Taoist 24 Solar Terms Table
The 24 Solar Terms Chart serves as an ancient Chinese natural calendar that divides the year into 24 climatic periods. Primarily used to guide agricultural activities like planting and harvesting, it helps farmers synchronize with seasonal changes. The system also predicts weather patterns, with each term marking specific temperature and precipitation shifts. Culturally, it governs traditional festivals (Qingming), health practices (winter nourishing), and seasonal customs. Recognized by UNESCO, this 2000-year-old system combines astronomical observation with ecological wisdom, maintaining relevance in modern life as both cultural heritage and a practical guide to seasonal living.
The following table integrates key solar terms from the traditional Chinese 24-term calendar with Taoist cultural significance, including cultivation practices, rituals, and health preservation.
Taoist 24 Solar Terms Table (with Five Elements & Cultivation Advice) |
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| Solar Term | Gregorian Date (approx.) | Element | Taoist Meaning / Cultivation Advice |
| Lichun (Beginning of Spring) | Feb 4 | Wood | All things awaken. Nourish Liver Qi. Practice “Qi activation” and make wishes for new beginnings. |
| Yushui (Rain Water) | Feb 19 | Wood | Water nurtures wood. Recite purification mantras to dispel winter stagnation. |
| Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects) | Mar 5 | Wood | Nature stirs. Thunder awakens. Suitable for activating good luck and using talismans. |
| Chunfen (Spring Equinox) | Mar 20 | Wood + Fire | Yin-Yang balance. Practice Tai Chi. Offer to Taiyi Zhenren (Primordial Deity). |
| Qingming (Clear & Bright) | Apr 4 | Wood + Earth | Ancestor veneration. Perform rituals of filial piety and memorial offerings. |
| Guyu (Grain Rain) | Apr 20 | Wood → Fire | Nourishes all grains. Sit in meditation to strengthen Qi and vitality. |
| Lixia (Beginning of Summer) | May 5 | Fire | Yang Qi at peak. Practice 'fire phase techniques' to strengthen the heart. |
| Xiaoman (Grain Full) | May 21 | Fire + Earth | Internal fullness, prone to irritability. Chant mantras to calm the mind. |
| Mangzhong (Grain in Ear) | Jun 5 | Fire | ‘Sow virtue, reap blessing.’ Cultivate compassion and merit. |
| Xiazhi (Summer Solstice) | Jun 21 | Peak Fire → Yin | Ultimate Yang. Offer to Nanji Xianweng. Focus on calming heart fire. |
| Xiaoshu (Minor Heat) | Jul 7 | Fire | Avoid anger. Observe fasting, meditate, and stay away from conflict. |
| Dashu (Major Heat) | Jul 22 | Fire | Intense heat. Practice body protection spells to prevent external evil Qi. |
| Liqiu (Beginning of Autumn) | Aug 7 | Metal | Metal Qi rises. Focus on discipline. Pray to Taibai Star Lord for protection. |
| Chushu (End of Heat) | Aug 22 | Metal | Summer fades. Gather the spirit, cultivate the energy of restraint. |
| Bailu (White Dew) | Sep 7 | Metal + Water | Dew appears. Refine essence and chant talismans. |
| Qiufen (Autumn Equinox) | Sep 23 | Metal | Yin and Yang equal. Offer to the stars (斗星), seek peace and stability. |
| Hanlu (Cold Dew) | Oct 8 | Metal | Cold enters. Strengthen lungs and guard against evil Qi. |
| Shuangjiang (Frost's Descent) | Oct 23 | Metal + Water | Frost arrives. Wear protective talismans to ward off negative forces. |
| Lidong (Beginning of Winter) | Nov 7 | Water | Store energy. Cultivate stillness and absorb Yin essence. |
| Xiaoxue (Minor Snow) | Nov 22 | Water | Yang retreats. Good time for retreat and kidney nourishment. |
| Daxue (Major Snow) | Dec 7 | Water | Peak Yin. Ideal for internal alchemy and longevity practices. |
| Dongzhi (Winter Solstice) | Dec 21 | Water → Yang | Birth of Yang. Worship Yuanshi Tianzun, draw in new life force. |
| Xiaohan (Minor Cold) | Jan 5 | Water | Strengthen kidneys and wear Water-element talismans. |
| Dahan (Major Cold) | Jan 20 | Extreme Water → Spring | Ultimate Yin gives birth to Yang. Focus on 'Shou Yi' (Guarding the One). |
Taoist Solar Term Features
Harmony with Nature: Aligns with "Heaven-Man Unity," where seasonal shifts mirror bodily energy flow (e.g., Winter Solstice’s yang rebirth aids elixir cultivation).
Ritual Observances: Many terms coincide with Taoist ceremonies (e.g., Three Yuan Festivals, Heavenly La) or deity birthdays (Thunder God, Plague God).
Health & Cultivation: Each term emphasizes specific practices—breathwork, talismans, or herbal regimens (e.g., gathering dew at White Dew, wearing protective charms in Great Heat).
Note: This table presents a simplified Taoist perspective. Actual practices should align with lineage teachings and classics like Seven Bamboo Tablets of the Cloudy Satchel or Monthly Cultivation Guidelines.