2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE: Quarterly Challenges
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Q4 - Balancing It Out
⚖️ Balancing it Out - Quarterly Challenge ⚖️Duration: Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2024
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Balancing it Out Challenge!
I am excited to be leading it and hope you are all ready to discover/ create balance through these elements!
📚 To sign up, please post a comment below and include the number of books you plan to read for this challenge! 📚
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Updating your progress:
When updating your progress, please include your sign-up message number plus the current progress using this format:
Update to Message # xx: books read/ books pledged
If you decide to drop out of the challenge, please don’t delete your original sign-up post. Just update and let me know. Thanks! :)
If at any point you have questions, please feel free to ask!
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️Challenge Tiers:
As you update your challenge, I will update your corresponding challenge tier.
1-2 books: ☯️-Novice
3-4 books: ☯️-Apprentice
5-6 books: ☯️-Mentor
7-8 books: ☯️-Expert
9-10+ books: ☯️-Master
✨ Additional Bonus: Challenge Completed!
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
MASTERS-TO-BE :
☯️-Novices
Allie - 0/10 -
Aurora - 1/3 -
Lisa - 0/20 -
LisaMarie - 0/5 -
Lucy - 0/15 -
Michelle - 0/6 -
Stormie - 0/30 -
☯️-Apprentices
☯️-Mentors
Chalmation - 6/6 - COMPLETED! ✨
Jennifer - 6/10 -
☯️-Experts
Jennifer - 7/10 -
☯️-Masters
Anna - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Barbara - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Brianna Raquel - 20/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
Caraina - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Carmen - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Carrie - 18/18 - COMPLETED! ✨
Ciara - 20/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
Denise - 20/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
Ela - 20/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
JennH - 29/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
Laurie - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Lilili - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
Lina - 16/5 - COMPLETED! ✨
Sarah - 10/10 - COMPLETED! ✨
SarahKat - 8/8 - COMPLETED! ✨
Shari - 13/12 - COMPLETED! ✨
TerryJane - 20/20 - COMPLETED! ✨
Whitney - 12/12 - COMPLETED! ✨
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General Stats
27 Signed Up
📚 280/350 books read (80 %) 📚
Challenge Completed: 19
☯️-Novice: 8
☯️-Apprentice: 0
☯️-Mentor: 2
☯️-Expert: 1
☯️-Master: 18
Updated up to Message#105
Happy Reading to all of you!
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My own post:⚖️ Balancing it Out - Quarterly Challenge ⚖️
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
⚖️ Progress: 16/5 ⚖️ - COMPLETED!
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I'm in! I'll go for 20 prompts, plus my zodiac sign.
8/8🌱 Earth 🌱
The Vanishing Season by Dot Hutchison
The Land of the Undying Lord by J.T. Wright
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris (cover)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage (cover)
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Please sign me up for 4. REDACTED
BALANCING IT OUT - COMPLETEDDuration: October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Completed: 10/10
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
The Bee and the Orange Tree - Melissa Ashley 10/15/24Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice. Burn - Suzanne Wright 10/11/24
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Feels Like Family - Sherryl Woods 10/1/24Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
Ruthless Vows - Rebecca Ross 10/6/24Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Frozen Footprints - Therese Heckenkamp 10/12/24Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
October Joy - Melanie Wilber 10/13/24Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets. The Truths We Hold: An American Journey - Kamala Harris 11/19/24
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
No Virgin Island - C. Michele Dorsey 11/10/24Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness. Lies and Weddings - Kevin Kwan 11/14/24
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal. A Cowboy for Keeps - Jody Hedlund 10/8/24
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
I'm in for 6.6/6
Challenge Complete
Generating Cycle
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
✔️ The Regulators
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
I will sign on for 20,Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
√🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement: MEG, JO, BETH AND AMY: A GRAPHIC NOVEL RETELLING BY REY TERCIERO
√🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title: THE ONLY WAY IS THE STEADY WAY BY ANDREW FORBES
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
√🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice: FRIENDS WITH SECRETS BY CHRISTINE GUNDERSON
√🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title: THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT BY OLIVER SACKS
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
√🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships: CONSIDER THE FORK BY BEE WILSON
√🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title: GOD IS NOT GREAT BY CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
√🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role: LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING
√🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY BY KAZUO ISHIGURO
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
√🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water: ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE BY ANTHONY DOERR
√🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title: THE CHRISTMAS DOGSITTERS BY LUCY MITCHELL
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
✔️🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons. THE LITTLE PRINCE BY ANTOINE DE SAUNT-EXUPERY he visits Jupiter
√🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs: BROOKLYN BY COLM TOIBIN
In addition to the trees in involves matters of the heart (romance)Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
√🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets: THE LOST BOOKSHOP BY EVIE WOODS the characters almost all go through changes, and out also touches on the lack of rights of women in the 1920's
✔️🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons. THE LESBIANA’S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL takes place in fall and winter
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
√🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.: THE TRUANTS BY KATE WEINBERG includes feminism and takes place in England (North)
√🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe: SAY YOU'RE ONE OF THEM BY UWEM AKPAN (ethnic cleansing/religious wars are catastrophes to me)
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
√🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars: HIDDEN FIGURES BY MARGOT SHETTERLEY
√🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness: MEN WITHOUT WOMEN BY HARUKI MURAKAMI a lot of bitter characters
√🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal: DEAR CALIFORNIA: THE GOLDEN STATE IN DIARIES AND LETTERS BY DAVID KIPEN- California is the west coast and many letters were about "going west"
√🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy: THE KAMOGAWA FOOD DETECTIVES BY HISASHI KASHIWAI (spicy food served)
