2012 - The Year of the Dragon


We invite you to explore and learn from the following articles:

• 2012, the Year of the Dragon by Dr Mao Shing Ni (English only)

• 2011, the Year of the Rabbit by Dr Mao Shing Ni (English only)

• 2010, the Year of the Tiger by Dr Mao Shing Ni (English only)

• Qi dynamics & the energetic calendar by Claire C Cunneen




Qi dynamics & the energetic calendar
by Claire C Cunneen

Since ancient times, the Chinese have been keeping a calendar based on a systematic synthesis of cyclical influences affecting our lives. Learning from this system over the years, we have experienced first-hand its usefulness and accuracy. We all experience each year of our lives as different and perceive the different events of our personal lives as intertwined with the cycle of larger events in history and nature.

Most ancient cultures read the changing sky in order to evolve useable systems of forecast. The ancient Chinese were no different. Based on a very profound and sophisticated understanding of nature that echoes modern physics and the binary system of computer science, the Chinese energetic calendar includes the seasonal cycles and also the more subtle cycles of cosmic influences (our neighboring planets and stars) affecting the earth. It then translates these observations into the resulting Qi that affect us during this changing phase of time.

Just like daily or weekly weather forecasts help us plan for a sunny or rainy day, the Chinese energy calendar functions like a subtle weather forecast. It indicates the shifts in the subtle energy background that comes with each new period of time and describes its unique qualities with metaphors that support practical understanding. For example, most of us have heard of the 12 animals of the Chinese "zodiac". Each animal indicates certain qualities that will "rule" in that year's time. For example the Tiger, last year's animal, represents the vigor of the rising Qi of wood like the sap of a plant rising upward from the roots thru the stem at the transition from the dormant season to Spring. The Rabbit is gentler and represents the following period, with the spreading of the vitality of Wood, the sap of the plant, into its finer branches or leaves.

However, the complete view presented by the energetic calendar rests on the more complex system of the Stems & Branches which is built around the dual interaction of two families of influences: the Stem, source or sky influences & the Branch or earthly influences. The well-known "zodiacal" animals represent the branch or earthly character of the particular period with each animal always accompanied by its stem that gives it a unique character. The interaction between the stem and the branch gives us the total insight about the nature of each time period. This year is ruled by a Rabbit, a friendly furry animal that inhabits plains and grassy areas, lives in groups and multiplies peacefully. The Rabbit branch, like the Tiger of last year, is connected with the Wood element and vegetation; here it represents soft and delicate vegetation that spreads over the land. The source influence is the Metal element which has a cutting or controlling relationship with the Wood of the Rabbit. Further, it is Yin Metal with the image of a condensed reforming force, small and precise. So similarly to last year, a cutting influence interacts with vegetation and controls it, with a precise, reforming influence.

Knowing more about the subtle context coming with each new year can help us both make the best use of each particular cycle and protect ourselves from potentially negative conditions. For instance, if we are in a period that presents conflicting tendencies such as this year and last, we will be particularly attentive to dissipate or prevent contention. On the other hand, such a period of time presents a great opportunity to learn the arts of constructive trimming and clearing as in clearing away excessive stress and emotional buildup. The Metal precision of the energy this year supports our orderly, step by step, shaping of our endeavors and perfecting our talents while improving our diplomatic skills and exploring the virtues of patience and harmony (positive Wood qualities).

Like the weather, energy cycles express basic laws of dynamic balance: each cycle composed of an active phase and a resting phase, what is more internal now will develop its outward expression later and vice-versa. By knowing the now we live in and by learning about the laws of change, we learn to flow more effectively with life rather than try to forcefully push against it. Then our life journey becomes a fulfilling ride rather than a struggle that leaves us exhausted or broken. The Chinese energetic calendar is closely connected to the I Ching, the source of the binary system of organizing reality and its changes. More than forecasting tools, both these systems are excellent tools for developing our intuition and broad knowledge of life. Training in this type of integral awareness can complement and balance an overly intellectual approach that too often prevents us to come out of our box to see the big picture.



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