Month of the Wood Horse

June 5 – July 6


The month of June is the month of the Wood Horse, otherwise known as the energy of Jupiter and Leo combining their forces, bringing powerful and expansive energy for us all. The month of the Horse is the peak of fire in the Chinese 5 Element system and the height of the summer season.

The imagery of the Wood Horse is of wood set alight like a torch, it provides illumination, lighting the way forward and it encourages us to be the light for others in these dark and uncertain times. Another image for this pillar is of burn-out and it cautions us to tend to our own inner flame and not to expend our own energies too quickly as we move forward with powerful momentum. Fire represents courage, hope, and passion as well as anger and aggression. Finding our own balance will allow us to harness this fire and will enable us to use its energy as a courageous force rather than a destructive one.

Fire is also the element of change and transformation. The solar eclipse which will take place for nearly two hours at 5:24 a.m. EST on June 10th, will also offer a powerful opportunity to transform ourselves. In Chinese Metaphysics it is generally considered inauspicious to be exposed directly to the energy of solar eclipse partly because it is such a powerful catalyst for change and many are not prepared for such intense inner work. A solar eclipse is the alignment of the Sun and Moon, Yang and Yin conjoined, no separation. Specifically, it allows us to break down the barriers and face the truth of who we are.

The theme of this particular eclipse on June 10th is facing what we are trying to bury deep within ourselves and bring it to the surface to heal, to face what we are hiding from ourselves, or what we refuse to look at. The best way to use the energy of this eclipse is to spend this time indoors in meditation, contemplation, or even journaling to bring illumination to the dark parts of ourselves so we can shine more brightly in every aspect of our lives. May this month offer you powerful momentum and enlightening transformations!

The I Ching hexagram for this pillar is #1 Initiating comprised of 6 Yang lines symbolizing pure, powerful Yang energy to set things into motion and to take initiative. This is the month to get out there and make things happen. What will you initiate this month?