Summer Solstice and The Fire Element
This is the time of Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, when the Sun reaches it’s peak fulfillment and changes direction and begins waning in energy. In Nature everything is peaking, leaves are out on the trees, flowers in full bloom, and the crops are established. It is a time to enjoy what one has, as our cups are full. This is a time of transformation, the Sun is considered to be the energy that transforms the destructive forces with the light of truth. A good time to look at what brings you fulfillment in life and how it can transform you to be a better person.
In the Chinese Five Element tradition, Summer is the season of Fire, the season to express the Yang Energy ‘through growth, expansion, lightness, outward activity, brightness and creativity’. This is the time of year to wake up early with the sun, work, play and be joyful. ‘The warmth of this love from the Fire Element helps everything to flow on all levels. The fluids which bathe all living cells flow more easily when warm. The exchange of ideas and feelings between us is greater when we are warm and relaxed and our deeper relationships flow more easily when warmth and love are present. When the Fire Element is lit within us and feeding us, our spirit is able to communicate with the spirit in other people and in Nature.’ ~ J.R. Worsley
The heart in Five Element theory is linked with the Spirit, sometimes called the Spirit-Mind. I am sure we have all had a ‘heart-connection’ or truly felt that spiritual connection and opening of the heart. In a newly developing embryo it is the heart that develops first, then the brain and nervous system. With heart dis-ease and spiritual dis-ease so prevalent in modern living it is no wonder that we are so thirsty and truly in need of spiritual knowledge and healing more than anything. We achieve this through practicing mindfulness, practicing meditation, Chi Kung and Yoga.
Controlling theSpirit, facilitates the movement of Chi ~ Inner Classic
In Chinese Medicine, the Fire Element corresponds to:
- the organs of the Heart and Small intestines
- the season summer
- the temperature is hot
- the taste is bitter
- the sound is laughing
- the color is red
- the emotions are joy and anxiety
- the external physical aspect is the Complexion
To maintain some cool during the Fire season, one can utilize the ancient traditions and gifts of nutrition, herbs and chi kung exercises. In Nature’s brilliant wisdom, we have some wonderful cooling foods on offer in the summer time and to eat locally is always best for our constitution. All things are whole, as are the elements so if we heal the liver, kidney, lungs and stomach so too will we heal our hearts. Spending time in Nature can help to rejuvenate our spirits as Nature is full of energy at this time, doing any type of spiritual practice or meditation in Nature at this time will be heightened.
Cooling foods to choose from:
- bitter greens: dandelions, watercress, endive, mixed lettuce, arugula, basil, dill
- cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, apples,
- the dispersing hot flavors of chili peppers, ginger, horseradish and black pepper help to disperse the heat to the surface of our body allowing it to cool, this being why you have such wonderful salsas and chutneys in the hot climates of Mexico or India. Remembering that a little goes a long way…
Herbs which can be used to calm, soothe and cool the nerves in the summertime:
- Mentha spicata or Spearmint is one of the best summertime teas you can have, it has a powerful cooling effect while calming the digestion. Spearmint can easily be incorporated in foods/salads as well freshly chopped with some parsley, fresh tomatoes and olive oil, salt and pepper, yum!
- Mulberries, although a little difficult to find in our local stores, one can find it dry and use as a tea.
- Skullcap, Chamomile, Valerian and Schisandra are some wonderfully cooling and calming herbs to help quiet the mind and spirit.
- Rooibos tea is a common tea in South Africa where it gets stupendously hot in the summer, it helps to keep you cool without the caffeine, high in antioxidants and a good bladder/kidney tonic, and it tastes great! Like our Rooibos Chai which also has some gentle heating herbs which will help you keep your cool!
If you are experiencing any imbalances of energy or physical manifestation, visit a Chi-Kung Practitioner or Medical Herbalist, get some acupuncture, or do some Kung-Fu to help balance and restore the elements in your mind/body.
Happy Summer!