Chinese Almanac Astrology July 17 - 23, 2016

In honor of Liu Ming

my teacher

To support grace and ease / For the resolution of all beings

CHINESE ALMANAC ASTROLOGY

commentary and compilations 

by Jamie Shulander

All notes from class notes/works by Liu Ming

Scroll down to find the days of the week...

INDICATORS

YEAR of the FIRE MONKEY 4714

(Native Yang Metal) Imaginative/Clever/Playful

"Charged: curious, capable, funny, adaptable, intelligent, resourceful, innovative, playful, imaginative, responsive and heals fast.

Deplete: manipulative, deceptive, unfocused, cunning, erratic, crafty, frantic, nervous, compulsive, anxious and possibly criminal.

Image: The Monkey talked about in Chinese Astrology is well known to the Chinese peasant as a god. The Tibetan and Zhou people both have fables of a Monkey ancestor. The most famous Monkey in China is the wily Monkey who aids a monk in bringing the Buddhist sutras from India. All the images portray the Monkey as godlike but with the weaknesses commonly associated with humans (desire). This is the perilous balancing act that gives us an understanding of the Monkey character. Poised between the profound and the mundane, Monkeys are capable of a broad awareness of their environment. Nothing is left to convention. For Monkeys the greatest danger is selfish fantasy, the evil sister of visionary wisdom. Monkeys fluctuate between materialism and austerity. Material possessions must not block a Monkey’s need for flexibility.

Fire Monkey (1836, 1896, 1956, 2016, 2076) ‘Mountain Monkey’

Fire Monkey’s are organized, industrious and frank characters. They have strong sexual energy and work on their appearance. They are late to settle down. Their fortunes are good (though their motivation may be inspired by escaping hardship) and they are successful in business. They are particularly capable of avoiding negativity, but they will unfortunately need this skill. Though vigorous they are susceptible to wind disorders and may have coronary problems."

LUNAR MONTH: YIN WOOD GOAT

"Wood Goats are industrious, sincere and disciplined characters. They mature quickly, attract helpers and work diligently towards great success. They have great good fortune due to previous causes. Many friends and their children will support them. Their artistic and aesthetic sense is strong, but they rarely produce art due to excessive idealism and naivete. They are strongly affected by their environment. Their strong constitution often chooses self-abuse but will ultimately give them long life."
LM Notes

QI NODE: 11 Slight Heat

Yang Declines

In Slight or Small Heat qi node Yang begins its inevitable decline but growth is extended. The weather turns mild. Fruits and vegetables are abundant. Cicadas and crickets choruses are heard day and night. Twilight is beautiful. Barns bulge with the abundance. The Prince ascends the throne (yang matures) and becomes King. What will Yang’s legacy be? Is it survival at any cost (brutishness) or the fullness of true
and elegant majesty (wisdom)?
The name “Slight Heat” refers to the mild heat that appears as the yang of the year begins its decline. In this and the next Qi Node (“Great Heat”) the declining yang partners with the inter-seasonal earth and creates damp (or mucus) – that is thick and sometimes sticky qi and fluids

The name “Slight Heat” refers to the mild heat that appears as the yang of the year begins its decline. In this and the next Qi Node (“Great Heat”) the declining yang partners with the inter-seasonal earth and creates damp (or mucus) – that is thick and sometimes sticky qi and fluids. During this node, hot wind continues to prevail and may cause dry Lungs, coughs, hemorrhoids, constipation and fevers. It can aggravate existing (chronic or constitutional) heat conditions like insomnia, heart irregularities and low- grade systemic inflammations of the blood (eczema, dental infections, yeast infections, herpes, skin rashes). Yang qi is past its abundant stage and clings to earth causing damp. Contagious diseases that “rode the hot wind” in the Summer Solstice now take root. Anxiety may crowd into dreams.
Flowers blossom and fruits and vegetables can be harvested and continue to ripen but this explosion of splendor is about survival. It is the time when many plants extend their qi to produce strong roots and fertile seeds (create future). The Chinese character for summer depicts a farmer at rest (idle) – growth in this part of summer needs little or no nursing (prayer is common). Fall harvests will dependent on this Qi Node being mild. Mild winds can clear damp (avoid mold). Strong summer-style activity takes much more qi to maintain. Though sustained activity is recommended (wind clears damp) it is becoming important to pace oneself. Summer storms can destroy crops and excess activity can purge yang before its Autumn harvest.
During this qi node the environmental qi (Heaven/Earth) is best at 1pm. When you wake practice neigong facing due South. Do not overexert yourself (sweat); let the qi move the blood and transform nutrients. Dress lightly, untie your hair and stroll about to avoid the damp.

Chew well. During the day eat two meals, rest (nap) after lunch, snacks of fruit (melon) are good on hot days. Drink green and chrysanthemum tea and in the evening enjoy a light savory soup. Guard the heart (shen) from strain by modestly expressing your feelings – it is natural to feel a bit anxious (sudden decline of yang) – but avoid drama/anxiety. Before bed bucket bathe (cold salt rinse) and go to sleep at dark. Rest, relax, travel (vacation by sea), exercise (modestly) and do not get burned by the sun. Do not work or rest directly in the sun of midday!!!"

