Taoist Science Of Bagua & Solstice Symbolism

The three solid gua trigram symbolizes the most contracted and extreme yin time of year. A cardinal point meaning hinge, it opens the gate into the next phase of the solar cycle and return of the light: the winter solstice. 

The Bagua is the ancient Taoist science of Macrocosm. As above, so below. As a holographic map of the universe, it symbolizes time and space and how energy moves through it. The Bagua has applications correlating to all life on Earth, including us. We are the universe in microcosm. It has significance in acupuncture and all other ancient Taoist healing arts.  

The yearly solar cycle is a Macrocosm of our 24-hour daily microcosmic solar cycle. We know this as our primary circadian rhythm, day-night, sleep-wake cycle. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being follows this cosmic cycle. It does not follow us. It is so deeply entrained in us, that we rarely give its origin a second thought. We are entrained to follow the longer macrocosmic cycles the same way.  

The more we synchronize with these macrocosmic cycles of nature, the more aligned and harmonized we become with our true selves. “ Trust the intelligence of nature, and everything will fall into place “ is an apt portrayal of the Tao in Stephen Mitchell’s translation of ” Tao De Jing. “  

What is the nature of this most contracted and yin time of year? We may turn inward and feel extra sensitive and self-reflective. Our weak links become weaker. Do holiday and winter blues correlate to the shortest time of daylight? Being with friends and family may be nature’s intuitive counterbalance. As this trigram corresponds to Earth, it’s a time when the seeds for the coming year are at their deepest, gathering light energy and gradually taking form as the light expands.  

It is a time to plant your own seeds, set intentions, reflect on and learn from the cycle that has passed, what is to come, and connect with others and nature. It is a patient time of year.