April 5 – May 4
The Month of the Fire Dragon begins on Wednesday, April 5 and brings us to the conclusion of the spring season and the final month of the first quarter of the Chinese solar year. The dragon is a sign of transitions and not only do we transition from the spring season of wood to the summer season of fire. We also transition to the second quarter of the year which when viewed through the lens of the chart of the year signals an intensification of energy and an increase in fire. This is the year in which we transition to Period 9 and we will feel the heat building as the year progresses.
The Dragon is special among the twelve zodiac signs, and each Dragon pillar is imbued with special qualities. The Fire Dragon’s particularly quality is that it is a spiritual pillar making this an ideal month to focus on spiritual growth and cultivation. This is a month to spend more time going within, in seeking knowledge of the self and spending time in meditation and personal growth. The busy activity that summer will bring will be upon us soon enough, this is an ideal time to savor a slower pace as well as the warming weather.
The hexagram for this month is #58 Lake or Marsh but is often translated as Joyful. The image of this hexagram is of two lakes joining together, as a metaphor for human activity it signifies people joining together which brings joy. As one translation says ‘the wise man joins with his friends to discuss and practice the truths of life’. While the Dragon often signifies solitude and isolation, this hexagram shows us that personal growth and spiritual cultivation are best supported by community. Certainly there are times when our growth is best found in solitude but often it is in the company of friends and like minded souls that we gain the strength and support we need to reach our greatest potential. This month we should find balance between solitude and sangha, of being alone isolation and being in the good company of others to lift our spirits and bring us joy.
The image featured this month is from the Druid Craft Animal Oracle card deck one of my favorite oracle decks, as it so vividly describes the intensity of Period 9 fire. The Fire Dragon pillar The Fire Dragon pillar however is traditionally an image of the Sun rising over lush green mountains, an ideal location for spiritual cultivation. As the fire increases throughout the year, we may feel things speeding up an intensifying all around us. Now is a great time to ready yourself and your space for the impending energy of Period 9.
For those who wish to focus on personal growth and cultivation, I am pleased to announce I will be offering a four day 4 Pillars training course Monday, September 4 – Thursday, September 7. For more information including early bird discount pricing please visit www.americanacademymetaphysics.com
