The Promise of Spring

Reproduced from the Pacific Essences Newsletter, written by Sabina Pettitt

Everywhere I look there is colour, splashed over the new greens of spring. Our rose garden is a blanket of Purple Crocus and Yellow Crocus with an abundance of the blue of Grape Hyacinth not far behind. For the past few weeks there has been something new to notice and appreciate almost every day. And with this kaleidoscope of colour more light and sound as well. There is expectancy and promise in the air.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), spring is the season of rebirth and rapid growth. Already the first flowers of spring, the Snowdrops, have vanished from the landscape. Spring is probably one of the most dramatic and noticeable transitions in the 5 element cycle of the seasons of the year - such a distinct contrast between the grey and cold of winter into the warm sunlight and colour of spring.

According to 5 element theory in TCM, Spring is the Wood element. In the body it is found in the muscles and tendons - our capacity to move and go forward and express ourselves. It is connected to the sense organ of the eyes and grants us the possibility of seeing where we might direct our energies in order to fulfill our potential. It relates to the emotion of anger which is how we may feel if we are lost and not "on purpose" in our lives. And remember there are variations on anger. For instance depression can be anger turned inward against oneself. Frustration at not being where we want to be is another aspect of the emotion of anger as it relates to the Wood element. Becoming addicted to something - substances to avoid feeling our anger frustration or depression is also a key symptom that something is awry and out of balance in the Wood element.

I love the Wood element because it shows me so clearly the unique manifestation of "spirit in all things". And the best things about the manifestation of these conscious energies in the Nature Kingdoms is that they just express their own individual beauty and grace without reference to anything else. A is not trying to be a Grape Hyacinth and a Lily of the Valley is not wanting to be a >Narcissus. What a lovely gift for humans to consider that we only need to be who we can be. And that each of us has a purpose and a gift to express in this precious incarnation in which we find ourselves.

With love and many blessings

Sabina Pettitt