The ancient people's, east and west, north and south knew the importance of the Earth. She is our mother. We derive so much from her. She works in tandem with the Sun. Between the Sun and Earth every need is supplied. Our seasons arrive in the dance of the earth around the sun. Each season brings its own magic, its own gift.
Here's a rough and ready (and simplified) guide to the seasons. Celtic and pagan calendar is red. Christian is green. Chinese is blue.
Samhain (November, December, January)
All Saints (November 1)
Advent
Yule Winter Solstice (December 20-23)
Winter, Black Turtle, water
Christmas (December 25)
Imbolc (February, March, April)
Lent
Octara, Spring Equinox (March 20-21)
Spring Green Dragon, wood
Easter
Beltane (May, June, July)
Summer, Red Phoenix, fire
Midsummer, Summer Solstice (June 20-21)
Late Summer, Yellow Dragon, earth
Ordinary Time
Lughnasadh (August, September, October)
Autumn, White Tiger, metal
Mabon, Autumn Equinox (September 20-23)
It's clear to see that in all the different traditions (and these are just a few of the many) the ancient peoples derived the same insights about earth, and our intimate connection to her.
This week saw the Spring Equinox. It has brought a change. Yesterday was the first time since Christmas that I have been able to do my taiji outside. We had a few days above freezing this week and the snow melted sufficiently for me to practice in the garden. It felt wonderful. We had much wind, in swirling bursts bending the tall pine trees. Spring is the season of wind. It was good to see the effect of the wind, to hear its power.
It's fine to practice in the house, but there is something more in the connection with earth. For the last few weeks in my taiji and qigong classes I have been focusing on "rootedness." I've been trying to help students make that all important connection with earth.
For us in upstate NY it has been an especially harsh winter. I have tried to not to moan and groan too much about it. But, it has been hard waking day after day to sub-freezing temperatures. Winter is a time of "bedding down," conserving energy, being still, preparation.
This week saw the change. Today it is snowing again. Yet, it feels different. It is late snow, as if the snow says, "I'm not here to stay. I'm just saying goodbye."
Huang Di said, "the three months of the spring season bring about the revitalization of all things in nature. It is the time of birth. This is when heaven and earth are reborn. During this season it is advisable to retire early. Arise early also and go walking in order to absorb the fresh, invigorating energy. Since this is the season in which universal energy begins anew and rejuvenates, one should attempt to correspond to it directly by being open and unsuppressed, both physically and emotionally."Christians celebrate spring as the time of resurrection, the breaking forth of life.
Maoshing Ni, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, Boston: Shambhalah, 1995, 5.
Living in the northeast USA I realize that many of my friends in other places are already in mid-spring. For you, the spring equinox falls mid season. For us it marks the beginning of the season. It's the same throughout the year. We begin to enjoy now what you have been enjoying for the last six weeks or so.
As I write, the sun has just broken through the clouds. As the snow bids farewell, the sun announces the arrival of spring—the newness, the rebirth, the rejuvenation. Enjoy!
+Ab. Andy