April 2026 Newsletter – Month of the Blue Water Dragon – Ren Chen 壬 ⾠

Special Chart to find the I Ching hexagram that rules your home or business!

– April 6 to May 5 –

This month is shaped by the energy of the Yang Water Dragon—a force that is powerful, commanding, and naturally draws attention. Dragons are known for  bringing intensity, and this one adds a layer of heightened competition and  quick, sometimes impulsive, action.

What makes this month especially dynamic is its interaction with the broader  energy of the year: the Double Yang Fire Horse. Normally, Water keeps Fire in check, but this year’s Fire Horse energy is unusually strong. Instead of a smooth balance, we’re looking at more of a standoff—a clash rather than a  calm. The result is a stretch of time marked by instability, rising tensions, and a  sense of friction, both internally and in the world around us.

Given the larger global currents we’re already navigating, April invites us to  focus less on controlling what’s unfolding and more on staying grounded amid  the pressure. It’s a month for practicing steadiness—even when the ground  beneath us feels unsteady.

This month, we’re turning to the I Ching—the ancient Chinese “Book of  Changes”—for guidance. Using custom charts I created that link each  hexagram to a home’s facing direction, you can discover the unique wisdom  your own space holds for navigating the intensity of April.

The I Ching, often translated as the “Book of Changes,” is one of the oldest  and most profound texts in Chinese civilization. Its origins stretch back over  3,000 years, beginning as a form of divination during the Zhou dynasty. The  core of the system is built from eight simple three-line symbols called  trigrams. Each trigram, made of solid (yang) or broken (yin) lines, represents a  fundamental force of nature -such as Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire, Thunder,  Wind, Mountain, and Lake. These eight trigrams were then combined in every  possible pairing to create the 64 six-line symbols known as hexagrams, which  form the heart of the I Ching.

For centuries, people would consult the book by casting yarrow stalks or coins  to form a hexagram, then reading its accompanying text for guidance on how  to navigate a situation. The structure of the I Ching is a beautiful  representation of how change and cycles operate in the world. Each of the 64  hexagrams is more than just a symbol; it is a dynamic archetype, depicting a  specific situation or stage in a process from creative beginnings (“Creative  Force”) to quiet completion (“Before Completion”). The lines within each  hexagram also move, offering a layer of nuance that shows how a situation is evolving.

The charts I’ve created below in English, connect the hexagrams to the compass direction your house faces, allowing you to tap into the I Ching’s deep  association with space and the flow of energy through the environment,  a principle central to Feng Shui. To use the charts for your home, just take a  compass reading of the direction your home faces, (you can use your cell phone) – then find the degrees in the chart that match. The hexagram number corresponding to the degrees is the I Ching reading for your home.

For example, if your home face 160 degrees, your I Ching hexagram is number  34 – Great Strength. Once you know the number you can go online, type \ hexagram 34 in search and you will get several sites to read further about the  hexagram. Next month, I will show you how to find your personal I Ching  number, and will provide a calculator to determine your birth animal and  element.

 

February 2026 Newsletter – Year of the Fire Horse – Bing Wu 丙午年

Happy Lunar New Year 2026

– February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027 –

As we stand on the threshold of 2026, we can already feel the ground trembling beneath us. This Lunar New Year, we aren’t just entering another  year; we are being swept up by a powerful force.

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, bursting forth with an energy so potent it’s like a fiery steed galloping forward at full speed. It’s exhilarating, but in those  moments when all four legs are off the ground, we may find it challenging to keep our balance.

This year is defined by “double fire.” The ruling element is fire, and it sits atop the Horse, itself a fire animal. This combination creates an intensity that will  touch every aspect of our lives, from our personal ambitions to the global  stage.

The Horse is a yang sign, known for being solitary, self-sufficient, and placing  its needs at the center. This energy can manifest as boldness and a rebellious  spirit against anything that feels like a rule or regulation. There is little  enjoyment to be found in a slow-paced life for the Fire Horse, and we may see a tendency for selfishness to arise at the expense of the collective wellbeing,  especially in these uncertain times. We can expect extremely charismatic  leaders who draw massive crowds—the Horse is, after all, the “Peach  Blossom” (Romance) star. But with this charisma comes the potential for  scandal and high-profile controversy. The “Sun” (Yang Fire) nature of the year  also points to impulsive, “hot-headed” international relations and a  potential for sudden political upheavals.

However, the Year of the Fire Horse doesn’t have to be a thing to fear. Think of  it as a wild, powerful wave. We can either fight it and be tumbled by it, or we  can learn to ride it. This energy is designed to shake loose anything that is  stagnant or built on shaky ground. Hidden agendas will be revealed, making  space for something new. For those ready to act with courage and clarity, this  is a phenomenal time to charge ahead and make bold, liberating progress.

It is said that the qi of this double-fire combination has the ability to traverse    both dark and light, and it is frequently symbolized by an eclipse. It is a  powerful and apt symbol, then, that the energies of the new year begin with an  Annular Solar Eclipse on New Year’s Day, February 17th.

In many ancient and modern cultures, it is advised to avoid looking at the Sun  during an eclipse, as its energy is considered harmful. Many traditions  recommend staying indoors and even fasting during the event. This particular  eclipse is a profoundly heart-centered event. Gold, associated with the heart,  is “eclipsed”—taken offline for a period—so that it may be reborn. It is a time  for silence, introspection, and renewal, offering us a chance to align our inner  fire before we begin our gallop.

Navigating the First Flames: A Guide to Auspicious Dates

With so much being written about the Fire Horse online, I decided not to look  back 60 years for historical parallels, but to look forward with practical  guidance. I’ve consulted the renowned astrologer, Master Dong Gong again,  for a list of dates from the February 17th eclipse through the end of March.  What I discovered is that at the start of this powerful year, there are no dates deemed “excellent” or “great.” Instead, we have more moderate energies to  work with. Below are the “good” and “dire” dates. Dates not listed are simply  inauspicious.

Geng Yin – Metal Tiger (February 17 – March 5)

• 2/17 – Water Dog: DIRE

• 2/23 – Earth Dragon: DIRE

• 2/25 – Metal Horse: Good Day for opening a business, starting a new job, signing agreements, getting married, making business deals, starting a project, proposing marriage, doing renovation, traveling, moving into a new house. You may experience a wealth increase in 60 – 120 days and receive help from important people.

