Yin Wood: The Secret of Early Spring

The recent February Full Moon marks the offical entrance into Spring and the season of the Taoist Wood Element. Wood is focused on action, expression, and creativity, and Wood Season is the time when we birth new visions into being. Thus, in the system of 5 Elements, Wood is Yang- it relates to activity, movement, warmth and light. Whereas, other elements like Water and Metal are Yin- they relate to quiet, stillness,and inner reflection.

Yet, Taoist cosmology also tells us that each of the 5 Elements, whether yin or yang, actually posseses a balance of both. Every element has an outer, active yang nature- what we see and interact with in the world, and every element also has a more hidden, secret yin nature. In the case of Wood, we see its outer yang nature quite easily. Wood is all about having a plan and a vision, and making it happen. We can easily see the yang side of Wood anytime we start a new endeavor, or create a piece of art. Yang Wood is the Entrepreneur, the Artist, the Explorer .

“All things have an outer Yang nature, and a secret, more hidden Yin Nature….”

So what about the Yin side of Wood? Understand nature, and you will understand yin and yang, so the saying goes. When we look at a plant, we see only the parts that exist above the ground. Yet the plant can only grow as tall as its roots are deep. This provides an important teaching on balancing our growth with our resources. This hidden Yin Wood- the roots, can be likened to our deep reserves, the energy we have available to grow our visions into being. Yin Wood encourages us to stay rooted during expansion and make sure we use our resources appropriately. Yin Wood invites us to examine what is sustainable, not only in our own lives, but also for the planet. Just as all the creatures in a forest depend on one another to thrive, the Wood Element is not just about healthy growth for one tree, but healthy growth for the whole forest! So Yin Wood invites us to examine both personally and collectively, how we are using our resources.

As we emerge from winter and prepare to embark on new Spring ventures, Wood reminds us to first take stock before we forge ahead. How much rest did we give ourselves during the Winter? Did we replenish our well with rest and quiet, or were we out at too many parties? How are our energy levels? Are we feeling resourced? Are there new skillsets or tools we might need to get the job done? Are our goals realistic, given the resources we have to accomplish them? Will we be able to create enough to also share with others? As we use the precious resources of the planet, are our actions of benefit to all? How might we be able to accomplish the same tasks by using less?

Taking time to assess our resources as we grow our visions into being this Spring, we receive the wisdom of Yin Wood. Using resources responsibly, for the benefit of all, Wood reminds us how to live in balance on the planet. May everyone’s garden of dreams flourish!