Summer
2010
Chinese Solar Term "QI Node" days:
According to an ancient Chinese solar calendar, there
is a shift of the energy approximately every 15 days throughout the
year. At the beginning of each period, there is a "qi node," or
day when the qi seems to shift. In general these qi nodes seem to work very well
in northern latitudes above 35 degrees. (I have not checked their accuracy in
southern latitudes, but they may well be similar).
On each "quarter day,' midway between an Equinox
or Solstice, there is a day in which the qi of the following season is
"established." Such as Feb 5th "Establishment of Spring Qi"
or May 5th "Establishment of Summer Qi."
These "quarter days' are excellent times to begin
adjusting your nutritional patterns and lifestyle toward the following season.
As an example, August 6th is "Establishment of Autumn QI." That means
that, while it is still very hot, the subtle shift toward Autumn qi is just
beginning. It is a good time to begin slowly moderating your intake of very
cooling foods (iced drinks and ice cream) and begin using warmer foods to start
acclimating your body to colder temperatures.
NOTE: References in Chinese Solar Calendar refer
to Qi changes in Northern Hemisphere. The reverse would be applicable in
similar latitudes of Southern Hemisphere.
There is even a set of Qigong exercises, attributed to
the great Taoist hermit and sage Chen Xi Yi, which helps you to adjust your
energy every 15 days to be in perfect harmony with the season. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen_Tuan
January 21st Season of "Greater
Cold"
February 5th "Establishment of Spring
QI" This day is my personal favorite because the first gentle
signs of Spring appear. The light is stronger and trees start budding just a
bit.
May 6th "Establishment of Summer
Qi": You will notice that this is the time when
plants have their maximum growth spurt (in Northern Hemisphere). The light
and Yang energy strengthen, and the MOMENTUM of Yang acceleration is now at its
maximum.
You can enjoy cooler foods now, to prepare the body for
the Summer months.
May 21st: "Season of 'Lesser Fullness.'
" The grains begin to ripen, and the Yang energy nears its
peak.
June 7th "Grain in the Ear"
as crops start to ripen....and Yang is at its most powerful.
June 21st Summer
Solstice apogee of Yang in Northern Hemisphere.
July 8th Time of Lesser Heat
July 23rd Time of Greater Heat
August 7th Beginning of Autumnal Qi--the first
energetic signs of Autumn start to appear.
August 22nd "End of Summer Heat"
September 8th Season of "White Dew"
September 22nd "Autumnal
Equinox" The season of Great Yin begins. If you are in the Northern
Hemisphere, dress a bit warmer to preserve the Qi, and start using more warming
foods to prepare for the colder times.
October 9th Season of "Cold
Dew" Mornings are cool and the Yin force grows
October 24th "Descent of hoar
frost"
November 5th "Establishment of Winter
QI"
Total Tai Chi Classes in Western New England,
taught by Total Tai Chi experienced Teachers (each has over 20 years of study
and practice):
Classes with Rob Zilin
(call 413 584-4615): Classes at Hampshire
College
open to Five College students and to the public by special arrangement.
Robert Crown Center Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, 6:15 to 8:15 PM
Mondays thru April 4
Wednesday
6:30 - 8PM Form Corrections and Taiji San-Shou Two-Person Set , in
Northampton, call 413 584-4615 for directions.
Sunday 10 AM to noon Teachers Meeting; practice for advanced
students and teachers, by invitation only.
Classes
with Mark Deaver (call 413 648-9473);
Classes
in Greenfield and Shelburne Falls, MA
Call
Mark for details at the number above.
Classes
with Joe Carroll
to be announced
Announcing:
The long-awaited NEW EDITION of Drawing
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Essays and stories from old and modern Masters about the
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