Autumn Collapses into Winter

The retreating movement that has been increasingly dominant during the Fall season reaches a point where the Yin direction of inward and downward is now significantly more dominant than the Yang actions of upward and outward. This qi node marks a distinct change from adolescent Yin into a more mature Yin, one that is self-possessed, knows who it is and where its going. There is no illusion of Summer left.

Like the last qi node of every season, Frost Descends is also comingled with Earth qi. As the Metal of Fall becomes the Water of Winter, Earth stabilizes the pivot point so that one phase can become the next with a minimum of chaos. In truth, Earth is always present, underpinning all of the other elemental phases through the entire year, but it is during the transition points between seasons, where there is a sort of gap in the weave of the phases, that it is easier to see the supportive and holding function of Earth.

Conduct During this Phase

As the temperature continues to drop, it is important to stay warm. But even if the weather is not cold in temperature, stay out of drafts and avoid sweating. The qi is most potent at 8pm during this node meaning that instead of the seasonal qi infusing you with energy for the day, it is empowering the restorative process of sleeping. Rediscover a long evening ritual that culminates in relaxing into bed. Get excited about sleep and the dreamscape that it offers.

What to Do:

Get all of your warm weather clothes organized and ready for daily use.
Remind yourself to keep your neck covered when outside and stay clear of drafts, even if you live where the temperatures are not that cold.
Reduce your screen time in the evening. Stop watching TV or scrolling on your phone at least 1 hour before you lie down to sleep.
Return to an analog hobby or past-time: reading, knitting, puzzles, painting, journaling, etc…
Embrace the slow-cooker, focusing on cuts of meat that have bones in them and require long cooking.
No more raw foods.
Don’t sweat.