And why would we want to do that? Because the Greek Hermes Trismegistus was right when he said: “As above, so too below”. Meaning, the mind must have something to chew on, and mowing on masterful concepts like harmony is a great trick to achieving equalibrium. If we focus upon the yin yang symbol, our consciousness tends to move into a construct. This is what makes us each diverse, unique and dynamic. Most of us straddle that line between being complete jerks to being cotton-candy-cupids. Most of us walk that thin line in-between. On the flip-side, we all have capacity for extraordinary destruction. Each of us has the capacity to achieve endless greatness. We can employ this symbol to help us understand the duality of nature…the duality of ourselves. Individual Properties of Yin Yang Symbols Yin To aid in understanding the properties belonging to each side of the yin yang symbol, here are a few key energies associated with each half of the whole.
Learn more about symbolic circle meaning here. In the case of yin yang, the circle embraces all things from sun to moon. So whatever is found within the circle is graced with the energy intended with the ring. What’s more, the circle binds that which it encloses. Circles. They seem pretty simple and unassuming, but the circle is a giant symbol that is incredibly profound. It’s a perfect sign for balance, harmony and moderation.Īnother keen aspect to this symbol is found in the basics. The yin yang symbol is all about finding unity amidst duality. It’s a very Zen thing, but it’s a great concept to meditate upon. So the next time you come across the yin yang symbol, pay special attention to those wee little dots in the waves of obsolete, and realize there is no obsolete. In other words, the concept of black and white and all things separated in that matter is not the case. In essence…even though polarity is the rule, the exception is that it is not exclusive. There are always hues that flavor each moment. Furthermore, no moment is 100% day or night, light or dark, life or death. We cannot have elation without a tear of sorrow in the midst of it. Like Johnny Cash and his kicks against the pricks. But I’m not so naive to dismiss the presence of an edge in every moment.
Of course, I believe in positive thinking…and I think affirmations sculpt our lives in positive ways. Why? Because I’m not much of a Pollyanna. Likewise, the black dot in the wave of white implies there is a dark tinge, even in the lightest environment. The white dot in a wave of black says that even in the darkest hour, there exists light (even if not seen). But the yin yang recognizes an allowance. It say there can absolutely not be one side without the other. The law of polarity can be extremely harsh and rigid.
But what about those little dots on each side? Those dots get me jazzed. This symbol perfectly illustrates the crucial law of polarity. Back to my claim about the yin yang being the coolest metaphor for existence. Essentially, this law says that for every one energy, there is always going to be the opposite energy. I’ve written about the influence on the symbolism and the law of polarity here, if you’re interested in learning more. One of these rules is the law of polarity. My point is this: There’s just gotta be rules that keep us grounded and well-rounded. Not a pretty proposition, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. Without it, we’d all be chaotically careening about. There are several laws that bind us so we and everything else can live, beathe, etc. Okay, so if I’m going to place such super importance on this symbol, I should probably explain further.Īll of life (whether here on earth, or out in space) functions according to Natural Laws. I guess that’s more than cool…it’s pretty revolutionary if you think about it. I think the coolest concept behind the yin yang is that it is a great metaphor for all existence. For example, some views hold that evil results from an imbalance in Yin and Yang, and good comes from the two being in harmonic balance. A great deal of Chinese philosophy stems from the concept of yin and yang – opposites interacting and supposedly the seed of all things. In a nutshell, Chinese yin yang symbols represent perfect balance.