The movement of the autumn, sunset, metal chi is inward. It is the energy of the farmers collecting the harvest, seeds and nuts being pushed into the earth and the bears eating for the winter. It is essential taking in energy and building up for the cold weather ahead. It is no coincidence that this is also when the education year begins and children start to take in knowledge. Metal is the energy of absorption. For this reason is can also be associated with acquiring wealth.

In human culture, especially in northern Europe, the autumn has become a time when preparation for the winter traditional could make the difference between survival or starvation. Here we can see metal as the chi for planning ahead, being organised, working together and leadership.

How do we build up our metal chi. In macrobiotics we use whole grains as an excellent source of energy and these help us build up long lasting sustainable glucose levels in our blood. Pressure cooking or baking can push up the metal energy even further. More than that, metal is associated with persistence and endurance. So long meditations, holding yoga postures and long walks would increase metal chi. The self discipline aspect of martial arts would also nourish metal chi in a person.

Now is the time to bring in more metal enhancing practices to help be ready for and enjoy the cold, dark days of the winter months.

Simon Brown

Simon Brown teaches online macrobiotic courses with Melanie Waxman Brown and Filipa Silva. His next annual macrobiotic health coach training starts on the 2 November 2021. 

Simon is the author of Modern Day Macrobiotics and Macrobiotics For Life.

He is an international teacher, studied with Michio and Aveline Kushi, as well as with Shizuko Yamamoto. He has over 40 experience in macrobiotics.

For more information,
visit www.chienergy.co.uk
or email simon@chienergy.co.uk.