Fire and Autumn
Despite the sultry temperatures of summer’s final month, August 7 marks the beginning of Autumn in the Chinese solar calendar. Agriculturally, plants are ripening for harvest as summer’s Fire element gives way to gathering Earth energy. This seasonal transition is particularly meaningful in 2017, since the last four consecutive yin/yang Wood (which fuels Fire) and Fire years will not return again until 2024 when the year of the Yang Wood Dragon, Jia Chen arrives. With six months remaining in the Yin Fire Rooster year, it’s a natural time to assess not only how the first half of the year has progressed but the cumulative effect of Fire over time. Have you been inspired or scorched by her flame? Has the time arrived to pivot in a new direction?
In Chinese Metaphysics and Feng Shui, Fire (Li) is associated with the color red, noontime, summer and the south. It’s energy is brilliant, exciting and warm. Fire represents rank, reputation and how we are perceived by others. Joyful and optimistic, it attracts, creates and consumes energy. Like a steady flame, Fire commands us to illuminate our own path, share that light with others and maintain enough equilibrium to prevent burning out. Fire’s emotion is joy and the passionate, sometimes reckless, abandonment of rules. Over stimulation, anxiety and restlessness are also the consequences of Fire.
Looking back on my early predictions for 2017, one can’t help but notice how the Yin Fire Rooster has lived up to her reputation, making short order of the Yang Fire Monkey’s unbridled enthusiasm and delivering consequences. With a natural tendency and desire to keep up the momentum of 2016, we quickly learned that was not to be.
2017 won’t be a year for taking big risks as Yin Fire is a flickering flame that is not sustainable. The clashing elements of Yin Fire (which represents illusionary optimism or wealth) melting Rooster’s intrinsic Yin Metal in the chart of the year also suggests many political tensions and conflicts.
Rooster’s perfectionism and penchant for pecking away at details unearthed inconsistencies that have forced us to take a closer look in the mirror. Hard at work refining and editing, she’s putting our collective houses in order for the Earth Dog next year. At this juncture, it’s helpful to know whether we’ve taken the raw energy of the Fire Monkey year and polished the rough edges or simply ridden the wave of exuberance in hopes of an endless summer? Either way, change, like the seasons, is inevitable and proper planning can help avoid unpleasant surprises.
Financial markets are expected to benefit from Fire energy through spring and summer and to taper off in the autumn and winter so take that into consideration if that influences your business dealings.
In Chinese Metaphysics and Feng Shui, we know that timing plays just as important a part in our successes and failures as environment. Being able to read energy, spot trends, react to changes and adapt to circumstances keeps us fluid, healthy and strong. Hopefully, you’ve begun to consolidate resources and positioned yourself to harness the dwindling Fire element you’ll need to advance your own agenda. Keep an eye on subtle shifts over the coming month in your home and business and keep your yearly and monthly Flying Stars cures up to date. As always, let me know if I can help set your sights on the future.
Wishing you good chi,
Diane Gallin