At this point, in the Chinese calendar it is the middle of Spring. But in the western calendar Vernal Equinox is the beginning of Spring. In Persia this day was traditionally revered as the beginning of the year (called Nowruz), and Rosicrucian mystics count Vernal Equinox as the New Year as well.
Why then does the Chinese calendar regard Vernal Equinox as the midpoint of Spring?
Because we are now at the balance point of Yin and Yang. If the height of Yang is the longest day (Summer Solstice), and the height of Yin is the longest night (Winter Solstice), then the midpoints and thus points of balance are the Equinoxes. Even though the weather is still cold and there is snow on the ground, the gradual awakening of all life in nature is clear.
There are three 5-day periods in this seasonal node:
- Swallows Arrive (xuanniao zhi ???)
- Thunder Starts Resounding (lei nai fasheng ????)
- Beginning of Lightning (shi dian ??).
Spring is exactly that time of year – the time when Yang of the natural world is slowly starting to push itself up and out of the Yin of Winter.
The main thing to focus on during this 15-day period is “Nourishing the Liver” (yang gan ??).
One of the ways we nourish the Liver is to ensure normal Liver function.
As mentioned already, the Vernal Equinox is the time of balanced Yin and Yang. It is appropriate at this time to also have balanced mind states.
Thus, one of the “avoids” during the Vernal Equinox is extremes of the Seven Affects.
In other words, you need to balance and control your emotions. Chapter two of the Su Wen says that Spring is the time to not be angry. You should try to relax and not allow your emotions to run too far in any direction.
The second thing to avoid during this seasonal node is overdoing “bedroom activity.” Since sex stirs the Yang to mobilize Jing-essence, to keep an overall balance in health we need to seek a balance in sex. As this time of year is a time of balance, too much sex may deplete the Yin-Jing. That said, no sex at all can lead to stagnation in the circulation of Qi and Blood.
Citation: Dr. Henry McCann