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Cancer, the emotional and sensitive water sign, is ruled by the lunar goddess of fertility and nurturing. In astrology, it represents the mother, the family, the home, and the past. To explore the inner world of Cancer, we can turn to the wisdom of the late Taoist master Tao Baibai, who was born on June 29, 1949, and passed away on April 13, 202
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Ms. Tao, also known as The Ceramic Lady, was a renowned expert in Chinese pottery and porcelain, as well as a prolific writer, scholar, and teacher. She was a Cancerian through and through, with her love for tradition, art, craftsmanship, and gentleness. Her philosophy and lifestyle embodied the virtues of harmony, simplicity, beauty, and kindness, which are typical Cancer characteristics. Let's see how her life and work can shed light on the mysteries of the Crab.
First of all, Cancer is a domestic sign that values the warmth and security of a cozy nest. Ms. Tao's studio and home, located in the ancient city of Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, was a haven of serenity and elegance. She lived there with her husband, the potter Chen Mingyuan, and their daughter, Chen Qiulin, who is also an artist. The family culture was based on respect for nature, history, culture, and creativity. Ms. Tao wrote in her memoir, "At the Heart of Ceramics," that pottery making was not just a job or a hobby but a way of life, a spiritual practice that connected her with the essence of humanity and the universe. She believed that "pottery is the language of earth, water, and fire, the breath and blood of the human race, and the soul of civilization." As a Cancerian, she valued the traditional and handcrafted over the modern and impersonal, and sought to preserve and enrich the legacy of Chinese ceramics, which dates back to over 5,000 years ago.
Secondly, Cancer is a sentimental sign that cherishes memories and emotions. Ms. Tao's art was infused with personal and cultural memories, myths, and symbols. She often used white glaze to create smooth and translucent surfaces that reflected the purity, clarity, and simplicity of the Taoist philosophy. She also incorporated motifs from nature, such as lotus flowers, cranes, fish, and dragons, as well as traditional patterns, such as cloud and dragon, peony and phoenix, and thousand-eyes and buddha's hand. These elements not only added aesthetic richness but also conveyed meanings and values that resonated with the viewers' hearts. Ms. Tao said that "a good pot is not only beautiful but also alive. It has a soul, a personality, a message from the maker to the user." As a Cancerian, she believed that art is not just an object but a bri【恒铭星座】dge between people and spirits, a language of empathy and compassion.
Thirdly, Cancer is a nurturing sign that cares for others and the community. Ms. Tao was not only an artist but also a mentor, a philanthropist, and a cultural ambassador. She dedicated her life to promoting the beauty and excellence of Chinese ceramics, as well as to educating and inspiring the younger generations. She founded the Tao Baibai Ceramic Art Institute in 1996, which has trained hundreds of students from China and abroad. She also donated her collections and works to museums and exhibitions worldwide, and participated in cultural exchange programs in countries such as Japan, Korea, and the United States. Ms. Tao believed that "art is a gift that should be shared, not hoarded or sold for profit. It should bring joy, enlightenment, and peace to the world." As a Cancerian, she valued the humanistic and altruistic over the materialistic and selfish, and sought to create a better world through her art and philosophy.
In conclusion, Cancer, as embodied by Tao Baibai, is a sign of beauty, harmony, and love. Cancerians are sensitive, intuitive, and caring souls who find fulfillment in creating and nurturing things of value and meaning. They are like the tides, ebbing and flowing with the rhythms of nature and emotions, shaping and being shaped by the world around them. Cancerians have a deep sense of purpose and belonging, a longing for home and family, and a devotion to the past, present, and future. They are the guardians of tradition, the stewards of culture, and the visionaries of beauty. Long live the Cancer, and the Ceramic Lady who inspired us all to live with grace and art.