惊蛰 Jīngzhé
Awakening of Insects
In 2026: 5 March 2026 to 20 March 2026 (Beijing time)
“Awakening of insects”: spring thunder is said to wake the creatures sleeping underground. Nature stirs; so should the body.
- Sun’s longitude
- 345°
- Month (earthly branch)
- 卯month
- Season
- Spring
- Five Phase
- 木Wood
The three pentads
Each term is divided into three five-day pentads, named for what the ancients saw happen in nature.
- First pentad桃始华Peach trees begin to blossom
- Second pentad仓庚鸣Orioles sing
- Third pentad鹰化为鸠Hawks turn into doves (an old belief)
Wudang yangsheng for this term
- Breath
- Wake the body with a few rounds of stretching and lively breathing, then settle into calm breaths.
- Warm tea and diet
- Fresh vegetables and pears; a light green tea.
- Sleep and daily rhythm
- As nature stirs, move more, and set your practice routine for the year.
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 卯 month it is 大壮, Great Strength.