• 3/3 – Fire Rat: Good Day for hiring long-term employees, signing long-term agreements, seeking medical treatment, getting married, opening a business, beginning construction, buying a pet, planting, proposing marriage, doing renovation, burial, or traveling.

Xin Mao – Metal Rabbit (March 5 – April 5)

• 3/8 – Metal Snake: Fair Day with good energies, best for beginning or working on activities of lesser importance. A good day to receive blessings.

• 3/10 – Water Goat: Good Day for opening a business, breaking ground, hiring employees, signing business agreements, beginning construction or doing renovation, moving into a new home, seeking medical treatment, traveling.

• 3/11 – Wood Monkey: Good Day for hiring long-term employees, signing long-term agreements, seeking medical treatment, getting married, opening a business, breaking ground, doing renovation, burial, or traveling. Indicates the birth of a noble child and material gains.

• 3/13 – Fire Dog: DIRE

• 3/14 – Fire Pig: Good Day for opening a business, breaking ground, hiring employees, signing business agreements, beginning construction or doing renovation, moving into a new home, seeking medical treatment, traveling. Expect an increase in wealth and assets.

• 3/20 – Water Snake: Fair Day with good energies, best for beginning or working on activities of lesser importance. A good day to receive blessings.

• 3/22 – Wood Goat: DIRE

• 3/23 – Fire Monkey: Good Day for opening a business, breaking ground, hiring employees, signing business agreements, beginning construction or doing renovation, moving into a new home, seeking medical treatment, traveling. Children born on this day are said to have a great future!

• 3/26 – Earth Pig: Good Day for opening a business, starting a new job, signing agreements, getting married, making business deals, starting a project, proposing marriage, doing renovation, traveling, moving into a new house. You may experience a wealth increase in 60 – 120 days and receive help from important people.

• 3/31 – Wood Dragon: DIRE

• 4/1 – Wood Snake: Fair Day with good energies, best for beginning or working on activities of lesser importance. A good day to receive blessings.

• 4/4 – Earth Monkey: Good Day for hiring long-term employees, signing long-term agreements, seeking medical treatment, getting married, opening a business, breaking ground, doing renovation, burial, or traveling. Indicates the birth of a noble child and material gains.

Wishing you the wisdom to find your balance, the courage to charge ahead, and the vision to make this a truly productive, liberating, and exciting year!

Warmly,
Carol

January 2026 Newsletter – Year of the “Double Fire” Horse – Bing Wu

Happy New Year 2026!

– Annual 3 Afflictions and the Evil Star #5 and Remedies

– We have now crossed the threshold of the Winter Solstice on our annual journey from darkness into light. From now until the Chinese Solar New Year on February 4th, 2026, we are in a period of flux as one cycle winds down and  a new one is born. During this transition, major shifts in our planet’s energy  occur as the natural world quietly rearranges itself.

This makes the period around February 4th particularly significant, as it marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In the West,  we recognize February 2nd as Groundhog Day—a folk touchstone asking  whether we look back to the solstice’s cold or forward to the equinox’s thaw.  Historically, this time was widely celebrated as a “Festival of Lights,” known in Christian tradition as Candlemas.

With the arrival of the Solar New Year on February 4th, 2026, the annual Feng Shui Flying Stars shift, recalibrating the energy map of every space. The locations of the annual afflictions and the Yellow Star #5 change in every  home, office, and building worldwide. Identifying and addressing these areas is  essential for maintaining harmony and averting potential challenges in the coming year.

Navigating the Key Afflictions of 2026: The Yang Fire Horse Year

In the Yang Fire Horse year (2026), the critical astrological forces are concentrated in just two opposing directions, creating a powerful north-south  axis of energy that requires mindful navigation.

In the South (172.5° – 187.5°):

•  Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter) and the Wu Huang (5 Yellow Star) reside
together, making this sector exceptionally potent and risky.

In the North (322.5° – 37.5°):

•   San Sha (Three Killings) and Sui Po (Year Breaker) are both
located, making this direction equally volatile.

Understanding and respecting these forces is crucial for a harmonious year.

The Southern Sector: Honor and Avoid

• Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter): This year, the Grand Duke Wen Zhe resides
in the South. This celestial authority dislikes being disturbed or confronted.

◦  Avoid: Digging, renovation, hammering, or any disruptive construction in
the South.

◦  Advice: Do not sit facing the South, as this directly confronts him.  Instead,
position yourself facing North, with your back to the South, so he can
support you. Avoid placing key office or meeting rooms here.

◦  Most Affected: Those born in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, and Rooster clash with Tai Sui this year.

• Wu Huang (5 Yellow Star): The most inauspicious star, it brings risks of
illness, accidents, and financial loss.

◦  Avoid: Any renovation, loud noise, or “activating” red/fire elements in
the South. Pay special attention if your main door, stove, or bed is
located here.

◦  Remedy: Keep this area quiet, clean, and still. Metal elements (like a
metal wind chime) can be used to dissipate its negative earth energy.

The Northern Sector: Respect and Quiet

• San Sha (Three Killings) & Sui Po (Year Breaker): These afflictions bring
obstacles, loss, and professional setbacks. Sui Po is the “Wrath” that
opposes the Grand Duke directly across the compass.

◦  Avoid: All renovation, digging, or construction in the North. Do not
activate it with loud sounds or bright lights.

◦  Advice: Contrary to the South, you should face the North this year.
Do not sit with your back to the North. This aligns with the principle
of facing Sui Po while having your back supported by Tai Sui in the
South.

A Note on Water Placement in Period 9

We are now in the 20-year Feng Shui period (2024-2043) ruled by #9 Fire. This changes the auspicious directions for water features:

• Primary Water Direction: North (Water element strengthens this sector’s
native energy).

• Secondary Water Direction: Southeast.

• Important Caution: Despite the Southeast being a secondary water
direction, avoid placing water there in 2026, as the powerful annual #9
Fire Star resides there. Water would clash with this potent fire energy,
creating conflict.

Closing Concept: The Axis of Change

The Yang Fire Horse year of 2026 presents a clear Axis of Change along the North-South line. This is not merely a year of scattered cautions, but one of defined directional polarity. The intense Double Fire energy amplifies all  actions—both positive and negative—along this axis.

Your fundamental strategy for the year is elegantly simple: Anchor yourself in alignment.

• Physically, orient your workspace and key activities to face North,
receiving the supportive backing of Tai Sui while respectfully
acknowledging the afflictions in the North without provoking them.

• Energetically, treat the South with reverence and stillness, and the North
with quiet respect. Avoid activation and disturbance in both.

