Align with the Energy of the 3 Wood Year
open yourself to fresh infusions of energy, ideas & kindness
Nine Star Ki: A Guide to the Movement of Energy
Michio Kushi said that living in harmony with nature could open the door to an era of planetary health and peace, and used Nine Star Ki as a guide to coming into this kind of harmony. This permeated the macrobiotic and shiatsu community as a way to align with the movement of energy in our body, our environment and the greater cosmos.
Bagua map used in Nine Star Ki, Feng Shui & Shiatsu
Nine Star Ki is a system of astrology that is part of the Tao tradition practiced throughout China, Tibet and Japan. It’s based on a nine year cycle that reflects forces of influence on our planet as it orbits through the galaxy. As Earth's orientation changes, the electromagnetic effects from all the stars and planets changes as well. This dynamic web of shifting forces affects us on an individual level. You can tap into the energy of each year to bring more strength and balance into your daily life.
Nine Star Ki is used in Feng Shui and shiatsu to help diagnose and treat imbalances of energy. The 5 elements that we often study in shiatsu, is related to these 9 energy patterns. We can take this information and use it to help harmonize not only a living space or someone we are giving a treatment to, but to guide our life activities. Even if you don’t really believe in these cycles it can be fun to play around with the idea and see if it helps you to focus your intentions and actions in an effective way.
Even if you don’t really believe in these cycles it can be fun to play around with the idea and see if it helps you to focus your intentions and actions in an effective way.
The 3 Wood Year - a time of new growth, creativity, kindness & clear vision
On February 10, 2024 we move into the 3 Wood Year.* This energy is already beginning to permeate our environment so it’s a good time to explore and align with it. 3 Wood energy is upward and outward like a new sapling growing in the spring. Growth unfolds quickly and appears bright and full of possibility. Open yourself to fresh ideas and visions. It’s a conducive time to play and create new things without getting too serious. Think of a child: full of energy, hope, ideas and adventure. Spend time with friends and family really enjoying each other and life.
Within our body, 3 wood energy is associated with the liver, the organ that stores and moves energy. It is also related to our tendons and ligaments and the ability to be flexible yet strong. Again, think of a young tree: lots of nutrients and water flowing up and down inside, the ability to bend and sway in the wind, new buds bursting open in the sunlight and bright green leaves proliferating to feed and nourish rapid growth.
Here’s a great description of 3 Wood energy by Terie Sandusky at kimimihealingarts.com:
“The energy rises upwards and bursts out of the ground with strong, creative force like a flower blooming out of concrete or the energy of lush green sprouts of grass that shoot up from the ground in early spring. This bright kelly green is the color of 3 Wood. You can wear this color this year to become inspired to make positive changes & grow your business, grow your children or grow food on a farm. We will all be craving to grow something new & exciting in this 3 wood star year that gives us a greater vision, a glimpse of something better to come. We overcome our fears of the future and our adventurous spirit returns.”
When 3 wood energy/liver energy is healthy we feel full of vitality, resilient and ready to adjust to different circumstances with ease. If this energy is restricted or out of balance we become frustrated, impatient, rigid and angry. Like a sickly tree, our brittle state may break in the face of challenges rather than be able to adapt with finesse to what life is presenting. Our vision becomes cloudy and doubt seeps in to muddle our ability to make good decisions.
Get into the 3 Wood Vibe
There are many ways you can bring yourself into alignment with the dynamic forces of the 3 wood year. Here are some ideas to get started:
Movement & activity: make sure to get moving…. walk, run, scamper (!), exercise, stretch - find things you like and do something every day; proprioceptive exercise is particularly helpful to energize your tendons/ligaments
Food: support your wood energy with sour flavors (lemon, pickles), herbal infusions (nettle, milk thistle) and cooked greens; avoid alcohol if you feel frustrated or impatient
Open yourself to new ideas: take a new class, read some different books, keep your eye out for new adventures (even something small like going for coffee with a friend to a new place or spending a few minutes watching a bird flutter around a tree)
Tree time: go out in nature and literally spend some time with young trees and plants; notice their buds, green hues, the sound of the leaves in the breeze, the aroma of new growth…. let the vibrations of the greenery merge with your energy field and open your senses to the experience
True practitioners are always seeking to grow and deepen their understanding of energy. By aligning with the year’s particular energy, we’re empowered in our journey of self development, social understanding and spiritual insight. Accelerated learning is available when we’re conscious of the lessons each year provides and can realize the unique ways in which nature delivers these lessons to us.
* The wood element is associated with growth, expansion, flexibility and creativity. There are two types of wood (also called tree) years - 3 and 4. 3 is the younger, immature version while 4 is considered a more developed aspect of this energy.