“Taking initiative is a form of self-empowerment’
~Stephen R. Covey
Hello and Welcome to Midsummer!
The image of the Wood Horse is Yang wood as a torch being set alight. The symbolism of this pillar is a beacon of hope, inspiration, and light to help us find the way in times of darkness. As this Horse month also marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, the light of Lady Liberty’s torch also comes to mind. It is a poignant reminder that we are a nation of immigrants, founded on the principles of freedom. In these challenging and tumultuous times may we find hope and inspiration in the torch of Liberty to envision a brighter future for our country.
During the Horse month we turn up the dial on the fire element as we move into the month of peak solar energy during the two weeks on either side of the Summer Solstice. Usually this intensification of solar energy which brings warmer weather and longer days also brings feel good vibes. The warmth and sweetness of summer can uplift the spirit, and make people feel happy, and upbeat.
While I will always rejoice at the arrival of summer weather, particularly after a long New England winter, the ratcheting up of the fire energy of this Horse month, in an already unbalanced fiery Horse year, may bring an intensity that is likely to bring out the shadow aspects of Fire element in the world at large. We may see increasing anger, volatility, conflict, erratic and rapid change, which can induce feelings of anxiety and agitation. The increasingly chaotic energy that is likely to gallop in this month may feel overwhelming and activating for many.
This is not cause for despair but rather an invitation to greater awareness, to notice when you are feeling particularly fired up so that you can take action to counteract those effects. The antidote to too much fire is of course Water element, which with a healthy dose of Earth can cool, dampen, and ground intense energies. Cooling summer foods, adopting a slower pace, meditation, forest bathing, gentle fluid exercise, or even a refreshing swim, are all wonderful ways to introduce the element of Water into your experience to sooth and balance. Find ways to chill out and unplug whenever and wherever possible this month in order to keep your cool.
Slowing down however does not mean doing nothing or being completely idle. The Horse month actually represents the most Yang month of the year, full of ripe active energy that can bring ideas and inspiration which long to find expression. This is an ideal month to harness this momentum as fuel for transformation or self expression. It’s an ideal month to embark on any endeavor which feels important to you.
The I Ching hexagram for this month #1, called Heaven or Initiating is comprised of Heaven trigram above Heaven trigram, pure Yang energy. It’s imagery is of the unending expanse of the heavenly realm, the pure creative power of the cosmos which can inspire us to reach for the stars and to pursue our wildest dreams. The pure yang energy of this hexagram speaks to the potency of the Yang qualities of this month as fuel to begin something new, an ideal time to take the initiative. As the first hexagram in the King Wen order sequence, this hexagram heralds new beginnings and an auspicious fresh start. There’s no time like the present to start something new, if not now, when?
“Initiating is really and truly difficult, and that’s what leaders do.
They see something others are ignoring and they jump on it.”
~Seth Godin
Sacred Springs Retreat, October 17-20, 2026
The antidote to the intensity of this fiery year is the healing balm of water. Join us to commune with the sacred, healing waters of Saratoga Springs and find respite in the beauty of the autumn season with daily yoga, sacred nature connection, shamanic ceremony, and spa amenities. Saturday, October 17- Tuesday, October 20. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your place by using the link below: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/2MCMH0YEFCESR/checkout/BLI6SDOCUFVN7S4E5UQDR3KC
The Shamanic I Ching Card Deck
My limited edition Shamanic I Ching card deck is here! I am so proud to share this labor of love borne of the integration of my geomantic and shamanic training with many years Chinese Metaphysical practice to bring to life an illustrated I Ching card deck that can bring insight and guidance to your personal practice. To order your copy please click the link below:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/49DUWJGDRPBXA
Chinese Astrology Courses
Whether you wish to embark on your journey of learning Chinese Astrology or deepen your existing knowledge I will be offering new opportunities for in-depth learning of 4 Pillars BaZi Astrology. All courses will be offered live online with access to session recordings for review and study. Early Bird Discounts for both courses are now available as well as an additional discount for those who register for both courses.
Foundations in Chinese Astrology:
4 Days: Monday, September 28 – Thursday, October 1, 2026
Register Here:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24963388&appointmentType=90836532Advanced Chinese Astrology:
Two weekends: Saturday, October 3 & Sunday October 4 and Saturday November 14 & Sunday November 15, 2026
Register Here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24963388&appointmentType=77560519