Hydrangeas blossom
While cicadas sing in this Steaming Summer heat.
Hello Friends of Flying Needle!
Happy Lesser Heat!
- fifth summer solar node -
Hope this finds you well during these interesting times!
Seasonal Musings & Reflections
With the Summer Solstice the phase shift from Yang-expansion to Yin-consolidation commenced. Days have begun to get shorter, yet heat continues to increase.
How does that work?
Imagine how long it takes a bullet train to slow down after the brakes are applied.
When the 12 principal channels are overlaid on the 12 months of the year, we find that June and July are associated with the heart and small intestine. These two are the Yin/Yang paired Imperial Fire channels. One of the traditional cultivation practices to nourish and support these channels is to maintain a calm and optimistic outlook.
For some of us this can be a challenging practice. One of the ways that I support myself when I find it challenging, is to read poetry, and contemplate beauty.
In that first un-moment when void gives rise to movement -
When emptiness, pregnant with potential, contracts to make space
For the actual - Breath begins.
Yin creates yang, yang activates yin. From her chaotic sleep, Tiamat
stirs within the vast primordial. She yawns Awakening.
Pattern emerges.
Pattern at the root, and pattern as the branch.
Pattern cannot be grasped, yet it can be known.
We see the expression of pattern – leaves on wind blown.
Consolidation and expression, waves upon the sea.
Transforming manifestations - different types of qi.
Ceaseless interchange, only ever One.
Creation and destruction, alpha and omega,
slumber and awakening, birth and death:
All are within this breath.
No need to travel seeking wisdom.
Nowhere to go, simply now-here to be.
July arriving
Heat increasing. Summer births
Expanding brightness.
If you are so inclined:
Take a moment.
Step outside.
Breathe.
Contemplate the beauty of this world.
It is my sincere hope that you have found something of use in these words.
If you know folks who you feel would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it their way! Thank you!
Wishing you and all your relations wellbeing and good medicine!
With gratitude,
Taran