The 24 solar terms of the Chinese farmer's calendar
Published on November 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Many people associate the Chinese calendar with the moon. For horoscopes and Feng Shui, however, the sun's path counts: it is divided into 24 sections of 15 degrees each, the solar terms of the farmer's calendar. They determine when a new month and a new year begin.
Twelve months, 24 sections
Each month consists of two sections: one that opens the month and one in the middle. The Tiger month begins with the start of spring around 4 February, the Rabbit month with the “awakening of insects” around 6 March. That is why a chart's month pillar does not change on the first of the month but on these dates.
Images from nature
The names describe what happens outside: rain water, clear brightness, grain rain, minor and major heat, white dew, cold dew, frost's descent, minor and major snow. They were a working calendar for sowing and harvest – and still show which energy is growing or retreating.
Meaning for planning and Feng Shui
With each new month the monthly flying stars change – areas of the home become more favourable or more burdened. Date selection also works with these boundaries. The days directly before a change of solar term are traditionally seen as transition days on which big starts are rather avoided.
The twelve month beginnings
The month boundaries in Ba Zi lie approximately here: start of spring 立春 (4 February, Tiger), awakening of insects 驚蟄 (6 March, Rabbit), clear and bright 清明 (5 April, Dragon), start of summer 立夏 (6 May, Snake), grain in ear 芒種 (6 June, Horse), minor heat 小暑 (7 July, Goat), start of autumn 立秋 (8 August, Monkey), white dew 白露 (8 September, Rooster), cold dew 寒露 (8 October, Dog), start of winter 立冬 (7 November, Pig), major snow 大雪 (7 December, Rat) and minor cold 小寒 (6 January, Ox).
Astronomy instead of lunar calendar
The solar terms follow only the position of the sun on its apparent path. The start of spring lies at 315° solar longitude, the spring equinox at 0°, the summer solstice at 90°. Because the calendar year is not exactly 365 days, the dates shift by up to one day. For births close to a boundary, the exact time of the transition decides the month pillar – our calculators use astronomical formulas rather than tables for this.
Living in the rhythm of the seasons
Traditional health cultivation (養生) uses the solar terms as reminders. With the start of winter it advises gathering strength, going to bed earlier and preferring warming food. With the start of spring it is time for new plans and more movement, in summer for meeting and expression, in autumn for order and letting go. You need not follow this strictly – but many find it helpful to align plans with the natural rhythm.
In practice: using the solar terms in your calendar
Enter the twelve month beginnings in your calendar. On these days the month pillar and monthly stars change – a good moment to check on the floor plan where the Five Yellow now stands and to plan appointments for the new month. In the Tong Shu almanac all solar terms are marked with their exact time, so you can see from when the new month applies.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the dates shift slightly each year?+
Because they depend on the sun's position, not the calendar page. The start of spring usually falls on 3, 4 or 5 February.
Does this have to do with Chinese New Year?+
Only indirectly. The New Year festival follows the moon and falls between late January and mid-February; the horoscope year starts firmly with the beginning of spring.
Where do I see the next solar term?+
The Tong Shu calendar lists all 24 terms; the “Today” view shows the next changes.
Why is the winter solstice so important?+
It marks the low point of yang and the beginning of its growth. In Qi Men the order changes here, and many families celebrate the 冬至 festival.
Do the solar terms apply in the southern hemisphere?+
For Ba Zi they are usually used unchanged. Some practitioners reverse the seasons – an open discussion between schools.