The Year of the Green Wood Snake, which starts January 29th, 2025 to February 2026, holds particular significance for those who practice Tai Chi and Qigong due to the snake’s symbolic qualities within traditional Chinese philosophy. In Chinese astrology, the Snake is associated with wisdom, introspection, and spiritual growth. These traits align well with the core principles of Tai Chi and Qigong, which emphasize inner calm, self-awareness, and the cultivation of vital energy (Qi). As practitioners move through the Year of the Snake, they may focus on deepening their practice through introspective meditation and enhanced concentration, as these are the qualities most connected to the Snake’s essence.
Furthermore, the Snake is a symbol of transformation and renewal. In the world of Qigong and Tai Chi, the concept of fluid movement and the constant flow of energy mirrors this transformative power. Just as the Snake sheds its skin, practitioners can view the year as an opportunity to shed old habits, mental blockages, and stagnant energy, making space for personal and spiritual evolution. The serpentine, undulating movements in Tai Chi, as well as the mindful breathing and energy circulation in Qigong, reflect the Snake’s graceful yet potent nature. During this time, individuals may find themselves particularly attuned to personal healing and energetic recalibration.
Lastly, the Snake is often linked to the idea of patience and strategy. Tai Chi and Qigong are martial arts that require practitioners to move slowly, with careful intention, and to understand the deeper aspects of body mechanics and energy flow. The Snake’s association with deliberate action and planning encourages practitioners to slow down and refine their technique, cultivating greater precision and harmony in their movements. For those following the lunar cycle, the Year of the Snake may offer an auspicious time to refine one’s practice, focus on mastery, and embody the deeper philosophical teachings that are central to these disciplines.
The easy answer is ANYTIME !!! Classes are easy to follow and taught in a way that you’ll catch on quick! Try it and see! Our Qigong classes are very popular. We will have limited Drop-Ins and 4-packs (a set of 4 classes) available. They sell-out fast !!! To avoid disappointment, we recommend signing up as soon as registration opens on August 7th.
Refund Policies – Video Policies – In-Person Covid Policies – On-Zoom Policies – Waiver 2022
REFUND POLICIES
1) Requests must be submitted in writing by email and is effective the date of the email.
2) Refunds will not be given after the 3rd class unless it is for medical reasons.
3) If you must stop class because you have contracted Covid 19 please contact us immediately.
4) Refunds provided will be calculated in the following manner – Classes already taken will be converted to a Drop-In Rate of $15.00/class, plus an added administration fee of $10.00. The balance will be refunded and sent to you by Interac or by mail.
5) Please note that if locations close due to Covid restrictions then all classes will continue on Zoom.
6) Some In-Person locations have special event days where all classes will either be On-Zoom or In-Person at an alternate location. No credit for class missed will be provided.
VIDEO POLICIES
Whether On-Zoom or In-Person the registered student understands that the North Shore Tai Chi Spirit & Chinese Health Qigong organization has a strict no-video-of-the-Instructor or the Assistants without express written consent. Additionally, all students agree that any videos sent to them by the Instructor are for “your eyes only” and should never be shared with any other person or posted, in full or in part, on the Internet.
IN-PERSON COVID POLICIES (as of April 2022)
North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit & Chinese Health Qigong wants to create a safe place for indoor tai chi and qigong group practice. Many of our classes are both In-Person and On-Zoom at the same time.
In accordance with the Provincial Health Authority wearing a mask will be a personal choice at this time. However, we will continue to require that all In-Person students practice social distancing.
If a shut-down to all In-Person classes is mandated by the Provincial Health Authority, then all classes will continue on Zoom. No credit will be given to students unless they do not have adequate access to the Internet.
ON-ZOOM POLICIES
IN-PERSON OPTIONS FOR ZOOM
Anyone signing up for In-Person classes will always have the option to be on Zoom where that option is available at that location. Some classes do not have the Zoom option.
Any In-Person registration means that you are guaranteed a spot in the class. When and if the need arises: if you are not feeling well , if you are out-of-town, or if you are running late; On-Zoom is an option for you.
WAIVER FOR ALL STUDENTS
Thank you for your registration.
In registering for this class our Instructor assumes you have talked to your doctor before starting this health and fitness regime. If you have any medical conditions or physical concerns please participate at your own pace and also let your Instructor know by emailing taichispirit@shaw.ca.
Agreement of Release and Waiver of Liability:
I (referring to the student, the undersigned) voluntarily supply my contact information so that representatives of the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit (& Chinese Health Qigong) can contact me regarding class changes, cancellations, course updates, and tuition reminders, and special event updates. Participation in tai chi & qigong classes involves exercise. Exercise can result in accidents or injuries. I assume the risk connected with participation in tai chi & qigong classes and represent that I am insufficiently good health and condition and do not suffer from any physical or mental impairment which would put me or anyone at risk of injury while receiving tai chi & qigong instruction from representatives of the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit. I understand that North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit is a management company only. All Instructors represent themselves. I specifically agree that the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit, the general manager, volunteers, and instructor(s) of any In-Person or Zoom classes I am participating in, and/or his associates, shall not be held liable for any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind, resulting from or related to my use of the facilities or instruction.
I have read the above release and waiver of liability, as well as the refund policies, On-Zoom policies, In-Person policies, Covid policies, and fully understand their contents. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above. I verify that all answers in my Registration are true.