• Personally, if you are a Horse, Rat, Rabbit, or Rooster, exercise extra mindfulness, as you are directly in the flow of these major annual currents.

By understanding this dynamic, you move from a place of caution to one of empowered navigation. You are not simply avoiding bad luck; you are consciously aligning with the year’s energy flow, using its powerful Fire Horse  momentum to support your journey while skillfully steering clear of its  turbulent edges. In doing so, you transform potential challenges into a pathway for stable and intentional progress.

Wishing you a harmonious and prosperous transition into the Yang Fire Horse year!

Love and Light, Carol

 

 

 

December Newsletter 2025 – Month of the Brown Earth Rat – Wu Zi 戊⼦

New Year’s gift – Auspicious Days

– December 7 to January 5, 2026, is ruled by the Brown Earth Rat. The rat is seen as a very special animal because it embodies both yin and yang. It is designated as such because it has four fingers (yin) in front and five toes  (yang) behind.  Each animal rules two hours each day, but the rat hour crosses  two days—from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.—so it contains both late-night and early-morning energies, symbolizing endings and beginnings. Therefore, the rat is  the perfect animal to rule the month of the winter solstice, which sees yin  (darkness) reach its darkest point of the year, followed by the rebirth of light  (yang). Rat months are known for ushering in periods of change and  transformation.

During the winter solstice this month, our physical sun is at its closest point to Earth all year (in the northern hemisphere), while the energies of our “invisible” black sun are at their farthest. The ancients knew that our planet revolves in an elliptical pattern around the sun, and every ellipse has two focal points.  Therefore, our visible sun forms one center, and the other is called “the black,  invisible sun.” Each planet in our solar system follows a unique elliptical orbit,  resulting in multiple “black suns” or focal points. It is fascinating to think that  during the darkest, coldest time of the year, our physical sun is actually at its  closest to Earth!  Carl Jung was deeply captivated by the powerful energies  emanating from the invisible suns, as explored in his famous Red Book. Helena Blavatsky, in her work The Secret Doctrine, also discusses the concept of the  Black Central Sun, which she regards as the ultimate source of creative power —both invisible and cosmic.  This concept is also well known and utilized in  alchemical practices.

Following are the auspicious and non auspicious days for
December 7 – January 5, 2026

Remember to check whether your animal sign clashes with the day energy.  If it does, the day is not good for you. If it is Tiger day (like Dec. 11,) it is not a good day for a monkey.

Auspicious Dates

December 10- water ox – Good day for traveling, proposing marriage, asking for favors, closing a business deal, trading, asking for a raise, moving too new house.

December 11 – wood tiger – A moderately good day for opening a business, traveling, moving into a new house, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, cut  trees, seek advice, assistance from noble people.

December 16 – earth goat – Good day got breaking ground, and burials

December 17 – metal monkey – A moderately good day for for renovations,
construction, moving to a new home, getting married, starting a new job.

December 22 – wood ox – Excellent day for for opening a business, traveling, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, assistance from noble people.

23 – fire tiger – Good day for opening a business, traveling, moving into a new house, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, or burying someone.

26 – earth snake – Excellent day for doing financial investments, signing contracts, hiring employees, opening a business, doing renovation, breaking ground, getting married, moving to a new home.

December 29 – water monkey – Great day for traveling, moving into a new house, opening a new business, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contract, seeking medical advice, seeking promotion- will see wealth increase.

December 31 – wood dog – A moderately good day for opening a business, traveling, moving into a new house, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, seeking promotion, or burying someone.

January 1 – wood pig – Great day for traveling, moving into a new house, opening a new business, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contract, seeking medical advice, seeking promotion- wealth increase.

January 3 – fire ox – Good day for opening a business, traveling, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, assistance from noble people.

January 4 – earth tiger – Great day for for opening a business, traveling, moving into a new house, starting a job, making business deals, getting married, signing or making contracts, seeking medical advice, or burying someone.

Killing day (do nothing day)

December 12 – wood rabbit

Inauspicious dates
December 8, 14, 19, 20

 

Amid all the wanton bombing and destruction taking place today, it’s crucial to remember the vision of the famous Russian artist Nicolas Roerich. The  paintings featured at the beginning of this newsletter and above are his works.  After World War I, Roerich was so appalled by the destruction of irreplaceable  artworks, historical monuments, and sacred sites that he drafted the Roerich  Pact. This groundbreaking treaty asserts that the preservation of cultural  heritage must take precedence over military tactics. Signed by 21 countries  and ratified by 10, the pact introduced the Banner of Peace—a symbol of three dots in a circle—to mark protected sites, much as the Red Cross safeguards  medical facilities. Roerich believed that protecting humanity’s cultural legacy  was essential for lasting peace, a vision that earned him multiple Nobel Peace  Prize nominations. As we witness the ongoing devastation of cultural  treasures, Roerich’s message is more urgent than ever. Our heritage is not just  a record of the past; it is the foundation of our shared humanity. We must  remember what is truly important!!

 

Newsletter November 2025 – Month of the Yin Fire Pig – Ding Hai 丁亥

Medicinal and Sacred Smoke

– November 7 to December 7 –

Tomorrow, we step into the Month of the Yin Fire Pig, This is a time of profound and potent contradiction. The ruling element is Yin Fire  – the candle  flame, the spark or smoke. It is soft on the outside but strong within. This fire is  coupled with the Water of the Pig, an element that typically douses flames,  but here creates a powerful alchemy. The result is a subdued, introspective  energy, with a hidden old Chinese warning: “A spark of fire can burn down the  whole plain.”

Unlike last month’s visible, aggressive Yang Fire, Yin Fire works in the  shadows.  Yin Fire is the fire that has completed its work of consumption and  become smoke. It is the ethereal twin of the flame -cool where flame is hot,  descending where flame aspires, subtle where flame is bold. It is the medium through which the essence of a plant, resin, or wood is released not as heat, but as scent, as spirit, as message.

With yin fire sitting on the water of the pig, we may see undercover conflicts and simmering unrest. For us as individuals, the key lies in the Pig’s sacred gift: transformation. The Pig can digest and transmute anything. This month, our personal work is to become alchemists in our own lives, transforming chaos into clarity and tension into peace. And a medium for this alchemy?Smoke -the visible breath of Yin Fire.

Since ancient times, humanity has understood fire’s dual nature: creator and destroyer. But it is smoke – the residue of fire’s work – that became our first tool for building sacred space. Smoke is the ultimate Invisible Architecture. It doesn’t build walls you can see, but it constructs environments you can feel.

