On the second new moon after the winter solstice
we celebrate the Lunar New Year.
This year the new cycle also falls on the same date as
Losar, the Tibetan New Year.
Known as the Sheep, Goat or Ram, it is considered the most feminine sign of the zodiac and corresponds in may ways to the sign of Cancer in western astrology.
This astrology system interprets how the five elements -- or the alchemical forces of nature
affect our human experience. This year, Yin Wood mingles with the Yin Earth of Sheep.
In honor of the Lunar New Year, I'm having a Lunar New Year tea.
It's a great excuse to share another of my YiXing tea pots.
This one is very special.
It is carved to look like a flowering tree ... complete with knobs and flowers!
I'm brewing superfine Jasmine Downy Dragon Pearls Green Tea by Teavivre.
This is a delicious, slightly sweet tasting tea.
I love the reflection in the cup!
The cup is one I found at the Glassell Art School student sale.
I love the feel in my hands ... the interesting shape.
The more kind and compassionate heart of the Sheep offers an opening for us to recognize how interconnected we really are, and cheers humanity on to choose peace over separation.
Now is the time to clean out whatever needs clearing, whether it's letting go of negative mental and emotional patterns, doing a physical cleanse, jettisoning clutter, or a major space clearing of your environment.
In the Tibetan tradition, the next to the last day of the old year is a most powerful time to purify any negative energies in our homes and bodies from the previous year.
I've shared bits about the Year of the Sheep from an Elephant Journal article.
You can find more there.
I'm joining several tea parties:
Wishing YOU well, much joy and a delightful cup of tea!
Happy 4712!
having a cup of tea is a great moment to slow down and enjoy everything around you. I adore that teapot.
ReplyDeleteThat is a cute teapot, Snap. And I must say, so are the sheep. I have a thing for sheep! Thanks for joining me for tea today and enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
I love those sweet little lambs. And that teapot is quite nice!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the sheep, and the tea pot, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteVery fun! Was just deciding to do a New Year's post for next Tuesday's post! Love your Yixing teapot...have had a few, but don't at the moment. Yours is especially pretty! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Lovely and informative!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the interesting info on the Year of the Sheep!
ReplyDeleteThat teapot is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful vignette Snap. Love the teapot and the cup. What a lovely post. Trying to narrow done my focus on what I want to be creating so I must be in sync to let go of things I no longer need. Happy Tea day to you . xox
ReplyDeleteOh I love the idea of the Lunar New Year and clearing out the old, unneeded and negative. I have been doing that. And that tea pot is stunning. Really enjoyed reading this post!
ReplyDeleteYour teapot and cup are so pretty, Snap. Thank you for sharing all your information with us. Happy 4712 to you, too.
ReplyDeletePretty teapot, love the intricate detail. How adorable are your sheep!?
ReplyDeleteYour choice of tea sounds wonderful Snap! I have some Asian teapots at my store but don't own any personally. Yours is quite wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThose are gorgeous photos. Happy Year of the Sheep to you!
ReplyDeleteLovely teapot! I really enjoyed reading about the year of the sheep. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA cup of tea sounds so relaxing right now. Love your teapot- that is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI like both the tea pot and the cup. I imagine holding the warm cup on my chilly days here. Those are very cute wooly sheep!
ReplyDeleteI love the teapot and the sheep. :)
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a teapot like that. It is stunning. It looks like a jewel. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha
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