Seasons

Seasons transition—one into another—throughout the year. Winter turns to Spring, then to Summer and to Fall, and back again to Winter to begin the cycle anew. Regionally speaking, each season has its own weather-based characteristics. For example, in the northeast, Winter tends to be cold and snowy and Summer tends to be hot and muggy. The temperate seasons—Spring and Fall—help us transition between these two extremes. In Spring, the weather ranges from very cold to mild to warm, whereas in Fall, it ranges from warm to cool to cold. Each season also has its own precipitation patterns and types of winds. These unique attributes are the season’s essence, or energy signature.

Although Spring and Fall are our “transition” seasons, Nature—and our bodies—need to ease into them as well. For example, at the transition between the end of Winter and the start of Spring, daffodils often pop up while snow is still on the ground. Winter is gone, but not completely. It’s buried behind Spring. Nature shows us both seasons at the same time.

Spring contains its own essence, but carries the information and messages of Winter.

Year of the Wood Snake

We can look at Lunar New Year in much the same way. Although the animal sign has changed, the previous sign still supports it. So the Year of the Snake has Dragon’s influence and power behind it. Snake—as compared to all other animals in the zodiac—will contain more Dragon Spirit than any other sign.

Dragon and Snake both have the ability to move freely and the flexibility to transform. While Dragon can transform reality, Snake can transform its body. In Chinese culture, Snake is synonymous with longevity because it completely sheds its skin multiple times per year, giving it a new body and a new life. This year in particular focuses on flexibility of body, mind, and spirit. The element Wood connects to Spring, which is Nature’s best reminder of the ability we all have to grow and move in incredible ways.

Transformation

For Dragon, transformation means the power to make the visible invisible, and for Snake, transformation means looking at things from new angles and beginning anew. If you missed the chance to use the Spirit of the Dragon to transform your life, the Year of the Snake is your best opportunity to connect.

Have Fun With Lunar New Year!

Understand the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Try some lucky foods! Including our favorite—dumplings!

Read about the Great Race, an ancient fable that explains how the Chinese zodiac was created.

What does your sign say about you? Learn your fortune in the Year of the Wood Snake!

Read about the Year of the Wood Snake and experiment with your own flexibility.