Modern research now confirms what traditions have always known.  Burning sage, for instance, has been shown to purge airborne bacteria by up to 94% for 24 hours. Our ancestors may not have known the word “antimicrobial,” but they understood the practical result: a space felt cleaner, safer, and more clear. This was functional fumigation long before it was a scientific term!

Across the globe, some of our ancestors who discovered that the smoke of certain plants could design a space for the sacred, clear the air for healing, and build a bridge to the divine were:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): The concept of using smoke to disinfect and treat illness is ancient. The famous pharmacologist Li Shizhen documented in his Compendium of Materia Medica (1578 AD) the use of burning mugwort  to prevent epidemics and ward off evil spirits. This practice, known as moxibustion is still used today.

Ancient Greece and Rome: The use of incense (libanus) was adopted from Eastern cultures. It was used in temples, state ceremonies, and even in homes. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended fumigating the air with aromatic woods to prevent the spread of plague.

Indigenous North American Traditions: The sacred act of smudging is a profound ritual for cleansing spirit and space. It’s crucial to approach this tradition with respect, understanding its deep cultural specificity.

Ancient Egypt:  They were masters of incense. They used frankincense, myrrh, and kyphi in temples and for healing, offering smoke to the gods and purifying the air against plagues.

India: The use of incense (agarbatti) and the sacred fire (yajna) where herbs like sandalwood and guggul are offered is a fundamental part of worship. The smoke is believed to carry prayers and purify the environment.

Celtic Lands: The practice of  saining is a Gaelic tradition of blessing and protecting people, animals, or places. This often involved passing them through the smoke of burning sacred woods like juniper or rowan.

How can you consciously use the principle of smoke?

To Purify:  After a long day or before a ritual, use a locally sourced, ethically gathered herb (like sage, juniper, cedar, or rosemary) to clear the energetic residue of your home. Light your material. As the smoke begins to rise, watch its patterns. Don’t just wave it around; be deliberate.

To Set Intention:  As you light a stick of incense or a resin, infuse the smoke with a purpose – clarity, peace, protection. Watch it fill the room, building the very structure of that intention around you.

To Honor Transition:  Use smoke to mark the beginning of a new activity, meditation, creative work, or rest. It signals to your mind and spirit: this space is now different.

When you light a bundle of herbs or a stick of incense with conscious intent, you are not just creating a pleasant smell. You are not just burning a plant. You are using the essence of Yin Fire to design an environment, to build a temporary temple of well-being.  You are practicing the ancient art of shaping the unseen – the Invisible Architecture!

October 2025 – Month of the Fire Dog – Bing Xu – 丙戌

The Ground Beneath Our Feet and Soil, War, and the Forgotten Science of Paramagnetism  – October 8 to November 7 –

On October 8th, we enter the Yang Fire Dog month— a period known in Chinese astrology as “the grave of fire.” As we transition from autumn to winter, the fire element dies out, creating a characteristically  unstable energy. The Dog is intrinsically linked to the underworld, guarding the  gate between the seen and unseen. This is a cross-cultural truth: from  Cerberus in Greek mythology to Anubis in Egyptian lore and Garm in Norse  legends, the dog is the chosen guardian of the threshold. With a Yang Fire Dog ruling this month, expect these gates to swing open. We are likely to see major revelations from the underworlds of religion, politics, and economics, as hidden truths, conspiracies, and “fake news” struggle to come to light.

Since I have recently been researching the profound discoveries of Phillip Callahan again, I decided it was important in our current world situation  (especially in this month of October) to resend a more clarified version of a  newsletter I sent a couple of years ago – about his ground- breaking  discoveries of the importance of the ground we stand on. Here is the rewrite.

It’s difficult to look at the state of the world—the constant drumbeat of wars,  terror attacks, and the ensuing refugee crises—without feeling a deep sense  of powerlessness. We analyze politics, economics, and history, but what if a significant, yet overlooked, piece of the puzzle lies in the very soil beneath our feet?

This isn’t a metaphor. I was reminded of the mind-boggling research of the renowned ornithologist and entomologist, Phillip Callahan. He discovered what he argued was an irrefutable relationship between the paramagnetic quality of soil and the cultural conflicts that erupt into violence.

To understand this relationship, we first need to grasp what paramagnetism is. It’s a subtle magnetic force where a material is weakly attracted to an external  magnetic field. Think of it as a yin force, moving toward a magnet. Its counterpart is diamagnetism, a repulsive, yang force that moves away.  Crucially, the atmosphere, rocks, and soil (inorganic matter) tend to be  paramagnetic, while plants, water, and most organic forms, including humans,  tend to be diamagnetic. These two forces exist in a dynamic, necessary dance.

Callahan’s journey into this mystery began during World War II, while stationed in Ireland as a radio engineer. He became intrigued by the 13 ancient round towers dotting the countryside. He noticed that the plants, grass, and trees  around them were exceptionally healthy, and farmers even brought their  sheep to graze there. Through experimentation, he made a stunning  discovery:  the towers were not just stone; they were highly tuned  paramagnetic antennas, strategically placed in diamagnetic areas to amplify  the earth’s natural energies, increase soil fertility, and bring the magnetic field lines back into alignment.

He realized this was no isolated practice. The ancients, from the Mayans and Egyptians to the Chinese, built their pyramids, stupas, and cathedrals with highly paramagnetic stones like granite and basalt. They understood, at a  level we have forgotten, that both the shape of a structure and the paramagnetic quality of its stone could work in concert to imbue the entire  environment—plants, animals, and humans—with health and well-being.

Callahan postulated that paramagnetic soils act as a conduit, facilitating the  flow of beneficial electromagnetic forces from the atmosphere to living things. The terrifying corollary was that where soil paramagnetism was low,  agriculture was stunted, and societies were more prone to political strife and warfare.

He decided to test this hypothesis on the ground, in the world’s modern “hot spots.”  Flying into war zones like the former Yugoslavia, he took soil measurements. His findings were consistent and chilling: every area of intense conflict had soils with low paramagnetic qualities. Even more remarkably, these areas also had low adings of the Schumann Resonance—the “heartbeat” of the Earth, a frequency that resonates with our own brainwaves.

