Happy New Year as we head into 2026, the year of the Fire Horse!
A fire horse year signifies a rare, powerful period of rapid change, passion, and bold action, combining the Horse’s natural energy (speed, freedom, ambition) with the Fire element’s intensity, leading to innovation, personal growth, but requiring balanced ambition to avoid …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/happy-new-year-5/
Here we are at the turn of the year. It is the winter solstice and once again we are facing a new virus variant that they say is more transmissible than the previous strains. Will we never be rid of this disease? Nearly three years of sickness, death, disruption, threats,and travel bans. We are all …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/be-here-now/
I am reminded almost daily, that not everything associated with Chado is glamorous or beautiful. The other day I was sifting damp ash for the ro and making a mess of it. While making damp ash occurs in heat of summer, by the time November comes around, my ash has dried somewhat and clumped together. …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/this-glamorous-and-beautiful-tea-life/
During koicha temae, the teishu asks the shokyaku “Ofukukagen wa ikaga desu ka?” How is the tea. Of course out of politeness, it is always “Kekko desu, or Taihen kekko desu” It is good and sufficient. But we need honest feedback in order to improve how we make koicha. One of my students told me …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/making-good-bowl-koicha/
This year, I have several students who have put on a chakai or are planning to put on chakai for guests. It takes a lot of planning and effort to do this, and yes a lot of courage to do it. From the beginning to just decide to host a gathering is kind of a …
Permanent link to this article: https://issoantea.com/chakai-planning-2017/
