Commemorated since ancient times across many civilizations, Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, when yang energy is at its peak. This day is significant for farmers and agriculture, as farmers know they will be in for a strong harvest if the crops are strong at midsummer. Traditionally, "midsummer" is celebrated in China with noodles and other wheat-based dishes that symbolize longevity and abundance. To this day, Summer Solstice festivities are observed all over

May 5th marked the official "start of summer" (lì xià, 立夏) this year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. As we approach the next phase of summer that begins on June 5th (máng zhǒng, 芒种, or "Grain in Ear"), all of Nature in the Northern Hemisphere is in full growth, despite the still variable temperatures and chilly nights. According to Taoist philosophy, everything in Nature has consciousness, and all consciousness has purpose. Every season has a unique consciousness and

The New Year of the Fire Horse is off to the races, and after a karmically challenging Snake Year, many of us have already hit the ground running. In Chinese astrology, each year embodies a different kind of energy and consciousness, which always has a purpose: Nature's purpose, to which all beings connect, furthering their unique growth and creativity. In ancient China, the famous fable of the 12 animals racing to a finish line was created to explain the consciousness and en

Autumn Equinox has come and gone, and we are just past the peak of harvest season, gathering the last of summer's precious bounty to store for the coming winter. The weather has started to turn noticeably cooler, challenging our immune systems' ability to effectively fight off pathogens and germs. The main organs that regulate the immune system are the Lung and its partner, the Large Intestine. These organs match Autumn's frequency and are "in charge" of the body's overall

Happy End of Summer! According to the Chinese Lunar calendar, August 23rd marked the beginning of chu shu (处暑), or "the end of summer...

Happy Late Summer! According to the Lunar calendar, we are quickly approaching the "end" of summer or "start of Autumn" (lì qiū, 立秋),...