To rule out modern mismanagement as the sole cause, he ventured deep into the Amazon. In the river delta, where the soil was deep and highly paramagnetic, he found gentle, friendly natives. But when he traveled  upstream to where the soil was thin and depleted, measuring very low paramagnetic energy, he encountered dangerous and hostile headhunter tribes. The pattern held: the vitality of the land and the peace of its people were inextricably linked.

Having verified this ancient knowledge empirically, Callahan sought to validate it with modern science. He visited the lab of the renowned German researcher, Dr. Fritz-Albert Popp, who had discovered biophotons—the light emitted by our DNA.  Using Dr. Popp’s ultra-sensitive equipment, they measured the photon emissions from highly paramagnetic basalt rock. The results were astounding: the basalt emitted 2,000 to 4,000 photons of coherent light. But the real shock came when Callahan added compost to the rock dust: the photon emission skyrocketed to 40,000. Life and stone, together, created an explosion of light.

This reveals a profound truth: good, paramagnetic soil (often volcanic in origin) acts as an antenna, receiving and storing the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic energy from thousands of global lightning strikes every minute.  This energy nourishes root growth and strengthens the immune systems of plants and the entire ecosystem. Even beekeepers are now aware of this; beehives and wax are paramagnetic, while bees and honey are diamagnetic—a perfect, symbiotic yin-yang relationship.

So, what does this mean for us today? These findings show that healthy, mineral-rich soil is not just an agricultural concern; it is a cornerstone of cultural stability and human well-being. Consider the locations of current  major conflicts. Israel/Palestine sits on ground long considered a sacred, energetic epicenter. Ukraine is known as the “Bread Basket of the world,” a title that speaks directly to the profound fertility of its soil. The modern assault on these lands—with tons of pesticides, insecticides, and the literal scarring of warfare—isn’t just a political tragedy; it is an energetic one, destroying the very paramagnetic foundation that supports life and peace.

Without strong paramagnetic minerals in our soil, we become ungrounded, and our cultures tend to fall apart. Since Feng Shui is the ancient science of how people are affected by their environment, its core wisdom is more relevant than ever. It begs a personal, profound question: Are you and your home standing on light?

 

 

 

 

 

September 2025 – Month of the Yang Wood Rooster – Yi You – ⼄⾣

The Esoteric 39th Parallel – The Wood Rooster month begins September 7th and lasts until October 8th.  Unlike the elusive yang wood Monkey who ruled last month, the September yin wood Rooster possesses the classic Rooster’s organizational skills, but is  more focused on using them for the benefit of a team or a cause, not just  personal perfection.  They are more diplomatic, empathetic, flexible and  patient than other Roosters and their honesty is delivered with more kindness (though it can still be direct). Their qi when combined with the yearly Yin Wood Snake’s qi forms what is called the “The third Harmony,” or a secret trine (along with the Ox.). This is a bond of deep mutual understanding, attraction, and support so that the monthly energies are predicted to be strongly  focused  on the welfare of others. This will be a welcome change from the inflexible, righteous and defensive qi we have seen at play worldwide this year.

On another note, September is always a special month, as it delivers the Fall Equinox, a yearly point of balance and harmony. Around the world, the  energies of this day are known to present a magical doorway through which  you may pass. The Masters taught that “to enter through a magical doorway, you must become the doorway,” or “To enter the room one must know how to open the door.” These are different cryptic ways of saying that one must be in resonance with the threshold you are crossing in order to gain access to  another dimension or reality. The idea of “entering the magical doorway of the fall equinox” reflects the ancient and modern spiritual belief that this day is a potent time for balance, introspection, and transformation. It’s seen as a portal where the natural world and the spiritual one are in close alignment.

Speaking of portals, for years I have been interested in the powerful magnetic energies of the 39th parallel. The 39th parallel is a circle of latitude that is 39 degrees north of the Earth’s equatorial plane. It crosses Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. Our national capitol, Washington D.C., was deliberately constructed on this line of latitude by our Masonic Founding Fathers who even had to clear a swamp to execute their vision. Denver, which is is considered our alternate or back-up capitol is also situated on it. The 39th is esoterically viewed as the world’s central nerve circuit and interestingly more cases of MS are reportedly found near it than anywhere else. Sacred places that depended on this high frequency energy like the Temple of Delphi which ancient Greeks considered as the omphalos (navel) of the world, and the Temple of Heaven in Bejiing which is the most sacred site in China are other example of structures being constructed on or as close as possible to it.

I recently discovered more sites that were purposely constructed on top of the 39th thanks to Deep Seek (Chinese AI).  Deep Seek was the only AI system that had 35 pages of info on the meridian – the other five other western AI systems I asked had very little or or no info! Deep Seek said it was known as the “nerve meridian of the earth and described it as a band of heightened “telluric” or magnetic activity.”

Deep Seek reported that there were six observatories named the Latitude Observatories established directly on the 39th parallel in 1899 as part of an international network to measure the Earth’s polar motion, or “wobble.” Their findings have also played a big part in the development of GPS technology.  There were three in the US – Cincinnati, Ohio, Gaithersburg, MD and the Ukiah, California and three overseas – Mizusawa Iwate, Japan, Charjui, Turkestan and Carloforte, Italy. Their name and mission has morphed over time.

Other important spiritual sites are Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek Gods, Mount Ararat, Turkey the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark and a mountain of immense spiritual significance, Konya, Turkey Home to Rumi’s mausoleum and Sufi traditions, Mt. Shasta, a region known for its vortexes and pristine waters and its spiritual energy and many many more.

Below is some of the info I wrote years ago –

I knew that Washington DC had purposely been constructed on the 39th parallel, but also found out that Thomas Jefferson personally financed the Lewis and Clark expedition to survey and extend the existing Mason Dixon Line. Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, both Master British astrologers, masons, and surveyors, created the line originally on the 39th parallel to separate the southern states from the north. This ancient view of the world embodied the concept of an invisible architecture underlying and maintaining all of creation. They knew there is a dynamic interplay between heaven and earth energies at every spot on Earth.  Governmental sites are purposely chosen, magnetically aligned and built to both import and export energy and information to control the power between the government and the people. Jefferson also devised the township and rank system we still use today for town and county planning, His plan was based on his esoteric knowledge of magic squares. Magic Squares are based on planetary energies discovered by ancient Arabian mathematicians. The 6 x 6 magic square Jefferson chose to lay out the divisions is derived from the magic square of the sun.

Another noteworthy bit of information about the 39th parallel (I include some the 38th parallel energies because of natural land deviations) is that I was told that the entire United states is laid out on it like a Masonic Lodge. The front of the Lodge is to the east in Washington D.C. where the Worshipful Master sits and the back of the lodge to the west, the infamous “Bohemian Grove” where the Senior Warden sits.

