The seventeenth phase of the Chinese seasonal calendar Cold Dew (Hanlu starts at as the sun crosses 195° Longitude (15° Libra). Please join the thousands of practitioners worldwide who will usher in this event by practicing the Cold Dew Empowerment.

Cold Dew is the fifth of the six stages of the fall season. By the time we enter the fifth stage of any season, the qualities associated with that season are peaking. The Chinese name for this seasonal cycle is Hanlu. “Han” means cold and “lu” means dew. We have reached the stage of late autumn when we transition from cool to cold as attested by the chilly, early morning dew. 

There is a popular saying in Guangdong province, “Three mornings after the day of Cold Dew, bridges are needed to cross the river.” In early autumn the ground is still warm like a stovetop that was recently turned off. But gradually, as the temperature drops, the autumn chill penetrates the earth. During Cold Dew (and for the next six months) the ground will be too cold to walk on barefoot comfortably. 

In Chinese culture we refer to Cold Qi as Han Qi. During Cold Dew Han Qi becomes prevalent and, if you don’t take precautions, you’ll become increasingly susceptible to catching a cold. During early autumn, while the ground is still warm, you can still get away with wearing T-shirts and lightweight summer clothes. But Cold Dew signals that the time has come to switch from cotton fabrics to wool ones. 

This is also the time to avoid air conditioning. Concentrated blasts of cold air during this season will weaken your internal organs. Additionally, don’t eat cold foods or put ice in your drinks. Instead hydrate with soup, warm water, or tea. Sipping warm liquids throughout the day helps ensure a cold-free season. Your internal organs will thank you for taking good care of them!

Practicing the Cold Dew Empowerment is the equivalent of an energetic flu vaccine that will boost your immune system during this seasonal cycle. The empowerment is practiced when the sun reaches 195° Longitude (15° Libra) until Frost Descent, which is the sixth and final stage of “autumn begins.” Until then, keep your feet and neck happy by making them warm.