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