Yin and Yang – The Balance of Energies
January 31, 2009 – 9:25 am
Taijitu - Yin and Yang
At the root of Feng Shui is the Taijitu, also known as the Yin and Yang symbol. In simplest terms, consider this symbol as representative of the balance of complementary energies. Like all energy, it is in constant motion and interdependent on everything around itself.
Yin, the black portion of the symbol represents the feminine aspect; Yang, the male aspect. Just as human life cannot exist without both, all things contain this balance within themselves. They are complementary. The black portion contains a white circle, the white contains a black circle. This means that each exists within the other.
Think about day and night. Day cannot exist without night, night without day. Both are interdependent, cycling back and forth into each other in our ever changing universe. As we move from winter into spring, daylight, Yang, increases and Yin decreases. This will change in June and again in December, an ever changing cycle of Yin and Yang.
|
Yang |
Yin |
| Sky | Earth |
| Day | Night |
| Sun | Moon |
| Light | Shade |
| Activity | Rest |
| Motion | Stillness |
| Expansion | Contraction |
| Above | Below |
| High | Low |
| Upward | Downward |
| Firm | Soft |
| Hot | Cold |
| Hard | Soft |
| Fire | Water |
| Father | Mother |
| Son | Daughter |
| Front | Back |
| Top | Bottom |
| Sweet | Sour |
| Angry | Sad |
Understanding this balancing act allows us to interpret our surroundings from a new perspective of balance. Think about the worst place you’ve ever visited. Chances are it was too Yin or too Yang. Desserts can be too sweet. Rooms can be too dark or too bright, too open or too cluttered. People can be overly angry or overly sad. Children can be hyperactive or underactive. These are all applications of the Yin and Yang principles because all demonstrate things out of balance.
To live a life of peace and harmony, health and prosperity, the key is to first find balance among all aspects.