LM The Way of Three Treasures

LUNAR HEXAGRAM 10 Lu: Treading

“When a tiger is not hungry or provoked it allows its usual prey to play safely nearby. Clarity and sincerity are the only defense against the unpredictable dangers represented by the tiger.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 

::: ::: :::

SUNDAY July 17, Yang Metal Rat 14

Hexagram 40 Jie: Release

Lunar Mansion: The Void / Rat

Solar Indicator: Maintain

Keep it light today. Get good rest, stay close to home, practice routine work and generosity. Let the day open without meddling.

MONDAY July 18, Yin Metal Ox 15

Hexagram Consult the Oracle

Lunar Mansion: The Roof / Swallow

Solar Indicator: Destroy

"It is auspicious to stay home, repair walls (security), remodel, take tonics and comply with superiors. It is favorable for medical treatments, exercise and eating well. It is favorable to raise roof beams and rafters (begin new construction). It is auspicious for family gatherings at home. Alliances and collaborations come to fruit as good luck."
LM Notes: The Roof

TUESDAY July 19, Yang Water Tiger 16

Hexagram 59 Huan: Overflowing

Lunar Mansion: The House / Pig

Solar Indicator: Danger

"Huan may purge us or bring loss (sacrifice), but it also brings gifts - new and renewed resources. If we are relaxed, we float and, in the end, are left on high fertile ground."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 59 Huan

There is a transformational quality to the day. Go with the movement. Procrastination and resistance may leave you flattened or drowned.

WEDNESDAY July 20, Yin Water Rabbit 17

Hexagram 29 Kan: Pit

Lunar Mansion: The Wall / Porcupine

Solar Indicator: Complete

Relax your attitude toward others today and sleep well.

"If you accept that you are in a sinkhole, find the message in it, and develop patience; things go well."
LM Changing: Zhouyi  29 Kan

Today is good for intentional investments: banking, fengshui adjustments, initiating business, exercise and beginning a journey.

THURSDAY July 21, Yang Wood Dragon 18

Hexagram 4 Meng: Immaturity

Lunar Mansion: The Stride / Wolf

Solar Indicator: Harvest

“It is important not to mistake good luck or chance for success, skill or wisdom”
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 4 Meng

Today is a day for fortification. Repairs, remodels, routine business and medical treatments all bode well.

::: ::: :::

Qi Node: 12 Great Heat

"Great Heat refers to the extreme heat in the yang twilight of the year. Oppressive heat draws up the dampness of the Earth. At this time declining Yang partners with the inter-seasonal Earth and creates Damp Heat. Damp Heat has an oppressive quality (mold, rot) in this qi node and it fosters unprecedented growth and a legion of illnesses. Though much continues to grow and flourish we must avoid the pernicious quality of the season. The great mantle of Yang must be handed down to Yin. The wise prepare for transference not defeat.

During this qi node the environmental qi (Heaven/Earth) is best at 2pm. Practice neigong several times a day facing due south. Dress lightly, wash your hair often and stroll about to avoid the damp. Chew well. During the day eat two meals, rest (nap) after lunch, snacks of fruit (melon, grapes) are good on hot days. Drink green and flower tea (jasmine, honeysuckle, lily) and in the evening enjoy a light savory soup.

It is a good time for initiating new and practical disciplines of conservation (that anticipate autumn). Activity should slowly turn from forward to reverse - begin to edit what has been accomplished. Cut back on obligations. Pace yourself. It is not a time for laziness and indolence but it is auspicious to edit what is 'unrighteous' - do not store what will mold or close down too soon.

Upon waking and before bed bucket bathe (with a final cold salt rinse), watch the sunset and go to sleep not long after dark. Rest, relax, travel (vacation by the sea), exercise and do not be exposed to coastal winds.

Guard the heart (shen) by modestly expressing your feelings - it is natural to feel emotionally lethargic or distant. Expect less from those around you to avoid emotional congestion. Be real! Honestly clear away emotional heaviness - denial. Damp heat inspires denial. Neurosis can easily go psychotic. " LM The Way of the Three Treasures

LUNAR HEXAGRAM 59 Huan: Overflowing

“Huan is generally favorable and associated with getting rid of the old and bringing in the new. It is the refreshment that comes from deep and honest spiritual revelation.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 

::: ::: :::

FRIDAY July 22, Yin Wood Snake 19

Hexagram 7 Shi: The Army

Lunar Mansion: The Mound / Dog

Solar Indicator: Open

“The Auspice (of the day) must be read as the benefit that comes from a long line of causes, the continuity of a long life and / or family generational harmony. It governs a sense of inheritance, clans, teamwork and orchestrated ritual music.”
LM Notes: The Mound

"Shi is a time for order and cooperation. Agreements and alliances foster good fortune."
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 7 Shi

SATURDAY July 23, Yang Fire Horse 20

Hexagram 33 Dun: Pig

Lunar Mansion: The Stomach / Pheasant

Solar Indicator: Shut

“There will be modest gains. Do not be overly concerned about limits and restrictions. Stay put and you will grow strong. Success is acquired gradually but reward is inevitable.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 33 Dun

"It is auspicious to build, bury the dead and marry on this day. It is a good day to make your case, to push forward and to ask for what you are due. It is a good day for gift giving and charity.
LM Notes: The Stomach

::: ::: :::

Play with resilience.

::: ::: :::

Please know that I offer the following:

• Polestar Astrology Readings 
• Almanac Astrology Consultations 
• Fengshui Consultations 
• Qigong Instruction 

In resilient relations,

Jamie Shulander

jshulander@gmail.com

415-450-7884