WINTER SOLSTICE

This is the time of year
In the Northern Hemisphere
When the sun is lowest in the sky,
When the days are shortest, the nights longest.
And remember - all our energy comes from the sun.

This is the time of year
When our physical energy is lowest,
When our positive and life affirming energy is weakest,
Our negative and destructive energy is strongest.

This is the time of year
When it's easy to get into self-hate and fear,
Into depression and sickness -
Into hassles with those we love.

This is the death time of the year,
The time before the rebirth,
The time before the new year's sun.

This is a time to rest,
To be good to yourself, To not ask too much of yourself,
A time to seek out the warmth,
To accept the death,
And to meditate
Upon the coming rebirth.

SEX AND THE SEASONS OF A MAN'S LIFE

Our energy levels vary with the seasons of the year. When we are young, we have so much energy that most of us don't even notice this. However, as we grow older, we begin to see, as the ancient Chinese Taoists did, that "one ejaculation in cold Winter is one hundred times more harmful than in Springtime." Jolan Chang, The Tao of Love and Sex, p. 43.)

Our energy levels also vary with the seasons of our lives. When we are young, it is easy to get off, one way or another, several times a day and still be horny. This was certainly true when I was a young man. In middle age, we begin to slow down - unless we get caught up in our male egos and make love just to prove our masculinity. The Chinese sages recommended getting off once or twice a week at most once we have reached fifty years.

Now, beginning my seventies, although I make love often, I try not to get off more than once a month - and never in the cold of winter. I know better by now. It doesn't have to do with sperm being replenished. I can make love if I want to soon after I get off, but my energy is really low for several days after - and if I do get off in the cold of winter, I invariably become sick soon after. Getting off brings down my immune system, my life energy really.

Most men are completely hung up on the ejaculation. This is the sole reason why they make love - to get off. I certainly was like this when I was younger. I still can be sometimes. However, a man, if he learns how to make love without needing to get off, can make love as long and as often as he wants. Once a man has learned to control his ejaculations, he can love his woman as much as she wishes. He can finally begin to do his part in maintaining the closeness that making love brings to a loving couple.

He will also find that not trying to take the love-making anywhere, just enjoying it as it is in the here and now, will help raise his consciousness and help him to connect with his own inner femininity. He will also live longer and be healthier as long as he is alive. As the ancient Chinese Taoists say "The way of Heaven is to accumulate Yang essence during Winter. A man will attain longevity if he follows this yardstick." (The Tao of Love and Sex, p. 43.) I would add that he would also attain a more peaceful heart and wholeness of being.