***In for 10 books, thank you!
Progress: 10/10
1) Fire:
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
A Most Agreeable Murder
2) Water:
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
Gli invisibili
3) Earth:
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Parlarne tra amici
4) Earth:
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
Una famiglia moderna
5) Water:
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Le nostre mogli negli abissi
6) Wood:
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
La ragazza di nome Giulio
7) Water:
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
La lista
8) Earth:
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
Piccole cose da nulla
9) Fire:
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Il maiale allo spiedo
10) Wood:
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Un'estate
Hola!Count me in, please
PROGRESS: 10/10
I'll be doing the Generating Cycle:
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
❎️🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement. Where the Wind Blows
❎️🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
❎️🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice. Nunca estuvimos allí
❎️🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
❎️🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships. The Plot
❎️🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
❎️🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role. Autumn in the Vineyard
❎️🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
❎️🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water. Bury Your Dead
❎️🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Progress: 20/20Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲
🌲
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥
🔥
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱
🌱
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧
🔧
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊
🌊
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲
🌲
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱
🌱
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊
🌊
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥
🔥
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧
🔧
I will aim to do a minimum of 20 books: all the prompts, & then maybe some more that fit my element (earth, according to the Chinese zodiac).
☯️ BALANCING IT OUT - Quarterly ChallengeDuration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
Progress: 20/20
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
☯️ 🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
The Ninth Hour
☯️ 🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
None of This Is True
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
☯️ 🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
Ask Me No Questions
☯️ 🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Memento Mori
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
☯️ 🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
Mary Barton
☯️ 🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Tell Me What I Am
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
☯️ 🔧 Read a book set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts
☯️ 🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
A Cup of Silver Linings
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
☯️ 🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
James River raft travels
☯️ 🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Melania
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
☯️ 🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
The Historian
☯️ 🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
The Measure
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
☯️ 🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
A Little Life
☯️ 🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
☯️ 🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food
☯️ 🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Little Eve
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
☯️ 🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars.
Furia set in Argentina
☯️ 🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness.
Impossible Music
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
☯️ 🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
The Chalk Man
☯️ 🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
The Baker's Secret
This is a very interesting, and fascinating themed challenge! I think I'll go for 20.BALANCING IT OUT
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
29/20
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 11/19/24
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown 11/3/24
Newt's Emerald by Garth Nix 11/12/24
Triple Cross by James Patterson 10/12/24
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton 10/13/24
The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren 12/17/24
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo 10/23/24
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher 10/4/24 - Water
Death in D Minor by Alexia Gordon 10/8/24
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
The 20th Victim by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 10/19/24
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston 10/9/24
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
The Wedding People by Alison Espach 11/27/24
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione 10/23/24
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
Birthday → Zodiac Sign → Element
Dec 6 to Jan 5 → 🐀 Rat 🐀 → Water 🌊
Jan 6 to Feb 3 → 🐂 Ox 🐂 → Earth 🌱
Feb 4 to Mar 5 → 🐅 Tiger 🐅 → Wood 🌲
The Searcher by Tana French 12/6/24
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 11/4/24
Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony 10/7/24 - Snake
