The transition from winter into spring is from the most yin time of the year, to a bursting forth of new yang energy.  Whereas winter was a time for rest, in spring we see a renewed call to action, awakening from hibernation, and rapid change.  We will see how the energy of winter, the water element, gives forth the energy of spring, the wood element.

Key Energy Qualities and Emotions of Winter, the Water Season

The emotion of water is fear.  Fear may seem like a negative emotion, but like all emotions, can have both a positive and negative side.  The energy of fear is of turning inward, sinking, and contracting.  It’s about depth, and coldness.  Once it reaches its lowest point, the yang energy kicks in and begins to nurture the next element, the wood element.

The organs of water are the kidneys and urinary bladder.  They work to regulate fluids and urination.  Of the 5 senses, water is hearing and listening. These are very passive and can be done even in our sleep.

Another attribute of water is knowledge.  In its yin form, it serves as a repository of knowledge.  In yang form it is wisdom used for the clever utilization of resources to support progress.  The two in balance allow for a deep innate knowing, that supports wise living in the world.

Key Energy Qualities and Emotions of Spring, the Wood Season

Wood energy is strongly upward.  It is represented by plants and trees in all their many forms.  Healthy wood is the young tree both strong and flexible.  Unhealthy wood is the dry, stiff timber ready for the fire.  

The energy of spring comes suddenly and is marked by dramatic changes in weather.  It stirs us, calls us forth to act and move more.  The days lengthen too as we shift our focus from the inner, to the outer.  As if rising up and bubbling from the ground.  

The sense of wood is seeing, which we can do more of now, now that we have more light. With life bursting forth, the world looks new.  It restores a freshness and brightness to our eyes.  We see green and many colors in the growing plants that seem to be shouting as they burst forth.

Appropriately, shouting is the sound of spring, and anger is its emotion.  Anger is often seen as a negative emotion, but in the right amount is a great force for action.  It’s especially great for getting around obstacles.

The odor of wood is that of fresh cut grass.

The organs of wood are the liver and gall bladder.  The liver has many functions, including food metabolism, production of bile, detoxification and storage of blood.  In TCM these organs help store blood, and promote the free flow of blood and qi.  This helps nourish the nails, eyes, tears, tendons, and ligaments.

The official energy of wood is that of impartial decision making.  In the yin aspect, big picture stuff, like an army general.  The yang side - like a chief of staff that makes decisions on the ground.  Overall, we take the potential we developed during the water time, and in wood time, make that into action we can see in the world.

What are some of your habits and traditions for Spring? Does it tend to agree with this concept, or offer something different? Comment below.

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