Trailer | The Moon and the Toad episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 1, 2026 · 1 MIN

Trailer | The Moon and the Toad

from Living the Tao-A Spiritual Podcast · host Mikel Steenrod

Before the Jade Rabbit became the dominant symbol of the moon, another creature occupied the lunar imagination of ancient China—the mysterious Three-Legged Moon Toad. In this subscriber-only episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores one of the oldest and most overlooked symbols associated with Yin. Beginning with the children's tale of Jip Jip, the moon toad who gradually consumes the moon before laying an egg and beginning the cycle anew, the discussion expands into classical Taoist symbolism, lunar mythology, fertility, regeneration, and the evolution of religious storytelling. Along the way, listeners will discover: The myth of Jip Jip and the Three-Legged Moon Toad Why the moon became one of the primary symbols of Yin The relationship between the Moon Toad, Chang'e, and the Jade Rabbit How myths change as cultures and religions evolve The role of historical context in understanding Taoist texts Classical perspectives on regeneration, fertility, and cyclical existence Blending mythology, history, symbolism, and Taoist philosophy, this episode reveals how a forgotten lunar creature can illuminate some of the oldest ideas in the Taoist tradition. Unlock the full episode now on Supercast.  Subscribe now at  https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

Long before the Jade Rabbit became the moon’s most famous resident, Chinese mythology spoke of a Three-Legged Moon Toad. In this subscriber-only episode, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the myth of Jip Jip, the symbolism of Yin, the evolution of lunar mythology, and how understanding these older stories can deepen our understanding of classical Taoism. From Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit to fertility, regeneration, and cyclical existence, this episode uncovers one of the most fascinating and overlooked symbols in Chinese spiritual tradition.

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Trailer | The Moon and the Toad

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This episode was published on June 1, 2026.

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Before the Jade Rabbit became the dominant symbol of the moon, another creature occupied the lunar imagination of ancient China—the mysterious Three-Legged Moon Toad. In this subscriber-only episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod...

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