Today is the start of a new Seasonal Node. Each of the four seasons can be broken down into six smaller segments, called "Seasonal Nodes" (or "Solar Terms"), which come with specific instructions about what to do (and what not to do) to stay healthy and happy and harmonized with the natural world (which is really the same thing).
This is the second of six nodes of spring, called Rain Water.
Indeed, during this period of the year, the environment becomes increasingly heavy with dampness* as temperatures begin to climb and everything thaws.
But the ancient creators of this system of Nodes didn't call this one "Melting Ice" or "Thaw Water." They called it "Rain Water."
This, despite the fact that there isn't much precipitation this time of year in Northern or Central China where these nodes were based (rainy season May through September). This isn't the rainiest time of year where I am in Louisville, KY either (usually March or May).
"Rain water" is a symbol. A mandate.
"Water" is an oft used symbol for yin (as in yin-yang) in Chinese philosophy - the calm, nurturing, restful, dark, cool, contemplative, relatively-static parts of the universe (contrasted with the fiery, active, bright, warm, responsive, relatively-transformative parts, which are yang).
And "Rain" is water that descends, the opposite direction that yang is moving this time of year. Yang is maturing, growing, ascending toward summer.
The name of this node is an early reminder to us that we need to gently oppose yang as it grows. Oppose activity and accomplishment with rest, nourishment, patience, and planning. Oppose yang by asserting yin to create balance.
Spring has barely started, and already a reminder not to move too quickly. If it came any later in the season, it would be too late.
*This is one of a handful of transitions during the year when it's necessary to guard the digestive system (which doesn't like excessive dampness). Eat lightly (volume and content). Avoid cold, rich, sweet foods and dairy. Don't over exert the mind, either with thought or worry. And, as one of my well-intentioned but less-then-helpful teachers used to say, "Don't be stressful."
Interestingly, these days correspond to an historical period of scarcity for humans, when winter dry storage was mostly depleted and new nourishment was not yet available.
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