Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang represent two opposite but complementary principles that are used metaphorically to describe the nature and evolution of all things. "Yin" represents all that is dark, internal, receptive, intuitive and contracting. "Yang" represents all that is bright, external, linear, active and expanding. Nothing in the world is either totally yin or totally yang. For example, we may call a room yin if it is painted a dark color; we may call it yang if a lot of activity takes place there. Both can be true at the same time.
Five Elements
In Chinese tradition there are five elements, as opposed to the four elements used in the West. In both systems, the underlying premise is that archetypes based on nature can help us to better understand the world around us.
The element Fire is associated with joy, excitement, activity and warmth. To enhance the fire element in space, introduce candles or lamps, strings of lights, fresh cut flowers, the color red, and joyful or uplifting images.
The element Earth is associated with loyalty, stability, community and the ability to nurture both self and others. To enhance the earth element in a space, introduce heavy or square objects, houseplants, family heirlooms, and earth tones.
The element Metal is associated with discipline, restraint, structure, morality and objectivity. To enhance the metal element in a space, introduce furniture or accoutrements made of metal, straight lines and the color white. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
The element Water is associated with wisdom, intuition, vision and emotional clarity. To enhance the water element in a space, introduce a fish bowl or circulating fountain, curving lines, the colors dark blue and black and images of waterfalls, lakes or wintertime.
The element Wood is associated with creativity, growth, expansion and openmindedness. To enhace the wood element in a space, introduce wood furniture or objects, trees and vines, the color green and images of birds, bees or springtime.
