According to the lunar calendar, still followed in most Asian countries, the new year begins at the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice on December 21.
In the Celtic calendar, it is close to the cross-quarter Celtic holiday of Imbolc, which is halfway between the Winter solstice and Spring Equinox. It is when the seeds buried underground begin their first stirrings as the days get longer, in preparation for germination.
For us humans, it is when we begin feeling cabin fever, the urge to get back out into the world after hibernating all winter long.
THE WOOD DRAGON
Each of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals rotates between the 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
This year we will be experiencing the energy of the Wood Dragon. This will feel differently depending upon what animal/element you were born under.
You can look this up, including your compatibility with different signs here:
The Wood Dragon is a youthful dragon, energetic and strong. Think of a young dragon just breaking out of the egg, shaking off its wings, and soaring off into the cosmos.
They are a bit clumsy and discombobulated, but extremely eager to explore and take action.
If there is something you want to take action on or that has been sitting on the back shelf, this year is the time. Feel free to share your projects with me on social.
This is a beautiful green Jasper Dragon that joined my family yesterday. I think his name may be Oscar, What do you think?
My projects coming up...
I have had a program brewing in my mind for 7 years and this is the year I am launching it.
The corporatization of veterinary medicine continues on its trajectory with more animals than ever affected by big pharma, big pet food, and corporate clinics.
I cannot think of a better time to launch my preventative medicine program based on seasonal living through the 5 elements. It is an easy system to learn, based upon patterns in nature, and can be applied to all areas of our lives.
We are going to apply it to wellness for our beloved animal family members, and ourselves as well. If we do not keep ourselves healthy, we will not be able to care for our animal friends. Besides, they are mirrors for our own imbalances, a concept we will be touching on in the program - as within, so without.
I have the framework of my community in place and we are just finishing up the third year of the community so the foundation is laid and ready to go.
-image from the Alchemy Deck by Kim Krans
Be Your Pet's Hero: a preventative wellness program through the seasons and the five elements.
We will be taking a journey, spending 2 months per season (Late Summer - Earth element is the 5th season) learning about the organs, body parts, acupuncture points, channels, herbs, foods, energy medicine, and all the good things to support that particular element in the body of our dogs and cats - I am a big cat person and do not want to leave them by the wayside as so often happens.
We will be having live sessions, Q+A with specific cases, a community discussion feed, and lots of interaction. It is an experiential journey that requires your involvement and sharing with your animals. They are here to teach us what they need if we just listen and observe which we will be learning to do.
By the end of the year, you will be seeing your animal and health and wellness in a whole new light!
I want to empower you to know what is best in your unique situation, and to reawaken your intuition and lines of communication between you and your animal.
You already talk to them all the time, now you just need to learn to listen more deeply and trust what you are hearing.
Wood Element Webinar February 27
As an introduction to working with me and an offering to the community, I will be doing a FREE webinar specifically on the WOOD element and how to prepare your dog or cat for the coming Spring season.
Spring is the season of the Liver + Gallbladder. Traditionally it is the season of spring cleaning - inside and out. We will be talking about how to support the liver and get that liver blood flowing through the body to nourish the tendons and ligaments so we can get moving after a long winter nap.
Save the date and a link and email will be coming out soon as well as an early bird offer to my program.
May we all have a productive, healthy new year!
Strap your seatbelts on as we learn to ride the Dragon!
Tashi Delek!
(good luck and Happy New Year in Tibetan)
With Love,
Dr. Josie