12/21/2025
I’m kicking off my series Seeing Patriarchy / Seeding Matriarchy today, the solstice, this first day of winter, the shortest day of the year.
We begin with the idea of fear not because it feels prescient on the cusp of 2026 (after this year), but because this is a seasonal endeavor. And winter is where we start.
In the five-element theory of Chinese medicine, winter is associated with Water and the emotion associated with Water is fear.
Traditionally, the Water element is linked to wisdom, depth, and ancestral qi. And yes, it still is. But the way I understand and work with the elements has shifted over the past few years.
Because structurally, what do those words actually mean?
Water is lineage.
Curiosity.
Fluidity of mind.
Depth not as something to fear, but as something that stabilizes us — grounding us not just to the earth, but deep into our genetic roots. When I look into the deep dark abyss of the sea, I see millennia of those who came before me.
And as I began working with the elements at this structural level, I couldn’t unsee how they are distorted under patriarchy.
Water, when distorted, becomes fear as the primary driver: after all, fear *is* the emotion of Water.
But fear was never meant to be weaponized. It’s meant to guide collective survival. It’s mean to help us sense conditions. It’s meant to move us toward what sustains life.
When fear is twisted into isolation and disconnection, you can see exactly where patriarchy begins, by corrupting the very things that feel most true in our bodies.
If this stirs something, I’m writing more over on my brand new Substack! Come read along. This is a seasonal journey, and winter is only the beginning.
Click this link in my bio to read the full essay: https://open.substack.com/pub/proofof/p/fear-as-atmosphere-and-isolation?r=bhcmh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=post-publish
