What is Yin-Yang
Yin-Yang (陰陽) is the fundamental concept of Taoism, and the guiding principle of Chinese philosophy. It is deep rooted in Chinese science, medicine, astrology, calendar, Feng-Shui, martial arts, and many more.
Yin is the black area of the Yin-Yang symbol, means overcast or negative literally. Yang is the white area of the symbol, means sunlight or positive literally. Yin-Yang represents opposite qualities or traits in all phenomenon and beings. For example,
The Yin-Yang Symbol
Yin represents dark, cold, negative, empty,
even number, female, etc.
The entire circle symbolizes Tai-Chi (太極), the universe.
In summary, Yin-Yang concept is that everything in nature has two
opposite aspects, they are intertwined and bonded, their force induces
and complements each otherís existence, and they keep each other
balanced and in harmony
Five Elements (五行) refer to Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth (水火木金土).
In ancient time, they were identified as the
5 basic elements of all beings in the universe. Each element has unique
quality of creating or supporting another element, as well as the
quality of destroying or weakening yet another element. Such as water
can make wood grow (creation) and can put out fire (destruction).
In the study of Calendar Science in ancient China, these elements were weighted for their strength and weakness during each of the four seasons. For example, Wood is the strongest in spring, Fire is the strongest in summer, Earth is the strongest during the season transitions, and so forth. The characteristics of each element, its strength, and compatibility with other elements are fundamental and critical in Chinese Astrology and Horoscope.
Yin-Yang, 5 Elements and Chinese Zodiac
Of the 12 zodiac animals in order, all the odd numbered animals are Yang and the even numbered animals are Yin. That is,
Yang: (1) Rat, (3) Tiger, (5) Dragon, (7) Horse, (9) Monkey, (11) Dog
Yin: (2) Ox, (4) Rabbit, (6) Snake, (8) Sheep, (10) Rooster, (12) Pig
The Yin-Yang concept along with the 5-Element composition heavily influences the zodiac analysis. The reading of your zodiac animal describes your personality, traits and compatibility, and when adding the zodiac characteristics of the future years to come, it will present you the trend of your fate.
Read The Legend of Chinese Zodiac for the story behind Yin-Yang assignment.
To learn more about Yin-Yang symbol, go to Chinese Fortune Calendarís Yin Yang. Or to learn more about the basics of 5-Element, and how to be a lucky person by keeping your 5 elements in balance, go to Chinese Fortune Calendarís 5E Basic.
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