In the light of this unprecedented year and the start of the fall season, I am called to reflect on the Chinese astrology for the 2020 Year of the Metal Rat.
Not all of the Chinese Zodiac animals are real (i.e. the dragon) but they all represent real qualities. Rats generally don’t have a good rep amongst humans. For one they are notorious for spreading of disease – plagues in fact. However they are also versatile and adaptive creatures. Rodent-like mammals have been around for 66 million years, appearing soon after dinosaurs went extinct (ok, TMI). So it is interesting to realize that the rat’s qualities of adaption and survival are ones we’ve all had to muster this year.
As the ‘first’ of the zodiac animals (read more here), the Rat ushers in a cycle of renewal. Certainly the pandemic has caused us to review and renew our values and priorities. If we look deeper into the 5 Elements of Feng Shui and Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are some other interesting clues to this year.
Metal element is connected to the lungs, skin and large intestines, These are organs of purification – something the planet is certainly needing. CoVid-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, so filling the lungs with deep breathing exercises is so important during this fall season. When we look at the destructive cycle of the elements we see that Metal ‘chops’ Wood. The Wood element rules the liver, which expresses anger when ‘chopped’ and thus give rise to protests – another hallmark of the year.
Yang Water is also represented this year. Water is the natural element of the Rat, and it can purport pessimism and fear, which like water tends to spread everywhere.
Earth and Fire elements are ‘missing’ this year. As Fire is needed to fight fire, the ‘missing Fire’ this year is contributing to the wild fires being so out of control. And as Earth is depleted by Metal, there is a lack of ‘nourishment’ on the planet. As we know, people have been both hungry and lonely during this pandemic.
So what’s the good news?
The virtue of Metal is righteousness. To speak up for what is just, right and ethical is Metal in balance. Thus, Metal element brings the need for social justice into the light. The Metal element also represents communication, celebration, harvesting the year’s work, timely support when its needed, and technology (TG for Zoomlandia!) . However Metal element in ‘excess’ can display itself as self-righteousness and power grabbing.
So how do we bring Metal into balance in ourselves?
One way is by using Feng Shui, which works with the 5 Elements to synergistically enhance chi – or life force – and bring balance into our lives and environments.
Specifically Earth chi feeds Metal, so if Metal is weak we need to add Earth elements in our homes this fall and winter. This includes plush fabrics, earth colors, pottery and stone. Our foods and our surrounding should be stablizing. Earth foods are represented by root vegetables such as yams, beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots, onions, garlic, daikon, turmeric, radishes, and ginger. Seasonal vegetables such as pumpkins and squash are great for grounding too. If Metal element is too strong and is effecting you negatively, add Fire element to your foods and environment to ‘soften’ or ‘weaken’ Metal.
The study and use of the 5 Elements in Feng Shui and Tradition Chinese Medicine is both in-depth and subtle in nature. I am happy to discuss this with you further, as well as explain how Space Clearing Rituals can renew your home for this season and year to come.
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