Pig Moon Wanes

   Each season is split into three moons, a yin, a yang, and a transition moon. Beyond that, each moon has four distinct phases, new, wax, full, and, wane. Basically, something's always moving. This means that seasons aren't static and that there's plenty of room to ease in and out of each annual phase. It's like the classic, crazy-wisdom adage, "The bad news is that you're falling. The good news is that there's no bottom." 

   Here at the curly tailed end of a pig moon, winter's first phase, the season has barely begun. The wisdom here is simple, mind your rations. Sure, pigs like to be comfortable, but don't be a hog. After a fall harvest, with a pantry packed with provisions, it's all too easy to squander. By all means, eat, drink and be merry, but also make sure you pace the party. 
   In the conversation of food, this is the perfect time to bust out your crock pots and slow cookers. It's so easy to soak your grains through the day, let them stew overnight in a savory stock or broth, and then enjoy them in the morning for something warm, hearty, and nutritious. With winter meal plans, remember the classic adage - "Healthy in the morning, heavy at lunch, and light at night (it actually rhymes in Chinese)."

✧ Joyous and Jubilant Jooks ✧

Oats: Everyone knows what oatmeal is. Make it fancy!
Rice: White, brown, black, or wild. All of it's yummy.
Wheat: Try cream of wheat with butter and brown sugar!
Corn: Ever had grits? Maize or hominy can work too.
Millet: A favorite of Master Wang's. It makes birds fly!
Medley: Lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and the like!

Set it and Forget it!

Contents

・Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
・Zodiac Palm 1: You've got the whole universe in your hands!
・Student of the Month: Maybe it's YOU! What did you do to earn it?
・The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
・Tea Drunk: Your monthly full moon discourse with Shifu and Seanan.