Pivoting into Late Summer
In Classical Chinese Medicine, we have 5 seasons which include one called Late Summer, the transition between summer and the cooling seasons. It is the period of late August through early September, ending with harvest and the Autumn Equinox.
Late Summer season is associated with the Earth element, representing stability, nourishment, and grounding. It is a season of transformation, nourishment, and introspection. This extra season can be seen as the pivot or center of the seasonal cycle.
EARTH
Late summer is governed by the Earth element, and acts as a stabilizing force amidst the other seasons. Earth can be seen as the center of the Five Elements cycle, providing a pause before autumn and winter. It allows us to regain equilibrium after the expansive, active energy of summer, and before the introspective, withdrawing energy of autumn begins.
Earth relates to nourishment and care, so the season brings feelings of empathy, understanding, and a desire to support and nurture others. Late summer is a moment to gather and integrate.
It is the critical transition time between the active, expansive yang energy of summer and the introspective, contracting yin energy of autumn. It’s time for reflection on what has been “harvested” emotionally and spiritually. There may be a sense of satisfaction or contentment with the fruits of labor in personal growth or successes.
Late summer offers a way to “digest," ensuring the movement from activity to rest, and from growth to reflection, occurs smoothly. Earth brings everything back to a point of balance and stability, allowing regeneration without extremes. Earth's role is to integrate and transform energy from the active Yang months to slower Yin months ahead.
It is helpful to understand these subtle and powerful shifts as we move from the active heated yang of summer into the quiet cool yin of winter.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
SPLEEN-STOMACH
Earth governs the Spleen and Stomach, which are central to digestion and nourishment—not only of food but also of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. These organs play a role in digestion, and metaphorically in processing emotions. Earth supports digestion of food and of thoughts and emotions, allowing a deeper assimilation of life’s experiences.
Late summer is a time for emotional and physical nourishment, symbolized by Spleen and Stomach. This season focuses on nurture— in food, relationships, or spiritual practice. It’s an important time to digest life’s experiences, and assess our emotional and physical nourishment. During this season, you may feel more introspective, focused on emotional nourishment, connected to relationships and wanting a sense of belonging.
Without this period of nourishment, the body and emotions could become depleted, making it harder to adapt to the cooler, Yin seasons of autumn and winter. When Earth is out of balance, it can lead to overthinking, worry, or emotional stagnation.
This mental overactivity can lead to feelings overwhelmed or becoming mentally scattered. There may also be a tendency to overextend care towards others or feel emotionally needy. This can happen when Spleen's energy is out of balance, leading to excessive focus on emotional nourishment from external sources.
Late summer is a time to pause, helping us maintain inner equilibrium as we shift into the cooler, reflective energies of autumn. Cultivating balance during this time can bring deep inner harmony and emotional security.
SPACE BETWEEN
(Harmonising Yin and Yang)
One of my greatest inspirations is Claude Larre, a prominent scholar of Classical Chinese medicine. His writing focuses on the importance of harmony during this transitional season.
Late Summer is needed to give space for the body and mind to process and integrate the energy and experiences of the summer. Père Larre saw the unique importance of Late Summer season as essential for maintaining balance within the cyclical transitions of the year. The need for this “extra” season arises from the principle of harmony and continuity in Five Element theory.
In the Five Elements, balance is a central concept. Late Summer is essential for harmonising the fluctuations between Yin and Yang. Without this intermediary phase, between seasons could disturbances. Without this transitional phase, the sudden shift from Yang to Yin create lead to emotional or physical imbalances.
Late Summer is essential for emotional and physical health. Becoming aware of the nature of seasonal phases can smooth a harmonious transition as we shift from outward activity to inward reflection. This is a season of nurture and reflection and a centering force in the year.
This time of integration is a good time to reflect on how we nurture ourselves and others? How do we find a grounded, centered connection to the inner self, as well as toward the community and our relationships? It is a good time for self care and nourishment . These ignite feelings of empathy, compassion, and contentment. These feelings of stability and centeredness might bring you balance and a sense of internal peace throughout the season.
I wish you a smooth season, and may we all find ways to foster inner stability and well-being