Starting in Washington DC, the line crosses the famous Serpent Mound in Ohio (native Americans knew), then continues on to the pyramid ruins in Southern Illinois which are the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico. These ruins cover over 4,000 acres, and encompass about 120 earthen mounds.  Further on it runs into the home of the our emergency government in Denver and then onto Bohemian Grove. It, however, does not end at the Pacific Ocean, but extends out to the border of North and South Korea and on to the Forbidden Palace in the center of Beijing and then on to Mount Arat and the Oracle of Delphi.

Initiates who knew the particular magnetic energy of each invisible line of latitude consciously chose all of these locations. So, when the two presidents of North and South Korea shook hands and pledged to end decades of conflict and sign a peace treaty, ( 2018), they were doing so on a magnetic line of energy that connects and affects both Washington DC, Beijing and all points in between. At present, we have sunk so far into matter and the chaos of our physical world, we cannot see that many of the current world events are being influenced by higher, unknown, mysterious energetic forces creating alignments we cannot even imagine!

On a more positive note, twenty five years ago, the “Art Line on the 39th” was founded by a fellow dowser, Alex Champion. We had endless discussions on the 39th over the years! It involves a series of outdoor, walkable labyrinths placed along the 39.1 degree north latitude across the United States. The creators call it the “Heart line of America.” Their geometric art reflections of Nature’s forms and patterns are still being created by artists, labyrinth enthusiasts, and local community members in 14 states that stretch from California to New Jersey who feel they are spreading love across America.

Wishing everyone a meaningful equinox!

August 2025 – Month of the Great Wood Monkey – Jia Shen 甲申

Orbs and Hungry Ghost Month – August 2025 is ruled by the Great Wood Monkey. The monkey’s cerebral yang metal energies represent the qualities of agility, intelligence, optimism, courage, strength and chaotic individualism. This month, however, the yang wood element sitting on top of the monkey, tends to reign in some of the chaos making the monkey’s qi less outwardly active and more introspective. This month’s qi energy brings to mind the image of the Three Wise Monkeys, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak No Evil!”

August is also known as the month of the “Hungry Ghosts” with the veils between dimensions getting thinner. Celebrating the Hungry Ghost Festival is all about looking after hungry, discontented, wandering souls. These are ghosts without families to care for them or people who died because of unfortunate events like pandemics, war, genocide, murder or suicide.  Families do everything they can to placate these unhappy spirits with gifts of food, money and other supplies. Though primarily intended to prevent these ghosts from causing trouble in their own lives, the customs of Ghost Month do raise a certain mindfulness about making space in our world for those who have fallen out of society. Our world at this moment sorely needs this compassion.

Speaking of thinning veils, I decided to look into the phenomena of “orbs” this month. I received several interesting emails last month about the prana balls (vitality globules) that were discussed in the June newsletter and also questions about orbs from readers. So, I decided to check into what is happening with orb phenomena. I have several photos with orbs that have taken at sacred sites or of sacred people. See the photo above that I took at a meditation meeting. I even have one of an orb sitting on the knee of the founder of the Bahai faith. (I took a photo of a painting of him.)

Orbs are described as circular, translucent anomalies that appear in photos, often in low-light conditions or around places with spiritual significance (e.g., cemeteries, ancient temples, or meditation spaces). Unlike prana balls (which are described in esoteric traditions as conscious energy units), the reality of orbs are frequently debated between paranormal, scientific, and photographic explanations.

Amazingly, I discovered that the world’s first conference called the Orbs Phenomenon took place in Sedona, Arizona where several scientists controversially stated that orbs, spherical or circular objects that are appearing on digital pictures – demonstrate good evidence of ‘other worldly’ life forms. Their conclusions, if correct, could have huge implications for the way we view our universe and our part in it. Dr. Klaus Heinemann, a former research professor at Stanford University and researcher in materials science for NASA, the American space agency says “There is no doubt in my mind that the Orbs may well be one of the most significant ‘outside of this reality’ phenomena mankind at large has ever witnessed.”

As a scientist with considerable experience in sophisticated microscope  techniques which examine down to atomic levels of optical resolution,  Heinemann decided to try and discover the cause of the mysterious circles.   He and his wife began taking hundreds of digital photographs at random  events to see what happened. Apparently, high definition digital technology can enhance the appearance of something that would otherwise at very low contrast, not previously have appeared on older type cameras hence why  Heinemann states that we are now witnessing this new phenomenon.  Absurd though it may sound, Heinemann quickly realized that if he asked the orbs to appear on his pictures, he claims they appeared more regularly especially at spiritual gatherings. He has written the Orb Project which is filled with years of research and guidance on how to capture orbs on pictures.

I took this photo on the stairs up to a spiritual center in Hungary.  Led with a theologian with 30 years experience said, “I first heard about Orbs in 2002 when I attended a spiritual school in America as part of my ongoing research into the thousands of doctrines, beliefs and religions currently practiced. The orbs quickly became a fascinating scientific study.”

Dr William Tiller, the famous theoretical physicist who spent 35 years researching consciousness and matter at Stanford University in California was also an attendee and believes that the orbs are plasma like balls of energy. He reminded the attendees,” What we see with our physical eyes comprises less then 10 percent of the universe. This is because human vision operates only within a limited range of the electromagnetic spectrum. For instance, we cannot see radio waves which carry huge amounts of information – yet we know they exist. Most great discoveries throughout history have been initially ridiculed. To my mind, there is no doubt that the Orb phenomenon is real and deserves to be taken seriously.  There are not just a few pictures of orbs, which could easily be faked, but hundreds of thousands from all over the world.”

Orbs are a controversial subject, but like the vitality globules definitely exist. Hundreds of thousands have taken pictures of them. To do some further research on the subject, I asked Deep Seek some questions about orbs. It brought back 25 pages of definitions and conflicting theories! Too much info for here, but left with a couple great comments.

(1)  “The interplay between physics and metaphysics here is tantalizing.  While science explains the “how” of orbs (light + particles), it doesn’t address the “why” of their persistent appearance in meaningful contexts.”

(2)  Modern-Day Miracles: In an age of cameras, maybe the divine speaks  through pixels as it once did through burning bushes.”

Hope you’re able to capture some great orb pictures in this very yin Hungry Ghost Month!

