小暑 Xiǎoshǔ
Minor Heat
In 2026: 7 July 2026 to 23 July 2026 (Beijing time)
“Minor heat”: the hot season has begun but is not yet at its height. Rest and moderation matter more than effort.
- Sun’s longitude
- 105°
- Month (earthly branch)
- 未month
- Season
- Summer
- Five Phase
- 火Fire
The three pentads
Each term is divided into three five-day pentads, named for what the ancients saw happen in nature.
- First pentad温风至Warm winds arrive
- Second pentad蟋蟀居壁Crickets shelter by the walls
- Third pentad鹰始挚Young hawks learn to hunt
Wudang yangsheng for this term
- Breath
- Short sittings with quiet breathing; never hold the breath or strain in the heat.
- Warm tea and diet
- Fresh, light food, but not iced; lotus-leaf or chrysanthemum tea.
- Sleep and daily rhythm
- Lighten the training load, drink water regularly and rest in the shade.
Traditional guidance, not medical advice. The terms follow the seasons of central China.
In the Book of Changes
Each month has a sovereign hexagram (消息卦) that shows how far yin or yang has grown. For the 未 month it is 遁, Retreat.