Solar term 9 of 24 · Earth · summer
Major Heat 大暑
The hottest fifteen days. Nothing is expected of you.
Dàshǔ · begins 23 July 2026 · approximately fifteen days
Peak heat, peak humidity, and the year's lowest natural productivity. The classical instruction for this period is almost heretical to modern ears: do less, and do it slowly. It is the last full stretch of Fire before the turn to autumn.
The three micro-seasons
Every term divides into three pentads of about five days.
- Rotting grass becomes fireflies
- Earth steams
- Sudden rains arrive
What to do in these fifteen days
- Schedule nothing that requires deep thought between 1pm and 4pm for the next two weeks.
- Take one proper cold rinse at the end of the day. Thirty seconds is enough.
- Sleep with the window open and a lighter blanket.
On the table
Bitter melon · Salted plum drinks, diluted
One question
If you gave yourself permission to be slower for two weeks, what would actually break?
Seasonal and cultural information only. Not medical advice, and no claim is made about treating any condition. See method & limits.