After the Winter Solstice, the sunlight begins to overcome the darkness.
Slowly, but surely, the buds begin to unfurl, and the clouds part for more daylight.
Through this seasonal shift, we can make room for Spring Cleaning, both emotionally and physically.
Usually, when I begin to feel the gift of Spring, I set aside time in the evening to gather myself and reflect on what I went through during the Winter.
The season of Winter is a time of inward expansion. Snow covers the land and cold temperatures invite us to stay indoors.
Awaiting the warmth of the sun to come again, the land shifts to fallen leaves and bare ground.
Spring has many associations with new birth.
The animals are giving birth and plants are pushing through the ground.
The death of Winter is giving forth to new life.
I like to use this metaphor in my own life and it seems other traditions do as well.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the season of Spring is associated with the Liver.
Each organ in Chinese medicine is uniquely related to body tissue, a sense organ, emotion, taste, sound, climate, and direction.
These qualities are organized in the Theory of Five Elements.
The liver is associated with the element of Wood and this element is related to Spring.
The liver organ system, which includes the liver's partner organ - the gallbladder, is predominant during this season.
In practical terms, this means that their energy is at its peak!
The liver's nature is to move its energy upward and outward freely.
This movement is much like the branches of a tree, hence the association with wood.
In this tradition, everything is interdependent. A difficulty with one organ can, over time, impact the function of the other four organ systems.
Thus, building the health of our liver in Spring helps to maintain the balance of our whole body during this season and creates a healthy foundation for Summer.
In the home~
I like to move energy upward and out.
When it feels right, I set a day aside to open the windows and let in the fresh air.
I will often burn hand-grown White Sage - releasing the Winter blues away - followed by Sweet Grass or Cedar to invoke the blessings of the new season.
Usually, this practice is followed by physically cleaning my home as well.
Our plant allies are here to help during this transition from dark to light.
We can use smoke from plants to move energy and to clean without chemicals.
With the support of our herbaceous friends, we set our bodies up for free-flowing wellness; both in our home and within ourselves.
Plant Allies for Cleansing:
Spring plants that assist in cleansing the lymphatic and liver include Chickweed, Violet, Calendula, Red Clover, Dandelion, and Cleavers.