The Metal Phase
Metal in the Taoist cosmology, or Air in Greco-European & Ayurvedic cosmologies, imparts movement. It interconnects, transmits, communicates. It organizes and gives structure. Think of metal in terms of the raw minerals and ores of the earth that provide richness and substance, and their ability to reinforce and conduct; consider too the enduring beauty and clarity of precious metals and gems. In the body, Metal functions as a portal between inner and outer environments, taking in the useful and releasing what it can't use. Autumn, the time of gathering and harvest, is the season of Metal. White is the color of Metal. The meridians associated with Metal/Air are the Lungs (yin) and the Large Intestine (yang).
The organ systems of the Metal element are concerned with allowing — receiving and releasing. In other words, Metal is 
concerned with openness, receptivity, and 
nonattachment.
The extreme emotions of Metal are grief, sorrow, and lamentation. These are painful emotions, arising from loss. However, the normal and healthy way of dealing with loss — and it is unavoidable that we will all eventually lose everything we have — is to feel that loss, experience the hurt, and then let it go and move on. The synergic response is let come and let go. 
The all-too-common dysfunctional response, leading to distressed states, is to cling to the suffering, to hold on tightly — or to shut down and not feel at all.
The distressed states of hyperactive Metal are excessive grieving, stoicism, defensive pride, possessiveness, jealousy, envy, and greed. The hypoactive spectrum includes self- pity, hypersensitivity, denial, withholding of emotion, deprivation, despondency, and oppression.
Wailing and crying are sounds of Metal. A weeping tone of voice may indicate Metal imbalance. The healing sound is `Ssssssss,' with the tongue behind the teeth.
Taken from article in Massage & Bodywork Magazine (Dec/Jan 2003) by Barry Kapke, Director of the Bodhiwork Institute in Petaluma California and founder of Insight Bodywork. www.bodhiwork.org
QUESTIONS: METAL AND YOU
By answering these questions you can honor your relationship to Metal. Wake up early in the morning, move your bowels, and go to the summit of a hill or mountain. Breathe deeply. Bow, kneel, or perform a solemn ceremony as a gesture of respect to the experiences of your own life. Take up these questions. Consider each answer to be a gem of priceless wisdom.
1. How do you feel about your father?
2. How do you feel in Autumn?
3. When was the last time you wept?
4. When have you lost someone who was precious to you?
5. When have you lost valuable objects?
6. What golden opportunities have you lost?
7. What do you regret?
8. How are your bowels?
9. What grudges have you held?
10. How important is fresh, clean air to you?
11. Do you feel rich or poor? Why?
12. You have a chance to make a lot of money doing a job you don't believe in. Do you take it? Why?
13. What traditions do you observe? What traditions do you avoid observing? Why?
14. How do you feel around policemen? Bosses? Other authority figures?
15. Does your family respect you? Do your working companions respect you? Do you respect them?
16. What do you do to gain respect?
17. Do others admire you? How do you feel when they tell you they do?
18. Who do you admire? Why?
19. How do you feel at funerals?
20. How do you feel when you make a mistake?
21. When was the last time you admitted making a mistake?
22. Do you like pungent, spicy foods?
23. Are you an authority on something? Do you enjoy being an authority?
24. What do you collect?
25. How do you feel wearing white clothes?
26. What are you a purist about?
27. What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
28. How much metal do you wear?
29. How do you feel around strong men? Weak men?
30. What is your religion or spiritual path?
The energy of the father in all forms of life can wound us, challenge us or anger us. What leads us, sharpens our lives, brings authority and guidance, or gives us riches are mixed together to give us the gains and losses of our life. What in these questions depressed and saddened you? Where in you are the hidden “metallic “steel-like strengths that you need to grow and expand? Go outdoors and breathe deeply. Brethe in the source of power that connects us to the father. Ask this” metallic”, heavenly power to strengthen and firm your life, to heal loss, welcome opportunity and gain new capacity to act and live in the world. Sit now in the center of these feelings and insights and be respectful to the one who breathed life into your body, mind and spirit; your heavenly father.
Excerpt from Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan www.bluedeer.org/psm.html
please click on the Element below to be taken to that page
WOOD EARTH FIRE WATER
