How to Drink Tea As An Animist: What Is Hui Gan?
From Mandarin, Hui Gan (回甘) translates as “returning sweetness”. It’s the finish (much like what’s experienced in fine wines) that is both a sensation and a flavor that is left on the palate after Tea is consumed. With Teas with strong Hui Gan, the finish can be sensed beyond the mouth, and can spill over onto your entire body. In my animist work, I see Hui Gan less as a “finish” or aftertaste, and more as an afterglow, or simply how the specific Tea says until we meet again.
HOW DOES BEING TEA DRUNK FEEL?
From spiritual and energetic perspectives, being tea drunk is often associated with being over-filled with Cha Qi, the life force of the plant or the plant’s spirit. When channeling 'cha qi' in both body and spirit, I've observed it to be highly suitable for creative and intuitive work.