state of transformation as phases of energies, waxing and waning
through time and space, resulting in the coming and going of the
seasons over the course of a year and in perpetuity. The year is
divided into 4 seasons namely, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Each season is in turn subdivided into 6 phases of Qi which
undergoes expansion and contraction throughout the year. The six
phases are further subdivided into 24 terms which represents
various climatic, agricultural and solar cycles (see below table).
|
Beginning of spring |
|
| Rain water |
||
| Heightened activities of insects |
||
| Spring equinox |
||
|
Clear and shining |
|
| Grain rain |
||
| Beginning of summer |
||
| Grain filling |
||
|
Grain in ear |
|
| Summer solstice |
||
| Minor heat |
||
| Great heat |
||
|
Beginning of autumn |
|
| Heat retreats |
||
| White dew |
||
| Autumn equinox |
||
|
Cold dew |
|
| Frozen water vapour descends |
||
| Beginning of winter |
||
| Light snow |
||
|
Heavy snow |
|
| Winter solstice |
||
| Minor cold |
||
| Great cold |
