393 Year of the Snake: Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form • Gregory Done

It’s the subtler forces—those quietly felt but not perceived—that create the background that frames our days with a tone that is both transparent and influential. The shifting energies of a new year are a slack tide of opportunity to pause and reflect. To consider directions for where to invest our life energy in the coming year.

In this conversation with Gregory Done, playfully explore the symbols and energies the Wood Snake. We look into the qualities of this unique year and its connection to yin fire, quiet transformation, and the turn of the wheel that feels more like the stillness of the hub.

Listen into this discussion as we explore the symbolism of the wood snake, the balance between action and stillness, the transformative power of introspection, and how understanding the year’s energy can inform personal and collective growth.

Gregory’s reflections remind us of the profound lessons embedded in the natural cycles of life. It’s a timely conversation about embracing quietude, finding clarity, and aligning with the unique, and perhaps unsettling capacity to see in the emptiness of mind and social agreements in the coming year.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• The unique qualities of the Wood Snake year
• The symbolism of yin fire and its connection to stillness
• The Wood element enhances flexibility and adaptability, allowing us to shift our perspective and approach challenges with creativity
• The transition from the energetic Dragon year to the introspective Snake year
• The interplay between quietude and transformation
• Introspective energy of the snake supports seeing through superficial appearances to uncover deeper truths
• How the wood snake year encourages questioning societal norms and agreements
• Navigating the “gap” between significant changes
• Recognizing negative societal trends and using the energy of the snake year to engage with them thoughtfully rather than reactively
• Practices for cultivating presence in a snake year
• The thin veil between shadow and clarity in a snake year
• Cautions against overthinking or getting caught in cycles of fear, as the introspective energy of the snake can amplify insecurities
• How ancient symbols provide guidance for modern life
• Using this year as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth

An experienced teacher once said, “If something gets into your eye, get it out of your eye.” In other words, never underestimate the power, simplicity, and practicality of Ashi needling informed by palpation and perception. Don't be afraid to be direct, and don't overthink with fancy theory.​​

Gregory David Done, DSOM, L.Ac.

 I am a practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine and Polestar Astrology. I have an MA in Buddhist Studies from Naropa University and a Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine. I am a published poet and author and write extensively on the Chinese tradition as taught by Liu Ming.

I am deeply interested in the immigration and cultural assimilation of Asian Wisdom and Wellness traditions in America and a vocal proponent of a pluralistic, non-sectarian approach to practice guided by traditional culture and lineage.

I currently live in Enumclaw, WA, and practice at Docere Integrated Medicine.

Links and Resources

Read Gregory's blog post on the influences of the Yin Wood Snake

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