Tomorrow marks the lunar new year, the year of the Fire Horse. It’s fascinating that this holiday always occurs on a new moon, representing the possibility of new beginnings. So just as we begin each class in Wuji, the position of possibility and openness to new things, think of this up-coming year as a chance to harness your energy to the joyful, loving, freedom and power of the Fire Horse.
In the Chinese lunar calendar, each year carries a distinct energetic quality. Horses exemplify power, speed, and passion, their manes flying in the breeze as they gallop. Lots of energy, for sure! Add the energetic element of fire, the most Yang of the five elements, and it’s no wonder much focus is being placed on this year being a time of bold decisions and big, transformative changes. The most recent year of the Fire Horse was 1966, when China’s Cultural Revolution occurred. The Vietnam war stirred our own cultural revolution around that time. Today, the sense of big change and upset continues. How can we harness the power of the fire horse to help us ride through the coming year?
It helps to remember that, according to TCM, the fire element is housed in the heart. Along with its more tempestuous passions, our hearts manifest love, playfulness, and calm. Horses exemplify these qualities, too. They are social, loving, and playful, and spend much of their day resting placidly. They’re cooperative herd animals, not predators. In Taoism, horses are also celebrated for their spontaneity, freedom, and natural attunement to their environment. Think of the wild horses of Mongolia, or the Carolina out-islands, peacefully ambling around, grazing, frolicking when they’re in the mood.
But now think of horses when they’re cooped upor restricted for too long: they rebel, buck and kick. This is much like our own internal energy. When we become energetically stuck or stagnant, or let our fiery emotions burn out of control, our health and well-being rebels, too. We may get angry or anxious or break out in bothersome physical symptoms. Over time this can damage the physical heart and nervous system, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, and other stress-related diseases.
During this year of the Fire Horse, we can take a lesson from nature. Like the horse, it’s wise to be attuned and responsive to your natural environment. Where are you choosing to spend your time? Does it feel safe and spacious enough to move and frolic freely? What about your internal environment? When the fire element within starts to burn too hot and your emotions gallop wildly, contain that over-excitement by becoming grounded in the present moment. (That’s the earth element; think of the way an earthen fire-pit can safely contain a bonfire.) Time spent in nature is an especially grounding practice.
Of course, water controls fire, so be sure balance any fiery moments with the cool, calming energy of the water element. Take time to relax, rest, and pay special attention to how you’re handling fear, the emotion strongly tied to the kidneys which house the water element. That’s how the five elements work in nature. It’s all about balance.
Happy New Year, everyone! We’ll celebrate together in classes all week by practicing Qigong movements inspired by the horse, including Wild Horse Shaking, Parting the Horse’s Mane, and of course…Horse Pose!
Schedule News and Updates for February:
Next Millbrook Library Free In-person/Zoom Qigong: This Friday 20th, 10 - 11am. Please register for this class by contacting Millbrooklibrary.org. The library will send you a reminder a few days ahead of time.
“Qigong for Winter” at Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT. This Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:30-12. Register for this free workshop by calling the library (860) 364-5041. Space is limited!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH FRIENDS!
Zoom Qigong Classes Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9:30 am EST