Love and Light, Carol

June 2025 – Month of the Blue Water Horse – Ren Wu – 壬午

June 2025 is ruled by the dark Water Horse, Ren Wu, which starts June 5th and ends July 5th. The element of the month, water, brings an inner clash with the inherent fire energy of the monthly horse. This means we are going to see massive changes and conflicts this month – fire beneath water.  The elemental dynamic reminds me of being at Yellowstone Park waiting for  “Old Faithful “to erupt!”  Looking at the current world situation, these oppositional energies seem right on target. We know change does not usually happen in a static controlled atmosphere – it comes through chaos and crisis. The Chinese see the symbol for crisis as being a combination of the signs for danger and opportunity and that is exactly where we are with AI, the wars and tariffs. Anything is possible this month.

Looking at the Feng Shui energies of the month, there are three powerful energetic sectors to spend time in. They are the Southeast, the Northwest, and the West sector. The East has the most negative qi as the evil yellow number five star that brings illness, conflict and possible financial loss has flown there and joins the three killing stars.  Do not use red objects, bright lights, or candles there as they enhance the negative energy.  Remember these are magnetic orientations and are determined by a compass reading.

Recently, while out on a walk trying to relax and rid my mind of the constant barrage of negative news, I looked up at sky and saw hundreds of tiny, pulsating particles of light fading in and out as they moved quickly in a corkscrew motion.   I remembered the first time, years ago, when I first saw  them.  I  was so unsure at that time  of what I was seeing that I even went to the eye doctor to see if there was something wrong with my vision!  I then asked several friends if they saw these luminous dots darting around and found  a few of of them had  the same experience! The phenomena has sporadically continued whenever I purposely focus on the sky with a soft gaze, looking out from the center of my head and not focusing. It doesn’t  matter whether the sky is clear, or  cloudy  Many cultures and researchers call them vitality globules, energy globules, or prana balls.

At the time I first noticed them, I was studying Vastu Shastra with a Vastu Master in India over the internet.  Vastu Shastra is the Indian version of Feng Shui. It is described as the ancient Indian “science of architecture,” which provides guidelines for designing spaces in harmony with natural and cosmic energies, often referred to as prana or life force. I learned that the measurement system in Vastu is anthropomorphic and nature-based, using standardized units derived from human proportions (e.g., the length of a finger or arm) and natural objects like the barley seed. These units ensure precision in construction while aligning structures with the energetic and geometric principles of the cosmos. And as we were going through this system, I learned that the barley seed was used as a comparative measure for the tiny luminous prana specks they saw – tiny shimmering dots of lights darting round in the sky. They gave them the name “Prana Balls” or “Energy Globules.”  I am still amazed that so little is known about this phenomena when the East  Indians, thousands of years ago, even knew their exact measurements.

I decided to ask Deep Seek (Chinese AI) if it could find any other references to the energy globules. It reported that Chinese esoteric and Daoist traditions also describe the luminous particles, often linked them to Qi and alchemical practice and sometimes called them “xing zi” – little stars or  spirit lights.

Deep Seek said that in Miracles Through Pranic Healing (1987) and other texts like Advanced Pranic Healing, Choa Kok Sui describes vitality globules or prana balls as follows:

Vitality globules are tiny spheres or particles of prana, the universal life force. They are components of white or general prana, which manifests as air prana (from the atmosphere), solar prana (from sunlight), and ground prana (from the earth). These globules are the building blocks of life energy, absorbed by the body’s chakras and meridians to sustain health.

Appearance
To those with “slightly more sensitive eye ” or clairvoyant abilities, globules appear as small, luminous spheres of light darting in the atmosphere.

Size and Motion

The globules vary in size, with larger ones (air vitality globules) being easier to see. They move quickly, often in random or spiraling patterns, and may fade in and out of sight, aligning with the blinking specks you describe.

Types of Prana

In Pranic Healing, prana is categorized by source (air, solar, ground) and color (white, red, blue, etc.), with vitality globules being the white or undifferentiated form. Air vitality globules are the most relevant to your phenomenon, as they are abundant in the atmosphere and visible as specks.

Energetic Role

Globules are absorbed by the body’s energy system, particularly through the spleen chakra, which distributes prana to other chakras. They are essential for vitality, and their depletion (e.g., in polluted environments) can cause fatigue or illness.

Deep Seek further reported:
The phenomenon you’re describing “small, blinking specks of light visible in the sky, often called “vitality globules” are associated with orgone, prana, or other life-force energies – has been discussed by various researchers and esoteric traditions, including Wilhelm Reich, Claude Swanson, Choa Kok Sui, and Rich Berry. These accounts suggest a subtle energy or particle-like phenomenon that may connect to broader concepts like prana, chi, or even dark matter and torsion fields.

Reich, a psychoanalyst and natural scientist, proposed orgone as a universal life force, observed in his lab as a blue-gray, pulsating energy. In his orgone accumulators (layered boxes designed to concentrate this energy), he noted strange light phenomena – pulsing, spiraling specks – that seemed to affect physical systems, like draining batteries. Reich believed orgone was omnipresent, influencing weather, health, and even cosmic phenomena. His observations of these specks align with your description of blinking lights, though he faced significant criticism, and his work was deemed pseudoscientific by mainstream science, leading to his imprisonment and the destruction of his research by the FDA. *this is the official version that has been debunked. The revisionist report is that Reich was persecuted and attacked by both Nazis and Stalinists in Europe. In the USA, however, he was brought down by a combination of Comintern (Communist International) Stalinist agents, pestilent journalists and MDs, and finally by the FDA.

Claude Swanson in Life Force: The Scientific Evidence, suggested Reich ‘s orgone is equivalent to prana, a life force described in Eastern traditions. He referenced A. E. Powell ‘s 1925 work, which described “vitality globules” as glowing, sun-activated particles visible in the atmosphere, especially on clear, sunny days. He also claimed that some of the strange phenomena mentioned by Reich are often seen in sites associated with the sacred or paranormal as well as certain crop circles. His method for observing these globules facing away from the sun and focusing a few feet away matches your interest in specks visible against the sky.

Rich Berry (remote Viewer) cited by Swanson, categorized prana into luminous and dark varieties. Luminous particles move quickly in a corkscrew motion, are reflective, and fade in and matching your description of blinking specks.Berry’s bold claim is that these particles are evenly spaced synchronized and responsible for “entrainment” (synchronizing synchronizing phenomena like clocks or consciousness). He views them as fundamental to reality, building it continuously. This metaphysical perspective lacks empirical support but resonates with esoteric views of a self-organizing universe.

