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<channel><title><![CDATA[Joyous Dancer - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:18:07 -0800</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Snake]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-snake]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-snake#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-snake</guid><description><![CDATA[       In the Chinese zodiac, the Wood Snake represents&nbsp;a time for personal growth, renewal, and adaptability.&nbsp;The Wood Snake year is a time to embrace new possibilities, let go of the past, and make thoughtful decisions.&nbsp;&#8203; [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/img-4608_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(0, 29, 53)">In the Chinese zodiac, the Wood Snake represents&nbsp;a time for personal growth, renewal, and adaptability.&nbsp;</span><span style="color:rgb(0, 29, 53)">The Wood Snake year is a time to embrace new possibilities, let go of the past, and make thoughtful decisions.<span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span>&#8203;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Yeat of the Dragon]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/yeat-of-the-dragon]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/yeat-of-the-dragon#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/yeat-of-the-dragon</guid><description><![CDATA[       In contrast to the Western connotations of the dragon, the dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck, strength, health and the male element Yang. Chinese dragons are heralded as bringers of good fortune, associated with rain and water. This positive connotation in China stems from the dragon&rsquo;s role as a symbol of imperial power and authority.&nbsp;&#8203; [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/img-3200_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(46, 46, 46)">In contrast to the Western connotations of the dragon, the dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck, strength, health and the male element Yang. Chinese dragons are heralded as bringers of good fortune, associated with rain and water. This positive connotation in China stems from the dragon&rsquo;s role as a symbol of imperial power and authority.&nbsp;</span>&#8203;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Rabbit]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rabbit]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rabbit#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:07:21 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rabbit</guid><description><![CDATA[       Not necessarily sweet and docile but rather attentive and constructive. Building dry burrows, raising litters and litters. Attend to maintenance, health, and agreements. But, gentle wilily hare stays warm and dry. [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/img-1831_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Not necessarily sweet and docile but rather attentive and constructive. Building dry burrows, raising litters and litters. Attend to maintenance, health, and agreements. But, gentle wilily hare stays warm and dry.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Tiger]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-tiger]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-tiger#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:53:07 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-tiger</guid><description><![CDATA[       It was the worst of years if you aren't in resonance with the driving, nervous, ravenous tiger.&nbsp;Not much good has come of the world with aggression most prominent.Sweet docile rabbit will be a relief in 2023.&nbsp; [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a href='http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/year-of-the-tiger_orig.jpg' rel='lightbox' onclick='if (!lightboxLoaded) return false'> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/editor/year-of-the-tiger.jpg?1664316120" alt="Picture" style="width:357;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">It was the worst of years if you aren't in resonance with the driving, nervous, ravenous tiger.&nbsp;<br />Not much good has come of the world with aggression most prominent.<br />Sweet docile rabbit will be a relief in 2023.&nbsp;</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Ox]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-ox]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-ox#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2021 22:47:08 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-ox</guid><description><![CDATA[       As the strongest animal of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, known as "the good helper" in Chinese farming, the Ox is a symbol of&nbsp;diligence,&nbsp;strength,&nbsp;honesty,&nbsp;down-to-earth persistence, and&nbsp;wealth. [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/published/ox-for-chinese.jpg?1635461501" alt="Picture" style="width:411;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">As the strongest animal of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, known as "the good helper" in Chinese farming, the Ox is a symbol of&nbsp;</span><strong style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">diligence</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">strength</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">honesty</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">down-to-earth persistence</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">, and&nbsp;</span><strong style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">wealth</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">.</span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Rat]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rat]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rat#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:52:05 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[rituals]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-rat</guid><description><![CDATA[       The Year of the Rat is the first zodiac sign in the&nbsp;Chinese zodiac&nbsp;cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals. [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/published/year-of-the-rat.png?1600891629" alt="Picture" style="width:345;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(85, 85, 85); font-weight:400">The Year of the Rat is the first zodiac sign in the<span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/">Chinese zodiac</a><span style="color:rgb(85, 85, 85); font-weight:400"><span>&nbsp;</span>cycle. According to the Chinese zodiac story, in the competition held by the Jade Emperor to decide the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to take him on a ride to cross the river and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, so the rat won the race and became the first of the zodiac animals.</span><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Year of the Pig]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-pig]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-pig#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2019 20:17:07 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[rituals]]></category><category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/year-of-the-pig</guid><description><![CDATA[       According to the myths, the Pig was the last to arrive when the Jade Emperor called for the great meeting. Other sources said that Buddha called for a great meeting when he was about to leave the Earth. The Pig came in last.Legend has it that just as the emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The term "lazy Pig" is due here as the Pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/year-of-the-pig_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">According to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth">myths</a>, the Pig was the last to arrive when the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jade_Emperor">Jade Emperor</a> called for the great meeting. Other sources said that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha">Buddha</a> called for a great meeting when he was about to leave the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(classical_element)">Earth</a>. The Pig came in last.<br /><span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology">Legend</a> has it that just as the emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The term "lazy Pig" is due here as the Pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac">zodiac</a> cycle.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_(zodiac)#cite_note-5">[5]</a><br /><span></span>Other sources say that given his very stout form, he was just too slow a swimmer, and thus he could not do anything against the other animals.<br /><br /><span></span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[October 29th, 2017]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/october-29th-2017]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/october-29th-2017#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:44:34 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category><category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/october-29th-2017</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  The year of the Rooster is drawing to a close. It has been tumultuous, traumatic, and transforming to individuals and cultures.As we move to the year of the dog, our collective energy should move from upheaval to loyalty, faithfulness, seriousness.   					 							 		 	  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/2017-10-29-154928_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">The year of the Rooster is drawing to a close. It has been tumultuous, traumatic, and transforming to individuals and cultures.<br /><br />As we move to the year of the dog, our collective energy should move from upheaval to loyalty, faithfulness, seriousness.<br /></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Happy Samhain]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/happy-samhain]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/happy-samhain#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:37:40 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[rituals]]></category><category><![CDATA[time]]></category><category><![CDATA[traditions]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/happy-samhain</guid><description><![CDATA[ 	 		 			 				 					 						          					 								 					 						  &nbsp;The Celts had only two seasons summer and winter. Samhain marked the start of their winter season when everything starts dying and the darkness comes. In some quarters, this time was labeled negatively to ostracize practitioners. Many earth-based spiritual traditions had their holidays and ritual usurped by Christianity as it grew to dominance and power. Among those was All Hallows Eve (Samhain)..The Celts believed it was th [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.joyousdancer.com/uploads/3/8/4/5/3845443/2015-10-28-094330_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">&nbsp;<span style="color:rgb(29, 33, 41); font-weight:normal"><span>The</span></span><span style="color:rgb(29, 33, 41); font-weight:normal"><span><span><span><span> Celts had only two seasons summer and winter. Samhain marked the start of their winter season when everything starts dying and the darkness comes. In some quarters, this time was labeled negatively to ostracize practitioners. Many earth-based spiritual traditions had their holidays and ritual usurped by Christianity as it grew to dominance and power. Among those was All Hallows Eve (Samhain)..The Celts believed it was the time when the veil between the worlds was thinnest. Wnter is coming.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[July 08th, 2015]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/july-08th-2015]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/july-08th-2015#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2015 22:33:22 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.joyousdancer.com/blog/july-08th-2015</guid><description><![CDATA[It's been a long ride home to the heart and soul. Many changes and moves but finally found my place in the sun. [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">It's been a long ride home to the heart and soul. Many changes and moves but finally found my place in the sun.</div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>