or human weaknesses. They may also tend to impose their vision of what is right, without always taking into account the nuances or contexts.
Let’s take the example of a judge with the Channel of Judgment defined. In his court, he shows a remarkable ability to evaluate the facts, weigh the pros and cons, and make fair and argued decisions. His energy of judgment seems to give him an authority and clarity of mind that inspire respect and trust. However, he can also struggle with rigidity, lack of empathy, or difficulty in admitting his own mistakes. He needs to learn to temper his judgment with compassion, to remain open to new perspectives, and to accept the inherent imperfection of the human condition.
For people with this channel defined, learning to use their judgment energy wisely and nuanced is an important challenge. They must learn to trust their discernment while remaining humble and listening, to assert their truth while respecting that of others. They also need to be careful not to let themselves be overwhelmed by their critical sense, but to cultivate self-compassion and kindness towards their own flaws and those of others.
This channel is closely linked to Channel 17 (Channel of Acceptance) which we previously explored. Together, these two channels form a powerful circuit of truth and personal integrity energy. The Channel of Judgment brings the ability to discern and assert what is right, while the Channel of Acceptance brings the ability to welcome and integrate what is. When these two channels are defined, the individual has immense potential for moral authority and authentic leadership, combining conviction and openness of mind.
On the other hand, for those with the Channel of Judgment open, the challenge is to learn to trust their own sense of right and true, without letting themselves get overly influenced or destabilized by the sharp judgments of others. They can be excellent mediators and facilitators, bringing their listening and acceptance to help others nuance their positions and find common ground. However, they must be careful not to let themselves be paralyzed by fear of external judgment, and dare to assert their own choices and values when it is important to them.
It is interesting to note that the Channel of Judgment is linked to the theme of correction and improvement in the I Ching. Gates 18 and 58 are associated with the hexagrams of “Working on What is Corrupt” and “Joy”, which evoke images of repair, realignment, and ability to restore order and harmony after a period of trouble. Therefore, this channel carries a deeply regulatory and reparative energy, which knows how to identify and correct imbalances, in oneself and the world.
Let’s imagine a life coach with the Channel of Judgment defined. In his work with his clients, he shows an amazing ability to spot dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns, to clearly and straightforwardly name them. His energy of judgment seems to act as a powerful and revealing mirror, inviting his clients to see and take responsibility for their shadow and sabotage areas. Yet, he may also tend to be overly direct, overly eager to “fix” problems, at the risk of startling or turning off some more sensitive people. He needs to learn to moderate his judgment, to wrap it in softness and encouragement, and to leave each person the time and space to progress at their own pace towards more truth and inner alignment.
In the end, the Channel of Judgment is a valuable source of discernment and the ability to restore appropriateness and integrity, in oneself and in one’s relationships. But as with any powerful energy, it needs to be handled with wisdom, nuance, and respect for everyone’s sensitivity. By learning to honor our sense of right and true while cultivating humility and openness, we can use this channel to bring more clarity, honesty, and harmony to our lives and the world. It’s a real challenge and an opportunity for growth for those who have this defined channel, and an invitation to balance judgment and acceptance in every situation for everyone.
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