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Introduction:
Ying and yang are the feminine and masculine qualities within both ourselves, others, in nature, and all around us. These two terms help us to determine if the energy in something is stagnant or energetic, passive or active, quiet or loud, too weak or too strong, nurturing or oppressive. In that vein, this is a quick reference guide that helps break down which elements fall into what category and why. Please understand that this is within the seasonal context and that additional factors change things. An example being a still lake is ying yet a roaring waterfall is yang.
Ying:
Yin or ying is the feminine white half.
Yang:
As yang is the masculine black half.
Wood:
Wood grows, branches out, ascends. Wood is the young yang chi. The rambunctious child who kicks off the beginning of the cycle, Spring.
Fire:
Fire blazes, dances, spreads. Fire is the mature yang chi. The child becomes an adult as we move from spring into early Summer.
Earth:
It is on earth that all other elements dwell. Earth is seen as neutral within the context of the cycle. It takes no sides. Earth is the transitional element. This kicks off late Summer.
Metal:
Metal is cold, austere, and nurturing with the minerals it provides. Metal is young ying chi. The elegant quiet child of Autumn.
Water:
Water can be stagnant like a lake, nurturing to life which requires it, cool and refreshing. Water is mature yin chi. Fully grown yin becomes Winter.
Reference:
Creating Luminous Spaces by Maureen K Calamia
[PG 53-58]