The seventh phase of the Chinese seasonal calendar begins. This phase, Start of Summer (Lixia), starts as the sun crosses 45° Longitude (15° Taurus).

In this edition of the newsletter, we explore the symbolism of summertime in general and specifically the meaning of the first stage of the season, Start of Summer. Then, further below, you will find Practice Guidelines for the Start of Summer Empowerment.  

Over the last three months of spring the life force energy has been thrusting forward and upward, pushing against darkness and struggling against cold. And now, nature is about to turn the corner. Summer is here.

Summer. Warm, wild, and joyful. Lush and sultry. Fertile. Abundant. Day by day, over the next three months, nature will reveal these qualities more and more. Picture yourself luxuriating on a balmy summer day under a shady tree. The sky is blue. The sun is yellow. You bite into a freshly picked apple, close your eyes, and smile. Life is good! Capture that moment and welcome to summer! 

But what is the symbolic meaning of summer?

If we liken the seasonal cycle to the human life cycle, then spring corresponds to birth through childhood. And summer corresponds to puberty through early adulthood—the stage of development characterized by an onrush of hormonal change and a burst of growth. If you allow the energies of summer to flow into your life and awaken within, expect a powerful resurgence of teenage exuberance and the accompanying desire to explore the sensual, wilder, more delightful side of life. 

The theme of summertime is booming growth and the joy it inspires. Over the next quarter turn of the seasonal cycle we will witness this theme unfold over six stages, beginning with the first stage of summer which is aptly named, Start of Summer. Let’s zero in on the symbolic meaning of that stage.

The first stage of a season sets the tone for the whole season. Over the next fifteen days nature is going to become markedly more alluring and you’re going to start noticing dramatic changes. Colors will become brighter, the temperature more agreeable, and the environment more pleasant. Nature is about to become noticeably more attractive. And to come into alignment with this seasonal phase you’ll do well to turn on your personal charm. 

Do you remember a time when liking boys or girls was unpopular? “Does Billy like Sally?” “No way—girls, yuck!!” And then, unexpectedly, puberty arrives and Billy looks at Sally through a different set of eyes. Do you recall the first time you experienced attraction? Details that didn’t matter before suddenly began to assume dramatic proportions. “How’s my hair? What should I wear? What does he think? What did she say?” At puberty, appearance becomes important. You suddenly want to look good and to be appreciated by others.

Start of Summer is the time of the year when we align with nature by intentionally awakening the power of “attraction” and radiating that energy into the environment. Maybe that means buying that alluring dress that you’ve been eyeing. Or making your website more appealing. Or planting colorful flowers to liven up a dull backyard. There are countless ways to magnetize yourself and the space around you. Pick one or two ways to improve your “look” and strive to become more likable and charming. The world will notice and the attention will boost your confidence.