Bathing in the Yang Qi of the Season
Michele Lewis
July – Aug 2025 • Vol 4, No 17
I LOVE everything about summer! Lots of sunshine, gardens in full bloom, and plenty of daylight hours to spend as much time as possible outdoors—all part of the yang energy at this time of year, although the peak is actually at summer solstice when Earth experiences the longest day of the year.
All this yang qi that we are bathed in for a season makes us want to “get out there and do it.” Whatever you like to do, enjoy it to the “max”—but don’t let the peace in your heart become disturbed with overexcitement. Overexcitement? If your heart starts to pound when you go on thrill rides, you know exactly what I mean! We are often drawn to activities that produce excessive excitement, which mimics the exhilaration of being one with the entire Universe—and loving it!
Summer, the heart, and the south sector of the feng shui bagua all have one thing in common—fire!! Fire represents extreme yang energy and must be a steady, controlled flame that develops strength as it expands—not an out-of-control bonfire that goes every which way. If our heart’s fire is out of balance, we lose control and have no firm direction in our daily lives. A strong, steady flame gives us the inner strength to face life’s challenges with equanimity.
The southern, fire area of the bagua is associated with fame and reputation. This is not fame as in being famous; it is how we present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us—our reputation. When fire is weak or out of control, we lose sight of who and what we are and what we want to be. Unfortunately, this less-than-perfect image adheres to us like glue! No surprise there. The I Ching trigram li is associated with the fame sector and has the attribute of the “clinging” quality of fire—whatever a fire is consuming, it envelops.
It doesn’t take long to get a positive or negative reputation in the eyes of others and that reputation, whatever it may be, loves to stick around! In the case of a negative reputation, it takes far longer to “undo” others’ perception of us than it did to get the original label. It requires much more effort on our part to correct or change what others think and feel about us.
There are ways to boost the qi of the southern part of the bagua. In moderation, tones of red will bring pleasant warmth. Windows in this exposure let comforting sun in, especially in winter. During the summer, use landscaping to temper that southern sun coming through. Hang diplomas and awards here to enhance your standing within your community. If hanging mirrors in this area (or any area), be sure that the top of your head is not “cut off” when viewed in the mirror. That would “lower” your standing.
Cultivating the heart through conscious practice of selflessness and kindness works both inner and outer miracles to mold who we are and what we can become. Our actions speak volumes and are the key to molding the true reputation we desire to have in the eyes of others. Most importantly, it gives us an honest reflection of who we truly are—to ourselves.
Trained in China and the US, Michele Lewis is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and has been a Feng Shui professional since 1998. She is available for consultations onsite or via phone. By using the timeless principles of the art and science of Feng Shui, Michele can help you bring balance and beauty to every aspect of your life. She is also a Certified Qigong Instructor of Ling Gui Healing Qigong School, Liu Dong’s Method. Michele Lewis can be reached at 406-224-0803, or at taodesigns@ymail.com.