Communion:

The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level; Common participation in a mental or emotional experience (Oxford Languages)


Communion. Community.

These words share a common root, laced together to describe elements of coming together.

Co-mmunity: Co-immunity—together, we become safe.

Comm-union: Community union—a gathering of hearts and minds which leads to connection, to union.

From the outside, we see community as a collection of individuals. But within that community lies communion: the deeper exchange that binds us together. And, just as communion creates community, it is also what sustains it.

So what can we do as individuals to nurture communion in our own lives? How do we transform our relationships into authentic exchanges and become part of a truly connected community?

The Gene Keys: From Dominance to Communion

In the Gene Keys, the 45th Gene Key represents the path from Dominance to Communion, with the bridge of Synergy. These concepts are deeply personal for me, as this Gene Key lies in my sphere of Vocation—a place where my purpose expresses itself in the world.

Even if the terminology of the Gene Keys feels unfamiliar, the message is universal. Richard Rudd describes the shadow of the 45th Gene Key as Dominance, a state of hierarchy and control. Yet, this same energy transforms into the highest expression of Communion when it flows through the gift of Synergy.

Let’s take a closer look at dominance. 

Dominance: A Shadow and a Measure

The word dominance often carries a negative weight. It implies control, separation, or oppression. Let’s explore this limiting belief: at its root, domination simply means “to rule.” So what does it mean to rule?

A ruler, in its innocence, is a measure—something to guide or compare against. A leader can serve as a point of reference for others, a ruler, a model for a role to aspire to. A ruler carries all of the potential to create communion through dominance, as when the shadow of dominance is transformed, it becomes a guiding force… not through separation, but through the sharing and exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings with others.

When a ruler, a leader, a role model participates in the exchange of intimate thoughts and feelings, they create a bridge between people, rather than a barrier. When this happens, dominance is no longer a tool of oppression but a channel for synergy.

When the dominant one is able to create synergy…

Synergy: The Energy of Union

 Synergy is energy synthesis—the creation of something greater than the sum of its parts. Imagine 2 + 2 equaling 5. This is what happens when individuals come together in harmony, generating a new, shared energy that transcends what each could achieve alone. The container of the 4 itself adds an additional 1 to the equation. 2 + 2 = 2 + 2 + 1 = 5.

By contrast, the shadow expression of dominance might look like 1(1+1+1) = 3. Here, one force suppresses the potential of others, and the combined energy falls short of its true value. At this point, dominance is effective only by the gathering and dominating of numbers. 1(1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1…) = sum of all 1s – 1.

True communion arises when a dominant energy supports and elevates others, allowing the collective to thrive. This is the foundation of a community in union: individuals working together in synergy, creating something truly extraordinary.


Dominance to Communion

So when a dominant one can take part in Communion, can be a rule of measure that others wish to live up to, and can take part in the exchange of intimate thoughts and feelings, and create synergy rather than separation, then true communion can blossom. And through true communion we can develop true community. A community in union.

So as individuals, we all have the things that we care about, the things that we champion, the things that we hold dearly. It is becoming of us to be living examples of our truths, for others to follow, to measure themselves against, rather than imposing ourselves upon others.

As the Gene Keys is based off of the ancient system of the I Ching, I wanted to explore this idea of Communion through the I Ching’s 45th Hexagram.

I Ching

The Gene Keys is based off of the gates of Human Design, which are a modern take on the ancient Chinese I Ching : Book of Changes. In the I Ching, gate 45 is known as, “Gathering Together”, a great way to extract these qualities. 

Hexagram 45 is symbolized by the element of Lake over the element of Earth. Imagine the calm and stillness of a body of water that is supported by the receptive strength of the earth.

This hexagram is reflective of the power of the individual in their own growth and reflection to be a measure for others. Look at your reflection in that lake. Find grounding through the earth when you catch that honest gaze.

Ultimately, the refinement of the self is only going to serve all sentient beings.

A hexagram is built of 6 lines, and each line has a purpose in the ultimate meaning, meant to guide us during time of change. There is synergy in eac hexagram, through its 6 lines.

The 6 Lines of Gate 45

Line 1: Surpass ego and doubt.

In order to survive one’s self, one must be willing to look at the truth of one’s Self. Line 1 is to kneel on the earth and peer into the calm lake.

Line 2: Seek natural balance.

When we try to force harmony, we only submit to tensions. When receiving another being, positive outcome will only be achieved through openness and authenticity. This is all about removing your mask, not pretending or rushing impatiently in order to uphold the status quo. What face do you see when you peer into the lake? Will the grounding of the earth open you to seeing the truth?

Line 3: Embrace Vulnerability

Authenticity is tough, especially when we are discussing the sharing of our intimate thoughts and feelings. We may stumble and err in the process. However, as long as we continue to find grounding in humility and tolerance – towards ourselves and others – we can create communion.

Line 4: Prioritize the Collective Good

It’s important to question in yourself, what is more important… my selfishness or the well-fare of the community? When we express our vulnerability, we engage in communion. When we push through these difficulties, we are engaging in selfless effort for the greater good. And that is something to celebrate, in ourselves, and in others.

“Thank you for being open and honest, I’m sure that was difficult to express”

Line 5: Stay Resilient

It is at the fifth line that we must not falter in our steadfast quest towards communion. We may press through our fears and bring honest expression, and that expression may not always be met with open arms. It is at this time that we must remember to maintain our inner independence and stick to this path, to forge the way to union. It is important to look into the lake, to examine our reflection, and see how we can improve ourselves in this situation in order to create communion.

Line 6: Seek New Perspectives

When all else fails, and unity seems to be a struggle to create in our honest self-expression, when all of our self-improvements and attempts are met with resistance which can not be overcome, we must remain patient, and resilient. It may be that we need to look outside of our own box of perception and seek guidance from a fellow ruler in order to gain a deeper understanding of the situation, so that we may continue to make progress in our aims for union in the community.

A few questions for contemplation

How can I become more aware of opportunities to express my appreciation to others?
How can I overlook feelings of tension in hurting relations, in order to create bridges to healing?
How can I express my fears and my faults in order to engage in the sharing and exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings?

To be open and raw and honest, to have the courage to transcend inner tensions, and express oneself truly and authentically can feel risky. I’m sure that for many people, to do partake in such an act has been met with separation or punishment, especially as a child. A majority of us have been programmed against this idea, and live in fear of doing so.

However, to be open, and raw and honest, to have the courage to transcend inner tensions, and express oneself truly and authentically, with the purpose of connection and healing, is to engage in communion, it is to build co-immunity so that we can build a community of connection – of union, allowing us to commune with unity.

Words are fun. I’ll leave with one last word:

Courage.

To be open, honest, and authentic, and express ourselves fully, deeply and vulnerably to our fellows takes courage.

Courage goes back to the latin, “Cor” which means, “Heart”.

“Age” is a unit of time.

Thus, Cor-Age is the time of the heart.

So lets all live with courage, lets live from our hearts, and overcome our tensions in order to express our fears and faults.

Lets commune to build community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and allow me to be of service to the world.

Chand Tagdeep Singh