Fen Shui : Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang represent complementary opposites. Everything can be expressed in terms of Yin and Yang balance, including objects, colors, moods, and so on. In essence, Yin is passive and Yang is active. In Feng Shui, a dynamic balance of Yin and Yang is required in an environment - sometimes more Yin, sometimes more Yang, as mood and function dictate. You will know when you have reached the right balance - the space will feel comfortable and attuned to your needs.

For example, a bedroom should be more Yin than Yang. It should be cosy, nurturing, stable and still. Use low lighting, soft, silky or velvety furnishings, curved patterns, muted or dark colors and furniture that is less than half the room's height. Avoid TVs, radios and fans and too much company.

In an office, this would be inappropriate. Offices need to be far more Yang - stimulating, noisy and active. Use bright lights, hard, shiny surfaces, large-scale furniture, bright colours, solid or vertically striped fabrics, fans, swivel chairs and plenty of people.

Attributes of Yin & Yang as per the ancient Chinese writings are:  

Yin                                        Yang                              

Dark                                      Light

Dim                                       Bright                              

Moves up                               Moves down

Even numbers                         Odd numbers                   

Nourishing                              Generating

Passive                                  Active                             

Stillness                                 Movement

In present day dispensation, we can classify more liberally as follows:

YIN is                                                                           YANG is

1.       black                                                                      white  

2.       dark                                                                        light 

3.       muted                                                                     bright 

4.       curved                                                                     straight 

5.       dimly lit                                                                   brightly lit 

6.       moist                                                                      dry 

7.       low                                                                         high     

8.       quiet                                                                       loud 

9.       soft                                                                         hard 

10.   horizontal, sinking                                                    vertical, rising

11.   empty                                                                     full 

12.   decreasing, reducing, shrinking                                 growing, expanding 

13.   hidden                                                                     exposed 

14.   earthy                                                                     urbane 

15.   traditional                                                                innovative 

16.   cool                                                                        warm 

17.   still                                                                         moving 

18. odourous                                                                 fragrant