43. Reaping and Sowing (Earth / 5 Elements)
The Chinese associated the power of “decrease” with late summer and the element Earth. Decrease, in a good way! In the sense that you aren’t actively working at something, but instead reaping the fruits of your previous labors. So it’s a time of abundance. Of nourishment and being mothered. As a child you may not have had the kind of nourishment, and the kind of mothering, that would have made you thrive, and the child in you still seeks it today. As an adult, you can have more control - over your actions, over your re-actions. You can direct and choose what You sow in all areas of life: career, study, friendships, your health, your physical flexibility and vitality, your close and important relationships - and you can reap the benefits. You can be a good mother to yourself. You can nourish yourself. Pay particular attention to emotions around the stomach and spleen, which are governed by Earth. Where in your life do you feel “I can’t stomach this” ? Where do you want to ‘vent your spleen’? This oracle is encouraging you to appropriately and effectively ‘mother’ and ‘nourish’ yourself by saying what needs to be said and not stuffing it down. And this oracle reminds you to look around and be grateful for what you have sown, what you have achieved, and to treasure the abundance in your life, whatever it may be. Make a list before bed tonight for 5 simple things that were in your life today that you can say you were truly grateful for. Drift off to sleep in the warm buzz of that recognition and gratitude.