Sunday, July 16, 2023

Chinese Almanac Astrology July 17 - 23, 2023

     I'm grateful to be a contribution to your life, 

Thank you for your contribution to mine!



Teton Valley, ID
One - Line Drawing & Watercolor

Instagram: @jamieshulander


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 CHINESE ALMANAC ASTROLOGY
In honor and memory of my Teacher, Liu Ming
 To support grace and ease / For the resolution of all beings





Commentary and compilations by Jamie Shulander
All notes from class notes/works by Liu Ming

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 INDICATORS (aka Auspices): Yearly, Monthly, Lunar and Daily

LUNAR YEAR: YEAR of the RABBIT (Native Yin Wood) Discreet
Charged: Gentle, quiet, peace loving, intuitive, intelligent, aesthetic, domestic, social, diverse, dependent, supportive, loving and authoritative.
Deplete: Gossipy, snobby, superficial, paranoid, greedy, scattered, vain, promiscuous, opportunistic, deceptive, conservative, stubborn and lazy.

Image: The Rabbit talked about in Chinese Astrology is well known to all Chinese peasants as the animal that ‘lives in the moon’. The lunar image represents the Rabbit’s strong need to escape the bright light of day - they hate confrontations of all types. Rabbits take charge of situations from the position of subordinate. Once safety and security are established in their lives they show themselves to be capable and successful managers and advisors. They function best at home. Inveterate collectors, they are likely to ‘feather the nest’ with a great many material possessions. Rabbits actually derive energy from objects and often consider them truly precious.

YIN WATER RABBIT (1843, 1903, 1963, 2023, 2083) ‘Forest Rabbit’

“Water Rabbits are skittish, intuitive and untrusting. They sleep very deeply (troubles appear and resolve in the night). They have a paranoid attitude toward others that is not the product of bad experience in this lifetime. They therefore cannot dedicate themselves to any particular relationship to society and drift through various career choices without success. Though they are good at business and frugal with their finances their fortunes wobble. They may have strong ideas regarding the maintenance of their health, but are uneven in applying them. A strong protector in the form of a partner of mentor, whom they trust, can reverse their wishy-washy fortunes. Most illness are caused by spirit possession.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


LUNAR MONTH: YANG EARTH HORSE (1858, 1918, 1978, 2038, 1098) “Corralled Horse”

“Earth Horses are daring, impulsive and strong characters. They often find themselves working against the odds. All their projects are obstructed from time to time. They are likely to meet with disaster and/or injury in their youth. Complications from these early injuries will haunt their health for life. They may experience dramatic catharsis in life - more than once. Their fortune is dark and their struggle only leads to exhaustion. They are prone to excess damp.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


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. 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: 37 Jia Ren: Household

Jia Ren is about well-ordered, supportive families and family-like groups that have a collective purpose. Selfless caregivers (mothers/nourishment) make households and family-like groups strong. Selfless and consistent inner strength is the basis of true communities. Orderly family/communities nurture great leaders who, in turn, make the alliances that create fair and just nation-states." 

LM Changing: Zhouyi 37 Jia Ren


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MONDAY July 17, Yang Fire Rat 30
Hexagram 54 Guimei: A Girl Is Married
Lunar Mansion: The Net / Crow
Solar Indicator: Maintain


“Fire Rats are aggressive, excitable and brave characters. They hide their resources then burst forward and break rules. They enjoy uncovering other people’s secrets and have more than a few themselves. Their fortune starts out obstructed but clears in midlife, when their previous misconduct begins to resolve. Think reckless Robin Hood. They have a constitutional weakness in stomach/spleen and are prone to heart problems. If they reach old age they have wisdom and gain respect. They will have ‘been there and done that’.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


"Things are auspicious for the underdog, but early success collapses. The situation is touch and go. Things can end up okay if some sacrifices are made."

LM Changing: Zhouyi 54 Guimei


"To consult a physician and consult oracles (divination of all kinds) will bring clarity. It is a good day for industry (labor/gardening = long term wealth), building (restores clarity) and burying the dead (enhance intuition). It is inauspicious to take anything for granted. It is inauspicious for revolution, confrontation, breaking taboos, neglecting responsibilities or travel (someone at home dies/gets sick)."

LM Notes: The Net


“Spontaneous action and inspiration (yang) become the new tradition (yin). Qi assertion (yang) is repeated again and again to hold and harden gains (yin). Establishing a new state is the focus. The qi of practice and the drilling of troops is awesome. Allies appear from all quarters. True majesty succeeds without pressing forward. Today success breeds more success and everyone may be included in the new victories. Generosity is a prophylactic to decline - giving is a sign of strength and cements alliances. It is the sun at noon.”

