Late Summer's damp heat
The harbinger of Autumn's
Dryness. Fall arrives!
Hello Friends of Flying Needle!
Happy Beginning of Autumn!
- first autumnal solar node -
Hail White Tiger!
- autumnal totemic animal - guardian of the west -
Hope this finds you well during these interesting times!
Seasonal Musings & Reflections
Welcome to Autumn!
Here in Chapel Hill we have had a few cooler mornings and evenings. This has been welcome respite from the ferocity of the Summer. It is raining and cool as I write this. Tropical Storm Debby's edge is already effecting us in the Pidemont. Hope those who are closer to the coast are staying safe.
Here August brings us bluebirds singing dawn. Baby box turtles hatching. Queen Ann's Lace, or wild carrot, blooming and pokeweed berries ripening. Pegasus rises in the north. How are the changes where you are?
While we may have enjoyed a handful of cooler moments, the Beginning of Autumn arrives in the midst of heat and damp. This may strike some as odd given that autumn is associated with Metal/Dryness. Remember that we are moving through cyclical processes. Yang reached its limit at the Summer Solstice and began to wane. Yin is waxing. Days are getting shorter. The quality of sunlight, especially at dusk, has begun to take on metallic notes.
If we observe our plant kinfolk, we notice that even with impressive daily humidity and the recent rains, they are beginning to gather in their fluids. Leaves begin to curl in and away from their green edges as we move into Fall.
Both autumn and spring are liminal seasons. The weather frequently changes many times during the day. Winds can be intense. We are not seeing this aspect of autumn yet, but it's good to keep in mind that our bodies often need time to adjust to the seasonal shifts. For some of us, especially those of us with respiratory and digestive challenges, these shifts can be provocative in the fall. If you notice this in yourself, don't hesitate to reach out for seasonal support.
On that note, here are a few autumnal self-care considerations:
Get sufficient rest.
In autumn one should go to bed early to stay away from chilliness and arise early in order to appreciate the crisp air. - Suwen, Chapter 2
Don’t take off clothes in the spring until the weather becomes really warm, and in autumn don’t put on clothes until the weather becomes really cool. - A Chinese Folk Saying
“A balanced autumn diet consists of vegetables, whole grains like rice, millet, and quinoa and hearty, rich and warm foods, including meats, nuts, fish and oils, with hints of strong flavors like pepper, ginger and mustard. Root vegetables – such as potatoes, carrots, garlic and onion are also recommended.” - Tom Bisio, Autumn
This diet is considered easy to digest and nourishing for the lungs.
If you are a dry sauna lover, now is an ideal time to sweat. The understanding is that therapeutic sweating clears latent dampness from the body so that it does not cause illness in cooler weather. This is also the princple behind seasonal moxa treatments, like san fu. Make sure to stay hyrdated if you sauna.
Follow the gathering in movement of the season. Reconnect to stillness and contemplation.
Allow the beauty of the changes to breathe through you.
May your Autumn days be filled with beauty, mystery, and friendship!
May you and your kin feel both rooted and free!
May we walk in gratitude with our Ancestors!
May all being and becoming receive nourishment!
Approaching Fall, days
Shorten. Heat continues to
Pulsate, blaze and burn.
It is my sincere hope that you have found something of use in these words.
If you know folks who you feel would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it their way! Thank you!
Wishing you and all your relations wellbeing and good medicine!
With gratitude,
Taran
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