Deep Seek ended up giving me about 25 pages of research  while all of the other AI chats I consulted like Claude, Grok, Liquid Architecture and Perplexity just gave me a few pages and dismissed the whole idea as pseudoscientific and basically unworthy of their time. I think mainstream science needs to realize that this phenomena has been been reported on and taken seriously by many cultures throughout the ages. They found  the vitality globules to be the building blocks of life energy that were absorbed by the body’s chakras and meridians to sustain health.

I found the following great advice posted online from a pranic healing group member with no name-

“After some time you will be able to see the tiny globules of orgone making squiggly patterns against the blue sky. They seem to be tiny white balls that appear for a second or two, leave a slight trail mark, and then disappear again. When you continue this observation and expand your vision, you will begin to see that the whole field pulsates in a synchronized rhythm. On sunny days these tiny balls of energy will be bright and move fast. On cloudy days they will be more translucent, move slowly and be fewer in number. In a smoggy city they are fewer, dark, and very slow moving. They are undercharged. The most abundant and most brightly charged globules I observed were in the Swiss Alps, where there are many bright sunny days and the snow covers everything in thick drifts.”

Wishing you a wonderful Solstice!

May 2025 – Month of the Golden Metal Snake – Xin Si ⾦蛇

Xin Si (Yin Metal Snake) starts May 6th, 2025 and ends June 5th 2025.  Sitting on top of the snake this month is the yin metal element. This creates a metal snake which traditionally symbolizes power, authority, intelligence, charm, intuition, and strategic thinking but the image of this golden metal snake can be a beautiful jewel shining in the summer sun or a shiny dagger!  Although the snake is also known for its beauty and elegance, it has a dark side that attracts secret agreements, secret actions, shady schemes, and a powerful desire to make things happen whatever the cost. All snake cycles (yearly, monthly and daily) are known for reveling in behind-the-scenes talks, secret negotiations, clandestine activities, and a powerful desire to make things happen. They seem to possess certain qualities that dispose people surrounding them to reveal their secrets. Also, there is strong metal buried deep within the snake that combines with the metal element of the month. Many interpret this combination as indicating conspiracies, assassinations, coups, terrorists, war and more. The metal snake qi is extremely powerful this month as this is also a snake year – meaning we will be experiencing double snake energy in May 2025!

Current leaders who are. deeply embroiled in world politics, President Xi Jinping of the peoples Republic of China, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine and Emmanuel Macron, president of France were all born in Snake years. JFK was also born in a snake year.

Recently a Feng Shui colleague told me about a popular flowering plant in Japan which is commonly known as the “earthquake plant.” Its actual name is Mimosa Pudica. I was intrigued with the concept of a plant reportedly able to warn of an impending earthquake a few days before the seismic event, so I began some research on it. I found from social media, Deep Seek (China’s AI system) and a few science publications who had studied the plant closely that the plant’s leaves leaves which normally stayed open during the day and then closed up at night completely reversed its response if it registered local seismic activity. The plant’s leaves would tremble and then close during the day and open at night. Researchers are not sure what causes this phenomena and speculate it might be electromagnetic changes, gas release from with in the earth or … the devas!

A surgeon named Cain Ji who became fascinated with the plant has done the most research, tracing and recording the relationship between various quakes and the mimosa’s response in a diary format. He has compiled a lot of evidence over the years and seems to be the only one recording phenomena. In his ebook called “Mimosa Earthquake Prevention” and he says about his research “Its significance lies in shattering the assertion that earthquakes are entirely unpredictable and presenting a viable method for earthquake prediction. Due to limitations in experimental conditions and funding, I was unable to conduct comparative experiments in multiple locations simultaneously or observe multiple pots of Mimosa Pudica concurrently.  As such, the purpose of this book is to offer a starting point, allowing future researchers to delve deeper into this subject. It is my hope that they will build upon this foundation to further advance the ability to predict earthquakes earlier and with greater accuracy in terms of location.”
Mimosa Earthquake Prediction

During this research I was able to find one mimosa plant that had 15 seedlings growing in the pot at the local Japanese nursery.! I have transplanted them, given some away and am waiting to see how how they react!

As an aside, I also found something else fascinating about the mimosa. In the publication Sci News they reported that some biologists trained Mimosa‘s short and long-term memories under both high and low-light environments by repeatedly dropping water on it using a custom-designed apparatus. The scientists then showed how Mimosa plants stopped closing their leaves when they learnt that the repeated disturbance had no real damaging consequence. The plants were able to acquire the learnt behavior in a matter of seconds and as in animals, learning was faster in less favorable environment.

The biologists wrote in a paper published online in the journal Oecologia.  “Plants may lack brains and neural tissues but they do possess a sophisticated calcium-based signaling network in their cells similar to animals’ memory processes,” they explained.

They conceded that they do not yet understand the biological basis for this learning mechanism, nevertheless their set of experiments has major  implications as it radically changes the way we perceive plants and the boundaries between plants and animals, including our definition of learning as a property special to organisms with a nervous system.”

This plant is starting to sound like mistletoe or one of the other plants that act as intermediates between the plant/animal kingdoms. And on top of all of that – the mimosa plant has been used traditionally for hundreds, if not thousands of years, for its pharmacological properties. For example, it’s been found to have antibacterial, anti parasite, antidepressant, antivenom, wound healing and even antiasthmatic properties in treating numerous disorders and ailments. In Chinese medicine it is known as the ‘collective happiness plant’, indicating its traditional use for lifting the mood and calming the body. This is the reason we drink those mimosas with brunch!

Other countries like China have what they call “earthquake grass” that wilts or changes color before an earthquake. India has the “Trembling tree” which shakes without wind, and ancient Greek and Roman texts speak of vines withering before a quake. But the conclusion on Deep Seek is that no country has a reliable, operational system using plants, animals, weather, clouds or insects to predict earthquakes. China’s Haicheng case remains the most cited success, but even there, animal behavior was secondary to foreshocks.  Ongoing research, like Italy’s farm studies or Germany’s ant monitoring, shows promise but is far from practical application. Cultural beliefs and anecdotal evidence drive interest, especially in China, Japan, and parts of Europe, but skepticism prevails in the scientific community, particularly in the United States.

From everything I’ve learned about the mimosa plant, I think the plant would be a good inexpensive investment if you live anywhere that is prone to earthquakes and the tea would be good to sip during this double snake month!