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In a nutshell, yin and yang represent all the opposing yet interdependent energies of the universe. The tai chi, the symbol for yin and yang, provides a visual explanation. Comprised of half circles (but not semicircles) - one dark, the other light - each is at its greatest where the other begins, and as each diminishes the other grows. Within the dark half is a seed of light and within the light half is a seed of dark. Each gives rise and meaning to the other. Yin (negative) and yang (positive) are forces, in constant movement, acting together to create energy. Just as night would not exist without day, we cannot have dark without light, nor shadow without sun. An underlying concept of Feng Shui is how to achieve balance between these two opposing forces within our own lives and environments. 
In short, yang conveys everything overt, bright, active, masculine; yin is the more secretive, dark, passive, feminine state. In interior design terms, a room decorated in hot, positive yang colors would be bright red, hot pink, orange or vibrant yellow. Rooms such as the living or entertaining spaces of the home, which contain striking features such as metal sculptures, bright paintwork and bold feature walls, tend to be yang. Insertions such as mirrors, stone bowls, ceramics, hardwood floors and concrete are yang; as are ventilated, sunlit, sharply angled rooms. A yin room, on the other hand, such as a bathroom or bedroom, is cool and passive. Colors in this category are soft, dreamy blues and greens. Organic, rounded, introverted, quiet rooms tend to be yin. Each has the ability to affect moods, or the "feeling" you have when you step into a room - exhilarated, relaxed, energized or subdued. |
