7th Solar Term :: Beginning of Summer Lixia 立夏

November 7, 2023 FENG・SHUI ・ISM

jacaranda trees in full bloom in Sydney NSW

The solar calendar shifts gear into the first Fire governed animal sign of the Yin Wood 乙 Snake ⺒ and Feng Shui energies adjust accordingly. May 5 also heralds the seventh solar term of Lixia 立夏 - 'Beginning of Summer', in the Chinese calendar system which commences 1½ months before comparative late Spring vibes in the Western Calendar. In the lunisolar calendar the fourth lunar month began under the New Moon on 1 May @ 10 Taurus. Known to the Ancient Chinese simply as 'Locust Tree' or 'Cherry blossom' month and depicted in paintings by the swallow and wisteria.

6th Solar Term - Spring Showers (Gu Yu 穀雨)

October 24, 2023 FENG・SHUI ・ISM

Third Lunar month symbolized by ‘Crow, cherry blossom and Full Moon" by Ohara Koson

The last Solar term of Spring is upon us. Indicated by the 6th solar term of Grain Rain or, Spring Showers as it’s also known in the N. Hemisphere, commencing on 20th April. Luna’s third swollen face of the Chinese year will be fullest on April 27th (AEST) at 7° Scorpio. Depicted in Chinese paintings by pairing a Crow with cherry blossom. And we’re currently at the mid-point of Water Dragon month, while in the western astrological system, the sun enters earthy Taurus season.

Old Farmer's Day

October 11, 2022 FENG・SHUI ・ISM

‘Tis Old Farmer’s Day on 12 Oct. Without the wisdom of our agricultural godfathers we would be flummoxed and bewildered by the ways of the lunar lady and ne'er a Farmer’s Almanac would exist. Moon has always commanded attention in the night skies, yet the lingering mystery of planting by the Zodiac signs and moon phase may well perplex those who doubt - but for those who believe — they receive. No matter your country of origin, every culture observed moon’s modes and practiced her wise ways unlocking a fortnight of fecund planting days in every month.