September 23rd, 2010, "Autumn Equinox", the 4th small Autumn season arrives

Compares to other small season, we are more familiar with "Autumn Equinox" as it is also a well known astrological term. In the Chinese season system, the name of the season can be literally translated into "Autumn Divider", which has a  broader meaning. Many consider "Autumn Equinox" as the end of summer and beginning of the fall.  The cold air that has been flowing towards south, and when it meets with the fading warm air, we get rain. As the famous saying "one time rain in the autumn, one time the temperature will drop lower; ten times rain in the autumn, prepare to wear heavy cotton (thick clothes)".


"Spring Equinox" is called "the opening of the sky gate", means a start of the new Yang energy. In contrast, "Fall Equinox " is called "the close of the earth gate", which signifies the growth of Yin energy. We can tell from the disappearing of thunder. As thunder signifies the force of Yang in the sky. When we come to the season now, the Yang energy has already dropped to a very low level, therefore there will be few thunder. When "Autumn Equinox" arrives, there will be less daily or heavy long rain as we are moving more and more towards the dry season. But there may be more chance of short rains.


It is a season with the equal "day" and "night', when comes to human body it indicates the equal distribution of "Yin" and Yang" . Therefore,"carefully sense the being of Yin and Yang, and finding balance is the goal."


Mental and spiritual cultivation is the important part. As the fall season is the season of "dying","killing" and "seriousness", it will cause some mental or psychological issues, especially depression. Therefore, stay optimistic and calm to reach the balanced state. Don't over use the body in any sense. Hiking and climbing has been the seasonal popular activities for years. When you reach high and have a long and broad view of what you see, all negative feeling such as oppression and melancholy will vanish.And this is very good for you to stay calm and stable to balance the nature of the season.


As we're talking about Autumn being the season of "dry", the past season or 2 is considered "warm dry", and now we are looking at "cool dry". Besides the lungs, which is still the seasonal organ, stomach is next organ that needs special care, as it reacts to coolness sensitively.


For food, follow the rule of "warm, soft, light, simple and fresh". Eat at the right time and don't eat too much once. Since it is the season of "cool dry", eat food that are "clear, smooth and warm" to moistening the lungs,  nourish the Yin energy and blood, such as sesame, walnut, sticky rice, honey, pear or even sugarcane if you can get any.


Good sleep is the key,as mentioned earlier, this is the season for a lot of mental and psychological issues. It is closely connected with the quality of sleep. Therefore another task now is to adjust the sleep habit, try to go to bed early (to store the Yin), and get up early too(to stretch the Yang). Don' forget the Autumn is the season "collect and store", make sure your body energy  "in" is greater than "out".


By the way, right before this season arrives, on September 22nd, is the "Mid-Autumn festival", AKA "Mooncake festival". Enjoy the full moon!