June 6 to July 5 → 🐎 Horse 🐎 → Fire 🔥
Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay 12/13/24
Aug 6 to Sept 5 → 🐒 Monkey 🐒 → Metal 🔧
Sept 6 to Oct 5 → 🐓 Rooster 🐓 → Metal 🔧
Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala 11/4/24
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green 11/30/24
🌲 Wood 🌲
Season: Spring
Associated with: birth, growth, flexibility, movement and wind
Color: Green
Body: basic body functions (self-regulating, without conscious thought, e.g. respiration, heartbeat)
Direction: East
Planet: Jupiter
Taste: Sour
Symbol: Azure Dragon
🔥 Fire 🔥
Season: Summer
Under the Power by Lan Seshi 11/30/24
As Red as Blood by Salla Simukka 12/18/24
Body: functions with maximum activity (decline is inevitable, e.g. the heart, the circulation system)
Direction: South
Planet: Mars
Taste: Bitter
Symbol: Vermillion Bird
🌱 Earth 🌱
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 12/15/24
XOXO by Axie Oh 11/16/24
Color: Yellow
Body: digestive system, sense of taste
Direction: Center
Planet: Saturn
Taste: Sweet
Symbol: Yellow Dragon or birds that prefer the comfort of the earth
🔧 Metal 🔧
Season: Autumn
Associated with: Gravity, minerals, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity and magnetism; has a structure but can adapt new forms by melting, reforming; determined, forceful, unyielding, self-reliant, reserved
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie 12/11/24
Body: Lungs, respiratory system, nose
Green by Alex Gino 11/9/24
Planet: Venus
Taste: Spicy
Symbol: White Tiger
🌊 Water 🌊
Season: Winter
Associated with: quiet, cold, the resting time of winter; source of life, silent and still, flexible, can nourish and cleanse, but also destroy
The Wicked King by Holly Black 10/15/24
Body: fluid that maintains the health of every cell (skeletal and excretory system, kidney and bodily fluids)
Direction: North
Planet: Mercury
Taste: Salty
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk 10/3/24 - Deer
BALANCING IT OUTDuration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
This is such a unique theme! I will do 5 for Generating Cycle and 5 for Controlling Cycle instead of my zodiac sign for a new goal of 10.
COMPLETED: 18/18 !!!
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
✔️1) Wood: COMPLETED 12/21/24
Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth,movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
📔🎧 The Last Green Valley
✔️2) Fire: COMPLETED 10/16/2024
🔥 Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
--Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
📔X
✔️3) Earth: COMPLETED 10/09/24
🌱 Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
-- Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
📔Remarkably Bright Creatures
✔️4 )Metal: COMPLETED 10/20/2024
🔧Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
--Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
🎧 The Boyfriend
✔️5) Water: COMPLETED 10/7/24
Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
--🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water. features winter solstice
--🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
🎧The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
✔️6) Wood: COMPLETED 12/15/24
Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover
📔The Apple Orchard
✔️7) Earth: COMPLETED 10/22/2024
Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
📖 The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story
✔️8) Water: COMPLETED 10/12/24
Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
--🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
--🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe. (female nurses in war)
🎧 When We Had Wings
✔️9 )Fire: COMPLETED 12/16/24
Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness or a book about Mars.
🎧Morning Star
✔️10) Metal: COMPLETED 10/5/24
Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
--🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
📔 Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption
Zodiac Signs: Read books related to your lucky element and its characteristics.
Birthday → Zodiac Sign → Element
Jan 6 to Feb 3 → 🐂 Ox 🐂 → Earth 🌱
🌱 Earth 🌱
✔️11) Season: COMPLETED 11/02/2024
--Change of Seasons / Transformation
🎧A Court of Mist and Fury
✔️12) Associated with: COMPLETED 10/31/2024
--harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships, stability/reliability, logic, governed by duty to others
📔Wrong Place Wrong Time
✔️13) Color: COMPLETED 10/18/24
--Yellow
🎧Yellowface
✔️14) Body: COMPLETED 12/6/24
-- digestive system, sense of taste
📔The Storyteller
✔️15) Direction: COMPLETED 11/20/24
--Center
📔The Center of Everything
✔️16) Planet: COMPLETED 12/8/24
--Saturn
🎧Saturn Run
✔️17) Taste: COMPLETED 11/16/24
--Sweet
📔Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
✔️18) Symbol: COMPLETED 12/26/24
-- Yellow Dragon or birds that prefer the comfort of the earth
📔Weyward
🌲
→ 🔥
→ 🌱
→ 🔧
→ 🌊
→ 🌲
→ 🌱
→ 🌊
→ 🔥
→ 🔧
🌱 Earth 🌱
update to msg. #10: 1/20NVM I jumped the gun and finished this too soon
Hi there, I will join for 10 :)10/10
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement. Opulence and Ashes
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title. A Corruption of Blood
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title. Good Girl, Bad Blood
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships. Taste: My Life Through Food
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role. The Couples Trip
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title. Voices of the Dead
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title. As Good As Dead
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets. Hidden in Shadows
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North. Death of an American Beauty
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness.
