2012 - Year of the Yang Water Dragon

the Dragon

January 23, 2012 marks the end of the year of the Yin Metal Rabbit and the start of the year of the Yang Water Dragon.

Hopefully the year of the Yin Metal Rabbit has given us time to reflect on things and make some decisions as to how we are going to proceed. Now the Yang Water Dragon brings with it an elemental force that must be reckoned with.

The Dragon is a sacred creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the dragon was often regarded as divine. However the Dragon also symbolizes an uninhibited bundle of elemental energy that can quickly get out of control.

This could very well be a year that Mother Nature weighs in on how things should be run on this planet. It is worth noting that the largest earthquakes in recorded history have all taken place in Yang Water Dragon years.

This year is symbolized by the element of Water above Earth.

In the I-Ching this hexagram is called Pi (Holding Together)

PI - Holding Together

Water and Earth hold together because of their natural affinity. It is a time of strengthening our inner attitude and holding to what is correct within ourselves. This holding together begins with holding ourselves together morally and spiritually. It is a time of maintaining integrity in the face of fear or desire.

We can no longer afford to compromise our integrity simply to satisfy our selfish wants. It is no longer helpful to look sideways at all the distractions keeping us in a state of ignorance. 

As I said in my last post Correct Yourself, regardless of what you believe or how well you distract yourself, a fundamental shift is upon us. What are you doing to adapt? 

Take a look at your life. What part of it is wasteful, greedy or selfish?

An even more important question is; Are you spending enough quality time out in nature? 

This is a question that I will be addressing in my next post.

Year of the White Tiger

February 14, 2010 marks the beginning of the year of the White Tiger.
The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. In 5 Element Theory this year corresponds to the element Metal. The color for Metal is white, hence the year of the White Tiger.
Tigers are physically powerful, independent and brave animals. But the Tiger also has the potential to become ferocious and cruel. The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. 2010 will not be a quiet or peaceful year. We are very likely to experience erratic circumstances that we will need to adapt to quickly.
It may be quite a challenging to navigate the many difficulties predicted for the year ahead. It will be important to take advantage of all circumstances we find ourselves in. Cultivating mindful awareness of life around us is key. We can no longer afford to be distracted by the irrelevant. Erratic circumstances provide opportunity for both growth and disaster. Stay alert, grounded and centered.

Winter Season – Water Element

Winter Season – Water Element

It is right about now that people begin to get a little tired of winter. The holiday season is well and truly over and now we are waiting for those first signs of spring to start appearing.

In the cycle of the seasons winter is the time of retraction. It is a time to withdraw into oneself, keep warm and harbor your energy. In Chinese 5 Element theory winter is associated with the Water element. It is a time to adapt to the situations we are confronted with by cultivating the willpower. Unbalanced Water element can intensify feelings of fear and depression. Water corresponds to the kidneys within the body. The kidneys are responsible for gathering, storing and dispensing water throughout the body. The kidneys are where the pre-birth qi is stored. In order to keep this qi vital and strong we must take care of our kidneys during the winter. Daily gentle circular massage of the kidney area (lower back on either side of the spine) helps keeps them strong. Excessive indulgence in alcohol, sex, and unhealthy food can drain qi. In winter this behavior can be especially damaging.

Think of the kidneys as the ocean of the human body. Within the body all the essences and fluids of the body's various pathways pour into the kidney. While oceans may appear vast and inexhaustible, their seemingly unlimited supply can be drained. After the kidney has assembled the essential fluids of the body's vessels it disperses them throughout the body lubricating the five organ network and nourishing all of the body's pathways. Without a proper flow this process doesn't work effectively.

Winter is a time of hibernation, stockpiling energy and conserving vital qi. Embracing this concept allows us to prepare for the springtime as the cycle continues.

Until next time....wishing you much peace,
Zin the Wandering Sage

Chinese New Year 2008

On February 7th 2008 we enter the Chinese Year of the Rat.

The Rat is the most opportunistic of all animals in the Chinese philosophical tradition. It is the first sign of the 12 animal cycle and signifies a time of new beginnings. It is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. It is an opportunity for new ideas, directions and ways of doing things. However, things that are begun during this year are likely to have long term consequences, so it is advisable for us to choose our actions wisely and focus on things that enrich the world instead of destroying it.

This Rat year is modified by the Earth element. The past two years have been Fire years (Boar & Dog) which have stirred things up a bit. The Earth element tends to bring a calming stability to things this year, just at a point when we need it. Unfortunately, the Rat has an affinity for the Water element which maintains a destructive relationship with the Earth element. All of this means that some dangers may lie ahead.

The problem with the Rat is that there is a selfish tendency to its nature that can undermine good intentions. The Rat can symbolize an aggressive, yet calculating, motivation towards money and status. In addition, this year will be a time of nervous energy and stress and we need to take responsibility to be aware of this. It will be easy to blame others for our own problems.
Another factor is that Earth is a sedentary element. We need to realize that inactivity can lead to problems. Be sure to get enough exercise and be on the alert for unwanted weight gains. Remember to Breathe!

The good news is that, being the beginning of a new cycle, this year offers a chance to begin walking a different path. Performing work that is spiritual in nature can have far reaching effect. We are getting close to a time when self-awareness is imperative for the evolution of our species. If you have been waiting for the moment to make some fundamental changes in your life, now is the time.

I wish you blessings of happiness and health along your journey…

Happy New Year!

Aaron Hoopes – February 2008

Author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation
www.artofzenyoga.com


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