Once upon a time, long, long ago, Mother Earth looked up into the sparkling eyes and dazzling smile of Father Heaven and fell deeply in love. Father Heaven gazed down upon Mother Earth’s sensuous curves and alluring beauty; and he, too, fell in love. They wrapped their arms around each other and became the Tao, the Way; the marriage of Heaven and Earth; the eternal loving union of the visible and invisible worlds.

Soon, their firstborn arrived. Her parents recognized her luminous tranquility as the sign of a healer, and named her Chinese Medicine. Being her mother’s daughter, she embodied the soothing serenity that could restore the natural balance of every person, animal, plant, and mineral on Earth. Being her father’s daughter, she inspired every heart to fully open and flower, making all healing possible. And from the moment Chinese Medicine was born, she could return even the most burdened souls to their true lightness of being.

Mother Earth and Father Heaven’s second child was born with light blazing from her amber eyes, the sign of a teacher. They named her I Ching, meaning “to transform.” Being her mother’s daughter, she embodied the graceful ability to reveal the unique gifts in every person, animal, plant, and mineral on Earth. Being her father’s daughter, she could illuminate every heart, making fluency in loving-kindness possible. And from the moment I Ching was born, she could teach even the clumsiest of souls the flowing dance of their true selves.

When the third child entered the world, her parents recognized her keen interest in her surroundings as the sign of an environmental healer. They named her Feng Shui, meaning “wind and water.” Being her mother’s daughter, she embodied the magical practicality that could breathe new life into the habitats of every person, animal, plant, and mineral on Earth. Being her father’s daughter, she lightened every heart, expanding the continuum of love in all directions. And from the moment Feng Shui was born, she could guide even the most lost of souls home.

Like their parents, the Three Sisters were inseparable and loved to share their gifts with each other. Chinese Medicine inspired her siblings with the healing songs and poems from the hearts of tiny birds, mighty trees, and people of every race. I Ching choreographed enchanting dances to further bring the healing songs and poems to life, and Feng Shui created fanciful sets for their magical improvisations.

One day, Mother Earth and Father Heaven called their three daughters to them and gave them each a garment. “These are the robes you’ll wear when you cross from the East to the West,” said Mother Earth. “Your Father and I have woven them equally from the threads of Earth and Heaven to guide and illuminate your Way.”

Father Heaven embraced his daughters and said, “Your Mother and I have also sewn the seeds of transformation into the hems of your robes. As you move through the world, they’ll be planted along the Way.” They wrapped Chinese Medicine in a jade green robe, intricately embellished with long silver threads and imbued with the luminous essence of tranquility. I Ching was gently draped in an ivory silk robe covered with hearts of spun gold and adorned with the bright flames of clarity. And they enfolded Feng Shui in a robe colorfully embroidered with waterfalls, forests, and temples and infused with the sweet elixir of joy.

The Sisters made their way to the West, where they now offer their gifts to you. They recognize you as a love child of Mother Earth and Father Heaven, connected heart to heart with all other beings. They embrace you as their brother or sister and honor the unique part you play in the circle of life. And in the spirit of the Tao, the Three Sisters celebrate the Way that is your way and the gifts you bring into the world.

And so it is and always shall be.