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
☯️ BALANCING IT OUT - Quarterly ChallengeDuration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
20/20
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
Colorblind
Saga, Volume 11
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
Brown Baby: A Memoir of Race, Family and Home
Dark Matter
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
Ruptured
Better than the Movies
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
The Fall of Whit Rivera
Saga, Volume 10
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
Soul of the Deep
Lost and Found
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
Finding Jupiter
Heard It in a Love Song
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness
Ella Gets the D
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
At Least You Have Your Health
Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
Where the Rhythm Takes You
Last Chance Books
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
Nothing Like the Movies
Meet Cute Club
I will read 10Progress 0/10
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness.
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
Sign me up for 10 books10/10-COMPLETED
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
✅🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
A Goddess Born (29/11/24)
✅🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Once Upon a Dream
(2/10/24)Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
✅🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
Pizza My Heart: A Wish Novel (10/10/24)
✅🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Batman: Year One
(20/11/24)Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
✅🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous (7/11/24)
✅🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Fox in Socks
(30/11/24)Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
✅🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
Thank Fall: A Mindful Story Celebrating the Magic of Autumn! (2/12/24)
✅🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
(23/11/24)Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
✅🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
Window Shopping (12/10/24)
✅🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
The Window
(3/10/24)
I would like to join for 12 books using the Controlling Cycle.BALANCING IT OUT
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
Progress: 13 / 12 COMPLETED 12-18-24
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs. Sugar Birds
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets. Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons. The Tiffany Girls, Leaning on Air
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North. The Mercury 13: The Untold Story of Thirteen American Women and the Dream of Space Flight
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe. Worst Case Scenario
The British Booksellers
One Perfect Couple
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars, The Light After the War
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness. The Paradise Problem
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
Sugar and Salt
Spirit of the Season
Sugar Plums for Dry Creek
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
Update to message #17: changing from doing my zodiac sign to doing both cycles so my goal changed from 8 to 10Progress: 0/10
I am going to sign up for the Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 + My Zodiac sign - 6 books. Will try to do more though.
I'm in for 12!Progress: 12/12
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
Strangers to Ourselves: Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us by Rachel Aviv
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too by Jenni Schaefer
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
Zama by Antonio di Benedetto
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
X by Davey Davis
Unraveled by Lauren Dane
Cool! Sign me up for 3 books please.
I want to do this. I need to plan my reading and then post what I would like to do. I hope to read at least 30 books for the Quarter.
Oh, that's a fun one. I will sign up for 10 and see how it goes.
Completed!10/10
Mar 6 to Apr 5 → 🐇 Rabbit 🐇 → Wood 🌲
🌲 Wood 🌲
Season: Spring
Associated with: birth, growth, flexibility, movement and wind
Color: Green
Body: basic body functions
Direction: East
Planet: Jupiter
Taste: Sour
Symbol: Azure Dragon
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book involving movement
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that examines hate or prejudice
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book that features parent-child relationships
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book set in autumn
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book with black on the cover
I would like to join for 10 books please7/10 completed
Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement. Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist DONE
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice. The Reformatory DONE
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title. The Way Home: Two Novellas from the World of The Last Unicorn
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships. The Soup Has Many Eyes: From Shtetl to Chicago - One Family's Journey Through History
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title. First Grave on the Right DONE
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water. Snow Falling on Cedars
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America DONE
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs. A Monster Calls DONE
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard DONE
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal. Nettle & Bone DONE
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
HI ! Update to message #19: 4/10, thanks !
Welcome to all of you and good luck with becoming balance masters! ☯️I hope you will have fun and I loved reading through all of your posts and looking at the choices you made as to how to achieve perfect balance of your elements! 🌱🌊🔥🔧🌲
(I was also really happy to read that multiple of you found the concept of this challenge intriguing :) - When we studied Chinese medicine in university I found it super interesting - which is why I wanted to research more about it and its origins and created this challenge.)
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
General Stats
27 Signed Up
📚 34/341 books read (10 %) 📚
☯️-Novice: 22
☯️-Apprentice: 3
☯️-Mentor: 1
☯️-Expert: 1
☯️-Master:
Multiple people already making great progess!
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
Balance is the perfect state of still water. Let that be our model. It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface. - Confucius
Update to Message #8: 5/10
Update to message#19 - 5/10Thanks!
Please update message 28 1/3
controlling cycle Fire 🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
Planet Mars
Robot wars #1
Update to message #19 : 6/10Thanks!