LM Notes: Maintain


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LUNAR HEXAGRAM: 33 Dun: Pig

“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


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TUESDAY July 18, Yin Fire Ox 1

Hexagram: Consult the Oracle
Lunar Mansion: The Beak / Monkey
Solar Indicator: Destroy

“Fire Ox are assertive, focused and oafish characters. Their accomplishments are epic. They mature very quickly and/or are deprived of a normal childhood. Their strength (belligerence) creates enemies (hard knocks) but these enemies become their teachers. By midlife they will have overcome many obstacles to become well-known, prosperous and happy. They are likely to have more than one family and enjoy a ‘second childhood’ when they reach 60. They are prone to liver disorders and eye problems.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


"It bodes well to follow superiors, practice austerity and/or pool resources with others. It is a good day to sincerely comply with divination and maintain taboos meticulously.

"It is inauspicious to push forward, be industrious or initiate new ventures. Revolution or demanding idealistic justice on this day will be catastrophic."

LM Notes: The Beak


“The successful prince as warrior must now lose his youthful ambitions and develop into a proper king….Today calculated loss (cancellation) succeeds”

LM Notes: Destroy


WEDNESDAY July 19, Yang Earth Tiger 2
Hexagram 61 Zhongful: Holding the Center
Lunar Mansion: The Trio / Gibbon
Solar Indicator: Danger


“Earth Tigers are obstinate, emotional and cavalier characters. Their youth goes badly and makes them homeless wanderers. This wandering makes them excellent planners or cons and tricksters. Their unique fortunes rest on the fact that they actually benefit from harming others (strange karma debts to collect). They have awesome energy and physical strength that can only be made sick by powerful spells and/or demons.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


"The action that arises from stillness is able to ‘work wonders.’ A Zen archer lets the arrow find the target without meddling."

LM Changing: Zhouyi 61 Zhongfu: Holding the Center


"It bodes well to dispose of inessentials (haircuts), edit, fast, study (Classics), take exams, enter retreat and practice meditation. It is good to be industrious close to home (house clean). Initiating business (particularly group enterprise) will be fruitful if planning has been thorough.

"It is inauspicious to push forward aggressively. Do not get married, finalize divorce, bury the dead (it will create family dissent), spend savings or speculate financially as these all lead to losing resources and cooperation."

LM Notes: The Trio


“To roust hypocrisy in his new alliances the leader must bait his hidden enemies (yin) by showing vulnerability. This day is a qi expression of true power but all the action is fraught with danger and risk. The games of political power are also the precursors of decline. The power plays show yin to be drawing life from the heart of yang. Success is limited now to a kind of survival. Manipulation and covert action succeed. Elegance becomes the mask of cleverness and intrigue. Doing only what needs to be done is best. Old habits or patterns of pressing forward will invite catastrophe. Beware grudges.”

LM Notes: Danger


THURSDAY July 20, Yin Earth Rabbit 3

Hexagram 60 Jie: Juncture
Lunar Mansion: The Well / Tapir
Solar Indicator: Complete

“Earth Rabbits are persuasive, resourceful and distrustful characters. Their own uneven fortune often makes them dishonest with and wary of even their friends/family. They obsess about security but do not find it. Their strong sexual appetite does not respect boundaries and they often divorce and/or seduce other people’s partners. An uneven marriage may last a long time. They enjoy the company of unconventional characters and those less fortunate than themselves. In midlife, they can establish material security, and stop obsessing and metamorphose. In old age they have a real potential to study (knowledge) and gain wisdom. They are prone to lung and skin ailments.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


"Favorable for the practice of circumspection and restraint. Being observant and conservative with resources is auspicious. Knowing how to see and when to use limits brings success."

LM Changing: Zhouyi 60 Jie: Juncture

“It is auspicious to build, remodel, do fengshui adjustments, take exams, and maintain routine industry. The earth can be dug (gardening = wealth) and it is a good day to donate, buy or sell (investment) real estate. Community or charity projects will flourish. It is favorable for apologies. It is favorable for medical treatments (particularly for initiating a series of treatments for a chronic condition). 

“It is not auspicious to postpone needed repairs, apologies or difficult tasks. It is not good for funerals or burials of those who died by suicide, violence or sudden illness because others will soon follow.”

LM Notes: The Well


“It is a day for resting on your laurels. Success is established and secured and the new state seems to govern itself. Enemies are few. It is a time for inward reflection (yin) on the bare face of reality (yang). Struggle (yang) is no longer possible or necessary (yin). Decline is not feared and success not celebrated. Wisdom approaches and withdrawing succeeds. Art is the demonstration of confidence, dignity and wisdom - be artful. No more accumulating - decorate with modesty. The way of perfecting power is austerity and restraint. Do less, have less, show less and seek nothing. Enjoy what is already manifest.” 

LM Notes: Complete


FRIDAY July 21, Yang Metal Dragon 4
Hexagram 41 Sun: Diminish
Lunar Mansion: The Ghost / Sheep
Solar Indicator: Harvest


“Metal Dragons have an egotistical, powerful and outspoken character. Despite their egotism, they are articulate and knowledgeable. They are so strong that they feel above morality and the law. Their uneven fortune is due to many broken boundaries and commitments - unburned bridges (karma). Their vitally strong constitution gives them enormous appetites (food, sex, ideas). Their medical problems go unnoticed, eventually becoming irreversible mental disorders (and/or possession).”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


Sun is about how sacrifice brings good fortune. It is also about the enlightened management of diminished resources and the transformation of reduced circumstances into an advantage. Sun is about attracting new resources into your life by eliminating inessentials. It is a time when recycling the trappings of success allows you to stay in power. It is when less is more.”

