Thursday, 2 January 2014

Feng Shui and the Winter Season

Winter is a time of maximum Yin energy.  Yin dominates and Yang is greatly lacking in the natural world.  Plants and animals in nature adapt to this change in their living environment by going into a state of suspended animation.  Their movement and growth slows to give them the best chance of surviving in what has become a hostile setting for them.

In the west of the Northern hemisphere the Winter Equinox on December 21 represents the first day of winter; the shortest period of daylight in the year.  In the 24 seasons of the Chinese Solar Calendar the time of 'Frost' begins as early as October 24* with the 'Coming of Winter' period starting on November 7* and Winter Solstice beginning on December 22*.

*These dates may change by a + or -variation of one day.  To be accurate it is advised to check the 10,000 Year Calendar.

As well as representing hours, days, months and years, combinations of the 12 Chinese Astrological Animals also signify one of the four seasons of the Solar year.  The Winter season begins in November, the month of the Boar (Pig), continues in December, the month of the Rat and concludes in January, the month of the Ox.  The Boar represents early winter, the Rat represents midwinter and the Ox represents late winter.

The period from November to the end of January represents a time of Yin energy; the Earth is at rest with little or no growth in the natural world. 

Snow and frost on a sunny winter day brings a sparkle and a hint of Yang to the landscape but the chill in the atmosphere still has an overriding air of Yin energy.   Yang energy in the natural world is depleted.

How fortunate that this coincides with a season of celebration; with colour, light, noise and excitement created by manmade Yang energy.  From the latter part of November; Thanksgiving Day in USA and Canada; followed by the Christmas and New Year period in December and the beginning of January, there is an air of anticipation and excitement.  Sparkling lights, decorations, music, parties and family gatherings all combine to make up for lack of Yang energy in the natural world.

The growth colour of green, the colour of the Wood element, feeds and enhances the Yang colour of red.  The colour of the Fire element is one of the most popular at this time of the year.  It brings warmth, brightness and a sense of excitement, in contrast to the darkness of the short days.

These traditional celebratory colours give a helping hand during the season of celebration to help Yin and Yang balance.

Rather than viewing the Winter season as a depressing and dismal period, look on it as a time of transition and a necessary stage in the annual cycle.  Appreciate its unique beauty and embrace it rather than wish for it to be over.   Just as we will not thrive and survive without rest, the natural world also benefits from a period of rest to ensure it is replenished and ready to begin a new cycle of growth.

To the fulfillment of your dreams
LynC

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