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 Autumn Equinox.
Late Summer 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 in the Chinese Classical system.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, governed by Earth, acts as a stabilising 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 you may have greater 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 Yang energy of summer and the 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 personal growth or successes.
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 balance and stability, allowing regeneration without extremes. Earth's role is to integrate and transform energy from active Yang months to the slower Yin months ahead.
It’s helpful to understand these subtle and powerful shifts as we move from the active hot Yang of summer into the quiet cool Yin of winter.
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 the digestion of food and of thoughts and emotions, allowing a deeper assimilation of life’s experiences.
Late Summer is time for emotional and physical nourishment. This season focuses on nurture— in food, relationships, or spiritual practice. It’s an important time to digest life’s experiences, and assess our nourishment. During this season, you may feel more introspective, focused on emotional nourishment, connected to relationships and wanting a sense of belonging.
Without this 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 feeling 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 cool reflective energies of autumn. Cultivating balance during this time can bring deep inner harmony and emotional security.
I wish you a smooth season.
May we find ways to foster inner stability and well-being