LM Changing: Zhouyi 41 Sun


“It is especially auspicious for funeral/burial (resolution of fate). It is also good to make gifts/donations to temples and offerings to the divinities, spiritual guardians and make memorials for the dead (ancestors/lineage). It is advantageous for entering retreat, meditation, fasting, spiritual initiation, ordination and ‘crossing over’ into transitory states. 

“It is not auspicious for worldly industry of any kind. It is a bad day to go to war (many casualties) or get married (husband will die early). One should avoid the wilderness (possession/illness will result).”

LM Notes: The Ghost


“What makes this day smooth is a sense of fearlessness. It is not so much how it goes (yang) as what it shows (yin). Rise and fall are no longer the point - the wide view can be taken. Ease is possible - effortless continuity on all sides. The qi seems to float us forward quite naturally - ebbing and flowing are both acceptable. The lessons of early life are found in both maturing and declining. Everything succeeds. Cleverness and survival give way to courage and directness. Be like a beloved monarch not an ambitious merchant. Let new resources and assistance come forward by standing back.”

LM Notes: Harvest


SATURDAY July 22, Yin Metal Snake 5
Hexagram 19 Lin: Approach
Lunar Mansion: The Willow / Roebuck
Solar Indicator: Open


“Metal Snakes are bright, sensitive and insightful. Their childhoods (up to 28) are often difficult and sorrowful. Though socially active they remain aloof in fear of betrayal. Their sensitivity often gives them visions and surrounds them with subtle beings, not all of who mean them well. Their mental health is always precarious, especially if parents and/or a partner do not protect them. Their deaths come suddenly (or suicide) due to the interference of ghosts and demons. They are well-suited to monasticism.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


"You must be patient and appropriate in your progress, but do not procrastinate. The auspice is for forward action."

LM Changing: Zhouyi 19 Lin


“It is especially auspicious for seclusion and the composing of memorials. It is favorable to make offerings and practice divination. It is fruitful on this day to fast, enter retreat, practice meditation and receive spiritual initiation and/or ordination (lineage). It is ideal for funerals / burials and the complete resolution of the unsettled dead (exorcism).

“It is not auspicious for marriage. Do not indulge in lawsuits (as it will ruin 3 generations).”

LM Notes: The Willow


“The choice here is whether to call fate something to fight or something to embrace. It is a day with an easy qi. It is a day to appreciate how things really operate beyond the desire that creates images and appearances. Accepting should be a boundless (yin) act beyond goals - the goal has always been return to our beginningless origin (Dao). There is no protagonist (yang) that should relax - there is only relaxation itself (yin). Look around for a successor (new plan, idea, task) and resume the heart/mind of a novice. The son of a rebel leader may become the second emperor of a new dynasty. An open heart gives the option to acquire great wisdom.”

LM Notes: Open


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QI NODE: 12 Great Heat

Malignant Yang

"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


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SUNDAY July 23, Yang Water Horse 6
Hexagram 13 Tong Ren: Community
Lunar Mansion: The Birdstar / Horse
Solar Indicator: Shut


“Water Horses are independent, hard-working and thrifty characters. They are particularly gifted craftspeople and have a friendly demeanor. They easily offer themselves to protect and ‘save’ others (military). They are not adverse to intentional ‘tragedy’ (heroism). Their fortunes are likely to improve as they grow old. The most emotional of all Horses they tend to compromise their health with repressed feelings. Their livers are weak and they are susceptible to curses and spells.”

LM Notes: 60 Characters


“It is favorable to go forward in concert with others after reflection and alliance is established."

LM Changing: Zhouyi 13 Tong Ren


“Think powerful, but gentle succeeds...It is auspicious for building and routine work (you will meet / hobnob with the powerful). Good auspice is directly related to continuity, convention and not innovation.

“It is not auspicious for funerals/burials or marriages (rape, divorce). It is a dangerous day for travel and/or medical treatments.”

LM Notes: The Birdstar


“A Shut day is a day of rest, whether you like it or not. Qi resources are spent and the notion of a spender (yang) is long gone. Dispersion has ended in exhaustion (big yin) and no memory exists to create joy or negativity. Struggling to act on such a day borrows qi from fantasy and sets up a ghostly pattern of bad qi credit. What’s it like to float down the river with no boat, no river and no protagonist? It is ideal day for retreat, mediation and severing ties with everything - don’t worry, it is not the end of anything! Let go anyway - feel the freedom and inaction, disconnectedness, because it offers limitless insight. Focus on your golf swing and forget about how the kids are squandering their inheritance on cocaine. It’s that kind of day! The river has reached the sea and even the water is confused.”

LM Notes: Shut


Jamie Shulander

Instagram: @jamieshulander 

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