Let’s start with the Earth element. The Earth element color is yellow and the season is Late Summer. Lets have a look at an illustration of the 5 elements to see where the Earth element sits within this dynamic play.
Figure 1.3
When we look at figure 1.3, we can see that the Earth element is supported by the Fire element in the Shen (nurturing) cycle and the Wood element supports Earth in the Ko (controlling) cycle. I will talk a little more about the Fire element and Wood element later on.
Late summer (Earth element) is the most humid time of year. It’s that time when the days are still long and hot but the intensity of the summer heat has started to back off a little. In many of the tropical countries it gives rise to the monsoon season. This time of year is closely associated with the digestive organs of the stomach and spleen. Because of the spleen’s tendency to enjoy sweet foods there is a natural attraction towards eating sweet, juicy fruit like mangoes and watermelons during this time. The stomach and spleen’s internal environment is quite damp, and keeping the internal environment from drying out or from becoming too wet and damp can be a difficult balance to achieve. If the internal environment of the stomach and spleen becomes too dried out the body tends to become excessively skinny and the muscles become thin and weak. On the other hand, if they become too wet and damp, the body becomes excessively overweight, heavy and slow.
The emotions associated with the Earth element are sympathy and empathy as the natural tendency of a mother to a child. Because of the abundance of fruit and vegetables at this time of year, it’s time to spend more time in the kitchen gathering, storing and conserving the bountiful harvest for the cooler months ahead.
Late summer is time to get grounded, nourished and feel the support of Mother Earth and the universal life force.