New Dragon Moon

   The annual Qing Ming Festival is this week in China. The name translates as "Clear and Bright." It's pretty much the same as "Dia De Los Muertos" in Mexico, except our holiday is in the Spring and there's is in the Fall. What's interesting is how both of these death festivals are timed with an equinox - literally a time of "coming and going." These phases serve as the perfect moment to reflect on the dead, because in reality, they're a lot closer than many of us would like to think.

   While discussing the dead, it's important to note that Daoists don't believe in ghouls and ghosts, at least not in the way they're portrayed in Hollywood. We believe our ancestors are with us and within us. It may seem odd at first, but if you consider modern concepts like genetic inheritance, innate human instinct, or trans-generational trauma, then you might see we're still telling the same story, just with a different language. 
   To make this practical, the big idea here is to keep your ancestors active in your conversations. Having a string of bad luck? Maybe you just haven't checked in with your dead relatives in a minute. Sense something spooky? It's not a haunting, it's probably just a deceased elder that doesn't want to feel taken for granted. Go to the cemetery, dust off their graves. Pull up the weeds and water the grass. Maybe even prepare a little picnic with all their favorites and spend a day with them as if they were still there. At least from a folk, Daoist perspective, that's how you transform a scary boogie man into a caring fairy god mother. Give it a shot. This is the week to do it.

✧ Tomb Sweeping Day ✧

Dust the Altar: Or just look through old family photos.
Sweep the Graves: This could also translate as forgiveness.
Make an Offering: Something fragrant that fills the room.
Say a Prayer: If there is only one, let it be gratitude.
Be Silent: Give them space to respond.

Keep your Acnestors Current

Contents

・Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
・Happy Birthday: There's a party coming up, want to go?
・The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
・Along the Way: Tale of two Daoist brothers and their angry master. 
・This is How to Brew It: Some steeping tips for this month's tea.

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