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 Chinese horoscope, November is the tenth month of the lunar calendar in a soft, yin, Water energy phase called Hài 亥. Even though the phase appears quiet from the outside, a lot is going on beneath the surface. As temperatures drop, days shorten, and metabolism slows, energy is both literally and metaphorically returning to us and to the earth—to our “root.”
When Daylight Saving ends on November 3 the sun will begin setting earlier, reinforcing our awareness that winter is just around the corner. In the Chinese calendar, winter officially begins on November 7, and in our country, winter’s chill is foretold by the arrival of the Full Frost Moon on the 12th, when it was time for early colonists and Native Americans to set traps to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.
It is traditional for American families to gather and celebrate Thanksgiving in November, and in China, the holiday is catching on … a little! Chinese call their Thanksgiving celebration Găn ēn jié, or “Thanks for Grace.” Turkeys are original to the Americas and are difficult to find in Asia, so Chinese families usually serve roast duck or goose, and use the occasion as an opportunity to express their thanks to friends, family, workmates, bosses, and teachers.
November’s tranquil Water influence is constructive—picture it as a seed gathering energy so it can germinate and burst forth in the spring. This is the perfect time for us to be creative and make positive efforts that will lead to development and success in the future. Be careful though―soft yin Water energy can be so calming that we may forget all about taking action.
Would you like to know what the I Ching reveals about your element this season? Check it out, it’s all right here. And here’s wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Physical Health
With the demands of the holidays beginning to ramp up and tickle your already-high energy, you are inclined to overdo it. Use this month’s soft Water energy to help you fizzle out your sizzle. Slow down a bit, and savor the moment. Water energy will be even stronger in December; it will arrive just in time to provide its steading, “gathering-in” influence to help you avoid spreading yourself too thin.
Mind Health
Stress seems to be a normal part of family gatherings and celebrations, but when you feel strong and healthy, you can brush off thoughtless comments and not take them personally. Everyone has their own opinion, and sometimes their view can be annoying, but if you are well-rested and well-nourished, you will be able to let it go rather than rising to the bait.
Relationship Health
During the holidays many of us have at least one irritating family member. Their worldview may be very different from our own, or they may have habits that become grating long before dessert is served. When people who don’t usually spend time together, are expected to engage with one another, magic doesn’t always happen. This mindset will help you tolerate their differences.
Financial Health
If you haven’t set aside enough money to see you through the holidays, you may need to take on a temporary second or third job. If that happens, make certain to set aside some chill-out time because rest and relaxation are important for your health. Juggling several jobs to make ends meet will be hard on you, but you can avoid that happening if you start planning for next year now.
Work Health
You have done everything you could to make certain you are the ideal person for the job but the question is: is your current position right for you? Think about it; if you’re trying to juggle kids, a job, and keeping the house clean, maybe it’s time to think about working shorter hours, outsourcing, or expecting more from your colleagues and/or loved ones. After all, you are only human!
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