I love the changing of the seasons and what each brings to us in this beautiful cycle of life throughout the year . . . from Spring’s growth and fertility through to Summer’s abundance, to Autumn’s harvest and release, to Winter’s rest, followed by the renewal of Spring again..
Summer is with us now and although my Celtic body does not love the high heat of summer, I appreciate what it brings to us — the long days and the nourishing energy of Grandfather Sun, enabling growth and abundance.
Summer is associated with the Fire Element. Fire is such a passionate element — mercurial, at times hard to control, and all-consuming.
Fire is also associated with the heart. It the Yin Organ (the Small Intestine is the Yang Organ) of the Fire Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (aka TCM). Be sure to balance that Fire energy and not let it shift to excess or deficiency. And be sure to keep yourself refreshed with plenty of fluids, to balance the fire and heat.
A peaceful heart supports optimum health.
Fire has many different manifestations. Like people, each fire is different. There are the slow burning embers, warm and comforting. There are the wild, dangerous and powerful forest fires that quickly destroy everything in their path. There are the crackling aromatic flames in a campfire or firepit that serve to unite us in circle and community, a hearth for cooking, warming and sharing (and I love how the word heart is part of the word hearth!)
How are you tending YOUR fire? Your heart?
Nurture your Inner Fire with kindling (healthy food as fuel), and give it Air to breathe and to sustain the flame (meditation, exercise and rest!). When it burns too brightly or quickly, gently rein it in or damper it slightly with the Water element (a refreshing iced herbal tea, for instance). And don’t let it burn out or extinguish from lack of attention and care.
Honour your heart and the wisdom it gives you — feel it, connect with it, journey with it. Feel the love for your Self and others. Open yourself to the heart’s passions…. and enjoy the bounty and possibilities of Summer and Fire.
And show Grandfather Sun a little gratitude❤️
FOOTNOTE
Pictured quote is from Arthur Rimbaud’s (1854-1891) poem “Sun and Flesh” (“Soleil et chair”), published in 1870:
The Sun, the hearth of affection and life,
Pours burning love on the delighted earth . . .
For more about the heart and Fire Element in TCM, click here for a great article by TCM World.
For more on supporting and balancing the heart in TCM, visit this post by Notting Hill Acupuncture (which also suggests three great herbal tea combos).