Symbolically, this is a time to consolidate the lessons and accomplishments we have made so far this year. To “harvest” the little works we have done and prepare for the larger works of the summer. Put aside the spring cleaning, and look towards larger home and garden projects for the dry season, as an example. The ancient Chinese “Book of Rites” indicates

During this two-week period, from May 5th to May 20th, it is customary to celebrate the arrival of Summer by engaging in activities mirroring the season’s abundance, brightness and joy…

In the seasonal node of Grain Rains, Spring growth is supercharged by the arrival of early summer energy. The Yang energy of the Sun meets with seasonal rains (Yin), making good on the old saying, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” This is a moment when the momentum of Yang - warming, active, outward energy - begins to really kick into gear and get all the Yin energy collected over winter to spring into motion.

Welcome to  清明 Qingming “Clear and Bright” - the 2-week period after the spring equinox when the luminosity of the longer days brings sunshine, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose to our lives. Clear and Bright begins on April 4th and finishes right before Easter…

This year, instead of talking about the months again, we will be looking at the 節氣 Jieqi, or “Seasonal Nodes.” These are 2-week periods throughout the year that describe the climate and agricultural activity of that period. The Jieqi are further divided into 5-day periods…

Welcome to the Spring Equinox 2025! Resting at the pivot point between the Rabbit and the Dragon lunar months, this two-week period of the equinox (春分, “Chunfen”) symbolizes the transition and transformation between these two Zodiac animals, and it represents a moment of perfect harmonious balance in the environment as day and night are equal. This is one of the two times of the year…

We have arrived at the time of the Spring Equinox, when the scales begin to tilt away from the long, cold trudge through the winter season, and towards a warmer, brighter vision of summer. This is the time of year governed by the Rabbit in the zodiac cycle. Coming off the back of the Tiger month, which saw us going through the dramatic throes of early spring—with ice and snow, sunshine and wind…

The Tiger is a deeply symbolic animal, and two particular aspects come to mind when thinking of the Tiger as a symbol of the New Year and the start of Spring…