For thousands of years, the I Ching has provided guidance for decisions about our health, relationships, financial matters, work, and play. Predictions from the I Ching follow the lunar year and are based on multiple, overlapping cycles that govern the heavens and earth. A variety of stems, branches, directions, and phases also have their say, each creating a trail of portents, probabilities, and possibilities… so let us begin.
In the lunar calendar, May is positioned right between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It is the time of soft yin as the Fire Element begins to warm us and exert its energy on our lives. May is further represented by the Chinese character Sze 巳 which translates to “preparation for ripeness,” an indication that emerging possibilities are beginning to come our way.
For thousands of years prognostication from the I Ching have provided guidance for our health, relationships, finances, work, and play. I Ching predictions follow the lunar year, the seasons, and are based on the cycles of heaven and earth. The Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and a variety of stems, branches, directions, and phases also have their say, all creating a trail of portents, possibilities, and probabilities.
Mother’s Day is celebrated this month in nearly every country on earth. In China, cities often present a series of Mother’s Day activities that feature the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water; group dances; tree planting; a delicate feast and ceremony called Thanksgiving Mother that lays out a child’s responsibility to be a good student as well as kind and able to live in peace and harmony with others.
In the US, we’ve got Cinco de Mayo on the 5th, Mother’s Day on the 8th, Armed Forces Day on the 21st; then Memorial Day will bring the month to a close on the 30th. May also features some silly celebrations like Say No Day and National Hugging day, along with recognition of some serious medical conditions like Melanoma Monday on May 2. Skin cancer is yet another reminder that even though the Fire Element and the sun can be warming and nurturing, they can also be dangerous and destructive.
May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, the daughter of Atlas, the lover of Zeus, and the mother of Hermes. Maia was a nurturer; her name is an honorific term for older women, mothers, and midwives. As Fire energy begins to warm the earth, it is also the time to refresh our stash of sunscreen and dig out our sunglasses and summer hats.
The Fire Element is spunky—it is both creative and destructive—it can nurture us with its warmth and burn our forests and our skin with its heat. The wisdom of the I Ching can help us know what to expect in this phase of rising Fire, so have a look at what’s in store for you in the merry month of May.
Physical Health
Beautiful springtime weather makes us want to go outside, but many Metal people are beset with bothersome allergies. Climate warming is making the allergy season last longer, so who knows … it might even extend into the summer. Go outside when pollen counts are lowest, usually in the late afternoon or the early evening. This is also a good time outside since you will be less likely to get sunburned.
Emotional Health
If you are going down a path that is not in your best interest, don’t be afraid to change it. Metal people tend to get a bit “stuck” when they are seeking the true path, but sometimes the only way to unstick yourself is to actually make a change. Your energy is a bright and shining light so look for other healthy, happy people to hang out with and sidestep those that leave you feeling criticized, empty, or sad.
Relationship Health
Not everyone wins the parent lottery, but most of us have mothers who range from “good enough” to great.” There is a powerful bond betw4een you and your mother, even if the relationship is strained. It will be useful for us to find peace with our parents so focus on today’s issues and don’t bring up old gripes from the past. Don’t get siblings involved, and stick to, “I feel ___” and avoid “You always ___."
Financial Health
Money is tight for many of us, and if you can’t afford a vacay this summer, start looking around for local adventures. Check newspapers and city websites for free or low-cost opportunities that rising Fire energy is sure to send your way. Look for track meets, talks at public libraries, fun runs, art shows, matinees, farmers’ markets … the more you snoop around; the more you will find. Have fun!
Career Health
Although it might not be a good idea to ditch a successful career, now is as good a time as any to rethink your life’s work. Even though you may not be happy at your job, you may not have set aside some time to figure out a better choice. The first and most difficult step will be to figure out exactly what you want to do, but as a productive and methodical Metal person, if anyone can do it … it’s you!
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