Updating message #334/10 completed
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard DONE
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal. Nettle & Bone DONE
New update - great progress already - I hope you are having fun! ☯️🌱🌊🔥🔧🌲
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
General Stats
27 Signed Up
📚 51/341 books read (15 %) 📚
☯️-Novice: 19
☯️-Apprentice: 2
☯️-Mentor: 5
☯️-Expert: 1
☯️-Master:
⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️⚖️
Balance is the perfect state of still water. Let that be our model. It remains quiet within and is not disturbed on the surface. - Confucius
Update to Message 6:4/8
🌱 Earth 🌱
The Vanishing Season by Dot Hutchison
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris (cover)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
update to message #17: 6/18I am adding my Zodiac sign as well as both cycles so my new goal has been updated from 10 to 18 and I completed one more to make 6 completed books.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Conductors (other topics)Blacktop Wasteland (other topics)
Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation (other topics)
Rebecca (other topics)
The Death of Vivek Oji (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Nancy Warren (other topics)Salla Simukka (other topics)
Jenn McKinlay (other topics)
Franz Kafka (other topics)
Denise Hunter (other topics)
More...
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024
In traditional Chinese culture, there are Five Elements -- Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Each element generates one of the others, strengthening it, while controlling or weakening another. This forms a never ending, balanced circle, the yin and yang. This challenge offers you two ways to balance it out.
▪ Prompt-based: follow the prompts for Generating and/or Controlling Cycles
▪ Open-ended: read books related to your Zodiac Sign's element
To join, post a message telling the challenge leader how many books you plan to read. If you are new to our group and/or our group challenges, you can learn more about how they work in this thread.
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Generating Cycle: 🌲 → 🔥 → 🌱 → 🔧 → 🌊 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …
Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.
Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness.
Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.
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Zodiac Signs: Read books related to your lucky element and its characteristics.
Birthday → Zodiac Sign → Element
Dec 6 to Jan 5 → 🐀 Rat 🐀 → Water 🌊
Jan 6 to Feb 3 → 🐂 Ox 🐂 → Earth 🌱
Feb 4 to Mar 5 → 🐅 Tiger 🐅 → Wood 🌲
Mar 6 to Apr 5 → 🐇 Rabbit 🐇 → Wood 🌲
Apr 6 to May 5 → 🐉 Dragon 🐉 → Earth 🌱
May 6 to June 5 → 🐍 Snake 🐍 → Fire 🔥
June 6 to July 5 → 🐎 Horse 🐎 → Fire 🔥
July 6 to Aug 5 → 🐏 Sheep 🐏 → Earth 🌱
Aug 6 to Sept 5 → 🐒 Monkey 🐒 → Metal 🔧
Sept 6 to Oct 5 → 🐓 Rooster 🐓 → Metal 🔧
Oct 6 to Nov 5 → 🐕 Dog 🐕 → Earth 🌱
Nov 6 to Dec 5 → 🐖 Pig 🐖 → Water 🌊
🌲 Wood 🌲
Season: Spring
Associated with: birth, growth, flexibility, movement and wind
Color: Green
Body: basic body functions (self-regulating, without conscious thought, e.g. respiration, heartbeat)
Direction: East
Planet: Jupiter
Taste: Sour
Symbol: Azure Dragon
🔥 Fire 🔥
Season: Summer
Associated with: heat, enthusiasm, warmth/passion in human relationships, hate
Color: Red
Body: functions with maximum activity (decline is inevitable, e.g. the heart, the circulation system)
Direction: South
Planet: Mars
Taste: Bitter
Symbol: Vermillion Bird
🌱 Earth 🌱
Season: Change of Seasons / Transformation
Associated with: harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships, stability/reliability, logic, governed by duty to others
Color: Yellow
Body: digestive system, sense of taste
Direction: Center
Planet: Saturn
Taste: Sweet
Symbol: Yellow Dragon or birds that prefer the comfort of the earth
🔧 Metal 🔧
Season: Autumn
Associated with: Gravity, minerals, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity and magnetism; has a structure but can adapt new forms by melting, reforming; determined, forceful, unyielding, self-reliant, reserved
Color: White
Body: Lungs, respiratory system, nose
Direction: West
Planet: Venus
Taste: Spicy
Symbol: White Tiger
🌊 Water 🌊
Season: Winter
Associated with: quiet, cold, the resting time of winter; source of life, silent and still, flexible, can nourish and cleanse, but also destroy
Color: Blue/Black
Body: fluid that maintains the health of every cell (skeletal and excretory system, kidney and bodily fluids)
Direction: North
Planet: Mercury
Taste: Salty
Symbol: Black Tortoise and Deer
Thanks to Lina and Lisa for creating this challenge, and to Lina for offering to lead it!