White Dew: 15th seasonal node (September 7–22, 2025)
September 7, 2025 marked the beginning of White Dew (Báilù), the 15th of the 24 Solar Terms and the third season of autumn. At this point, the Sun reaches 165° celestial longitude, and the mornings grow cool enough for dew to gather on the leaves and grass, sparkling in the sunrise.
Autumn is the season of the Metal element, associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine and the color white. It’s a time connected with breath and reflection.
As moisture is pulled out of the air, the sky turns clear, so the theme of White Dew is clarity. It’s a good time to reflect on what feels nourishing in your life and what feels draining and choose more of what brings balance.
What’s Happening in Nature
Nights are getting longer and moisture condenses into visible dew. Also during this time:
The difference between day and night grows more noticeable with warm afternoons and cool mornings and evenings
The atmosphere begins to dry, has less humidity and a crispness in the morning and evening air
The quality of light shifts as the sun sits lower, creating long shadows and softer golden light in the afternoon
Insects grow quieter as cicadas, crickets and other summer sounds begin to fade
Bird migration stirs with early geese or swallows moving south
Psycho-Emotional Shifts
The Lungs are tied to the emotion of grief and release. At this time of year, you may notice:
A reflective, even nostalgic mood
A stronger awareness of endings and change
A natural pull toward simplicity and clarity
These shifts don’t mean anything is wrong. They’re part of how nature moves through us. We’re part of nature and what happens in nature happens in us. Just as trees let go of their leaves, this is a chance to reflect and let go of what we no longer need, whether that’s tension in the body, clutter in the home, thoughts that aren’t helpful or old emotional weight.
Seasonal Diet (Five Element Nutrition)
In autumn, food can support the Lungs by moistening dryness. We also need to gently warm and protect digestion (spleen /stomach). Strong digestion is essential for clear Lung function. In Five Element theory, Earth (digestion) supports Metal (the Lungs). When digestion is weak, Earth is out of balance, and phlegm and dampness can accumulate, which directly burdens the Lungs. So, autumn health means moistening the Lungs with food like pears or honey while also strengthening the Stomach and Spleen with warm, cooked foods like squash, sweet potato and rice congee.
Moistening foods for the Lungs:
Asian pears, apples, grapes, figs, persimmons
Honey, white sesame, almonds, pine nuts
Strengthening foods for Spleen & Stomach:
Pumpkin, yam, sweet potato, carrots
White Rice, oats, millet, congee
Simple soups with root vegetables, especially daikon radish
Warm liquids: tea, broth, bone broth, miso
A touch of pungency (to keep Lung qi moving):
Ginger, scallion, daikon radish, mustard greens
Tea of the season:
Oolong tea is the tea for Autumn, gently warming and supportive for digestion.
Best to avoid:
Overly spicy or fried foods (dry the Lungs)
Too much raw or cold food (weakens digestion)
Closing Reflection
White Dew is a reminder to slow down and start shifting with the season. Swap salads for something warm and cooked, take in the crisp air and the notice the beauty and changing light around you. Gentle breathwork is especially supportive now. Reflect on what is working in your life and what isn’t. Care for the Lungs and honor your emotions.
Next season: Autumn Equinox: September 23, 2025
Speaking of seasonal health… Join me for a Six Healing Sounds Qi Gong Masterclass beginning October 15, 2025. Autumn is the perfect season for breathwork, sound and vibration healing. This set will strengthen your lung capacity and immune system.
