The third month of summer - creating with the Heavens

Today we enter the third month of Summer according to the Su Wen classic text. It happens to coincide with the legendary astrological event linked to the two stars of the Summer Triangle in the sky, Vega and Altair. The legend talks about prohibited love between two young people, who can meet only once a year, exactly on the seventh day of the seventh month. In Japan it is celebrated as the Star Festival, a day in which your wishes written down and hang on a tree will come true.

There is a lot of symbolism and energetic implications of this day, all pointing to bring us closer to the stars and to the Heavens. In fact, entering the hottest month of the year (not the brightest which was June), the energy is still rising towards Heavens.

Religiously it has been believed that Heavens grant us with good fortune. In traditional medicine, Heavens is the place where our Spirit comes from and through our Spirit we keep that divine connection. In our body it is our Heart that houses our Spirit. Heavens are infinite, so this is the best period to access the Divine Creator's energy and make many things possible. There needs to be a Heart - Heaven alignment to bring on that energy.

The Su Wen classic suggest we choose "the contemplation of the vast landscapes from high vantage point to tune ourselves to the season". It means literally going out into high places in Nature (hills, mountains) or symbolically taking an eagle's eye view contemplation of where some more growth and development is needed within our being. By now in Nature's cycle some substantial growth has already taken place and taking a broad perspective on where you want to take it to complete that growth is now.

The wider the perspective one can take the better. Even staring and contemplating the vastness of the stars and feeling who in that context we are and who we wish to grow into, is likely to bring us new insights and inspiration.

The legendary story of the forbidden lovers is also symbolic to tell us that right now we can open ourselves to a summer affair. Even number 7 is considered a good number for relationships in Chinese tradition, in addition to being spiritual. I would add, even if you have not had intimacy for an entire year, be it with a new or your current partner, try it at least now. It is likely to be very satisfying for the Fire element of the Summer is the element of love and intimacy.

---

The second month of Summer - the Heart Way

We have just entered the second month of Summer, according to the Su Wen classics.

This is the month running up towards the Solstice, the peak of Summer energy. In Chinese Medicine the Solstice energetically corresponds to the position of an Emperor. Within our being the Emperor is our Heart which is in charge of our body, soul and Spirit. Just as the Emperor is an emblem of the sovereignty of a country, so is our Heart. Being alive and connected to the Earth and Heaven we are gifted with our own empire to take charge of. The more responsibility we take for our body, soul and Spirit, the more we will feel united and whole.

There is no better month to celebrate our personal sovereignty than this middle month of Summer, although this favourable energy continues on to July. So, take time to listen to the music of your Heart and find your own resonance when dealing with things and people.

Another aspect related to the Heart is the brain. Summer energy is also fuelling our thoughts. Our minds are like intermediaries between the Heavenly resonance and the Earthly constructs. Let's be mindful (or better: heartful) about our thoughts! Where do they come from? Whose voice is it? Do our thoughts resonate with our own hearts?

Do take advantage of Summer's illuminating energy to get more clarity into your life through constructive, concentrated thoughts achieved through contemplation. The classics say: "If there is confusion, there will certainly be death".

So, let's get that sunlight in, all the way to our bones. It will be still useful during Winter days, to nurture our body, soul and Spirit. Nourish your body with red coloured fruits (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, peaches) to keep the Heart calm and tranquil in the midsummer night's contemplation.

There is no better time to try out the Hearfulness meditation, connecting with your inner Emperor and Sovereign. Simply sign up at the bottom of my web site www.dorotakowal.com in order to receive a zoom link. Meditations run each Monday at 6.30am (CET) in English and each Wednesday at 6.30am (CET) in Italian. Hope it will resonate with you too...

---

The First Month of Summer - from shade into the Light

The beginning of May marks the entry into the season of Summer, the Fire Element, according to the Su Wen classic. This year, it is a particularly chilly welcome for the Fire Element. The temperatures seems to be behind a bit as it surely doesn't feel summery as yet. This is partly due to Water Tiger year we are in. Both Water Element and Tiger are Yin in nature (considering Tiger is associated with Metal), so Yang excesses are likely to be dampened down this year.

Fire represents, among other, expansion from ourselves towards others, i.e. socialising, mating. So, we may also feel it socially. Although the beginning of Summer definitely brings out our innate need to connect with others, we still kind of wait off with some social engagements. Coming out of the stagnant post-pandemic scenario does not help either. In any case, that's just because we are right at the beginning of the first month of Summer. It will, I promise, get better. We will feel that buzz of getting together soon, it may only be a bit delayed this year.

I have also noticed some of the heat loving plants are growing somehow timidly. So, we are all in it together. Let's flow with that which the Nature dictates. Perhaps it is teaching us some patients.

Another aspect of the Summer is the sunlight reaching its peak (in the second month) and illuminating our Hearts and Souls. With Summer temperatures and the light rising, our whole being absorbs more light. This year we may notice it happening more suddenly rather than gradually, like shifting from shade into light. The mix of Water as the annual element and Fire as the seasonal element will produce the effect of the light reaching and illuminating the Water depths. So, watch out for your own inner "illuminations" that may start already this month. Let the light in and shine on some more darker aspects of your Soul that hold you in and down too much. In other words, with the sunlight coming into its peak, you may experience illuminating thoughts or ideas about yourself (your thoughts, behaviours), your work (smart solutions), your creations (new inspirations and ideas). Holding those ideas and sharing them with the right people or partners will help you expand on them. That would be one example of how to utilise the energy mix of this coming season.

It is good to be aware that although Water Element dampens the Fire of the Summer, we can still utilise that energetic combination to our fertile use. To remind me of that are the little yellow flowers of Buttercup (Ranunculus). I notice they are particularly wide spread this year. Thinking about it, this plant is merging so well together the light of the sunshine with the wet soil it grows in. What can we do to be like a Buttercup? I leave it to your own interpretation. If you feel like sharing it, feel free to leave a comment.

---