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Yin Yang - What It Is and Symbols




In a nutshell, Chinese Yin Yang symbols represent perfect balance. Seemingly, the whole of Chinese philosophy stems from the concept of Yin and Yang - opposites interacting and supposedly the seed of all things. For example, evil results from an imbalance in Yin and Yang, and good comes from the two being in harmonic balance.

To aid in understanding the properties belonging to each side of the symbol, I have included the following table. Each property is beneath its corresponding Yin or Yan energy.

Yin and Yang Corresponding Energies



YinYang
DarkLight
MatterSpirit
EarthSky
FemaleMale
PassiveActive
TigerDragon
DownUp
NorthSouth
WaterFire
WinterSummer
ShadeSunlight
ReceptiveCreative
ValleysMountains
Even NumbersOdd Numbers
MoonSun
ColdHeat
DeathLife

The meaning of the characters for yin and yang, has more than just one connotation. Basically interpreted, yang means "sunny", so it corresponds to the day and more active functions. Whereas yin, means "shady", and corresponds to night and less active functions.
The following Yin Yang symbols and brief descritpions are shown for your reference and symbolic enjoyment...

Various Yin Yang Symbol Designs and Their Meanings


Classic Yin Yang Symbol
This is the basic Yin Yang symbol embroidered. As mentioned above, this symbol represents the primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Depicted as it is, it also outlines the necessity of balance in all things.

Yin Yang Lotus Symbol
The Yin Yang enclosed in the legendary lotus is a particularly powerful and balancing symbol. The Buddhist's all over the world recognize this Lotus as signifying the holy seat of the Buddha. To the Chinese it symbolizes ultimate purity and perfection because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud. The sacred lotus combined with the balancing acting of the Yin Yang make this a perfect point of focus for the body, mind and spirit.

Yin Yang Eye
An artistic spin on the traditional Yin Yang, this symbol represents our focus or view of balance - both internally and externally. This is a beautiful symbol expresses your vision for peace and balance.

Yin Yang Heart
Balance in our hearts and love in our lives is truly what makes the world go 'round. This traditional Yin Yang symbol in the form of a heart reminds us that love is one of the truest and dearest of virtues.
Source: http://www.whats-your-sign.com/yin-yang-symbols.html
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Comments

Anonymous said…
The Chinese culture is incredibly rich and full of wisdom. One can learn a lot from it. Our world is actually built on this balance between good and bag, light and dark, etc., so Yin Yang is the foundation of everything.
3:23 AM
penni d said…
Yin being female and of Earth makes it easy to see what influence some women may be under to understand them.
8:58 AM
Unknown said…
I Have heard of Yin Yang but never really knew what all it entailed before reading this article.
9:24 AM
Unknown said…
It's great to now know the differences between Yin-Yang. Thanks!
11:19 AM
Unknown said…
I have beforehand researched a little about Yin Yang as I always found the concept intriguing. It's nice to refresh my mind, I still love the symbolism!
1:23 PM
Anonymous said…
Maybe it's because I am a Pisces sun-sign but I can't help but see the yin and yang as very similar to the Pisces symbol of the two fish -- each going a separate direction. As a longtime student of the I Ching, the symbolism of yin and yang -- boiled down to its essence -- that I gain is that of the "feminine and masculine": The basis of creation.
2:09 PM
Nico said…
Thanks for this great article, I am confident that still most people don't understand the meaning and principle of Yin and Yang.
8:54 AM
Unknown said…
I liked the list of comparisons
8:50 PM
Unknown said…
I have always liked some of the differences in the Yin Yang symbols/
11:48 PM
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