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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