Understanding Yin Yang
The Balance of Energies in the Transition from Winter to Spring
Yin Yang is not limited to the black-and-white interplay of its symbolism but is instead a complex / eloquently simple way of explaining the shades of grey that exist between polarity.
Yin Yang: Beyond Black and White
If we were to look at Yin Yang Theory in terms of the seasonal movement from Winter to Spring we would be looking at it in terms of the transference of energies from the colour black (Winter / Yin ) to the colour white (Summer / Yang) with Spring placed as a progressively lightening shade of grey in between. Yin Yang explains the laws of creation and dissolution as they apply to all things.
The Seasonal Shift from Winter (Yin) to Spring (Yang)
Winter energies have been slowly giving way since their peak on the longest night of the winter solstice and the very moment the Spring energies began to grow. The two merge in their outgoing/incoming tide that peaks at the Vernal Equinox at the end of September / March depending on your hemisphere. At this point, the sun crosses over the celestial equator on its journey from North to South, and for a few moments we hover in neutral grey and the space between black and white.
Caution in Spring’s Vulnerability
Given that we are not in the bold light of Summer Spring, for best effect, should be taken deliberately slowly, and with a fair amount of caution. Snow still lies on the peaks and in the quiet places, winter holds some of her secrets close still. The ice sheets over the frozen lakes are thinning and one wrong step could mean a sudden and unexpected plunge. The ground remains slippery until it has fully dried in the sun, and a sudden storm can bring vast volumes of water tumbling into the valleys below because spring comes with a caveat - Newness is dangerous and only the brave will lower the winter shield.
At this crossover point, while we still exist a little below the oneness of Winters's inexhaustible cosmos, we also experience a powerful desire to recreate definition in the world above. We are in a transitory state between the unconscious formlessness of Winter and the conscious creation of summer.
The Lessons of Transition: Vulnerability and Humility
Within the new emerging landscape, much remains unknown and as such danger is all around. The destination remains not yet revealed beyond the horizon, the details hard to discern, the path unclear. In fact, if we were to try and explain it to another it might sound as if we had lost our minds…. if it weren’t for the pull of the sun we could be forgiven for wanting to stay safe and warm in winter forever.
Trusting Springs's vulnerability takes great strength when its only form is in the inner eye.
The chicken moves from the protective shell of the egg to a blind, hairless and defenceless bird in the nest. The newborn transitions from the darkness and familiarity of the womb to a strange world of gravity, touch, sound and breath. Woody stems become shoot-covered boughs, pressed by the sun and wind, and at the mercy of every emerging insect. Through the grace of Spring, we become new, but also tender, raw and exposed.
The Winter-Spring transition teaches many lessons about Becoming, including vulnerability as our collective starting point. This is how nature ensures that humility travels with us and allows for a change of direction if needed. It teaches us to appreciate and recognize the phases, cycles and shades of grey that accompany all things, whether falling and dissolving or rising and becoming great.
