Earth Ox Moon Wanes

   This year, Spring begins in silence. By the almanac's account, every year begins on February 4th. It's no different than any solstice or equinox, which also get locked onto the same calendar day, year after year. The only thing is, with everyone so excited about our mighty Yang Fire Horse on the way, no one really noticed the slow roll out of the new year already in bloom.

   As for the poetry of the moment, rise and shine! If we were to pit this time of year against the splay of a day, then this would be likened to the break of dawn. Birds are chirping, morning condensation is dripping on the windows, and our eyes are only starting to crack open from a night of slumber. How is it that we could already be in a rush? Let's give ourselves time to wake up! 
   To make this make sense, drag your feet. Act like you haven't had a cup of coffee yet - the day/year has only just begun. If anything feels like it's going to take more effort than a morning yawn, you're working too hard! Ease up. For this phase, you get ahead by staying behind.

✧ New Year Superstitions ✧

Get a Haircut: Look sharp for all the luck that's coming.
Get Organized: Get your year started on a solid foundation.
Get New Gear: Like underwear, socks, and other functional gems. 
Get Together: You don't want to spend the New Year alone.
Get Festive: Good fortune favors the cheerful.

Spring Begins in Silence

Contents

・Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
・Student of the Month: Could it be you? What did you do to earn it?
・The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
・Deep Steeps: Shifu sits with local medicine legend, Chris Pearson.
・Functional Feng Shui: A simple suggestion relative to the season.
・Final Fortune Cookie: Big wit and wisdom from a tiny little idiom.

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