The Wheel of the Year: Autumn/Metal
The element of Metal, most prominent in the Autumn, signals that the warming, Yang energy of Summer has waned as we move into the cooler, Yin seasons.
The movement of energy is downward, and just as root vegetables are at their best this season, we also begin to ground ourselves. It's time to organize the scattered patterns of Summer as we move indoors. The color associated with Metal is white, like the fire used to forge steel.
Metal is associated with the organs of Lung & Large Intestine - involved in both taking in and letting go. Each breath is an affirmation of our desire to live and through the breath, we take in and let go of what no longer serves. As the plants enter dormancy, it is natural for grief and sadness to come up at this time of year. Many cultures honor the ancestors each Autumn (All Soul’s Day, Dia de los Muertos), as a way to reconnect with our beloved dead.
One archetype of Metal is The Alchemist. The Alchemist’s journey is to transform base metal into gold, and esoterically the work of the Metal Element is to extract value while releasing doubt, loss, and excessive (nonproductive) grief. When we honor the Metal element within each of us, we are better equipped to find what is unique, valuable, and worthwhile in ourselves and others.
Journaling Prompts:
In this season, what can I let go of?
In this season, what do I desire to take in?
How can I celebrate my own inherent value?
Point Palette:
Yin Tang ‘Hall of Impressions’ Eases worry and agitation, soothes mental tension, supports clarity of mind and spirit
Large Intestine 11 (LI11) ‘Pool at the Crook’ Heavenly Star point, Sun Simiao Ghost Point. Clears the remnants of late summer heat and settles the spirit. Brings release of constricting patterns and receptivity. Helps the spirit of the lungs/metal element, release what it no longer needs to hold on to.
Large Intestine 5 (LI5) ‘Yang Stream’ Brings flow to rigidity, creating the opening to receive inspiration. “Brings light, warmth, and vitality... it restores the spirit of the yang even as the cosmic Fire dwindles...restore warmth and flow to the metal element.” - Laurie Dechar ‘Kigo’
Liver 3 (LV3) - ‘Supreme Rushing’ - Fosters the free flow of Qi in the body. Moves stagnation throughout the physical and emotional body.
Kidney 7 (KD7) - ‘Returning Current' Metal point on a Water channel. Embodies the pivot of yin turning into yang. Water, the deepest expression of yin of the elements, is also the place where yang is sparked. The space of the unknown, a fertile darkness where inspiration and creation can spring.
Flower Essence:
Wild Oats: Helps us to envision a future for ourselves and make decisions about our path. Builds clarity around our soul purpose. Supports youthful curiosity and the spirit of adventure.
Acupoint for Flower Essence Application:
Pericardium 8 (PC8) ‘Palace of Weariness' also called 'Ghost Cave', Fire on Fire point - helps the outward reaching and connecting nature of the passionate, creative, and vulnerable fire of the heart. Ghost Point wisdom to “...help a person retrieve their own resources that are hidden in the cave of unconsciousness..to help them clear away the fog of misconception and fear so that they can see their own light and feel their own authentic passion." -Laurie Dechar ‘Kigo’
Essential Oil:
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra, carterii, or serrata), Burseraceae family
One of the most consistently used scents for religious and spiritual practice across both ancient and modern cultures
Relaxes and revitalizes nervous system
Calms and centers the mind
Helps us break free of the past, and of thought patterns
Useful to heal grief and connects us to the revenant quality of the Po (spirit of the lung)
Acupressure pairing: extra point Yintang (3rd eye point)
Frankincense Cautions/Contraindications
Generally considered safe and non-toxic
