Feng Shui & the Dao: Balance & Reflection  
written by Valerie Samson

If you consider the symbol the Western world knows as the Yin/Yang symbol you will be viewing the entire universe and every object it contains, in this simple symbol.

The correct name for this symbol is the Tao, pronounced as “dah-ow” (sometimes spelled Daow). This symbol is used in many things from the Asian culture such as martial arts, meditation systems, astrology and even just as fabric patches on our blue jeans here in North America! The true meaning of this symbol is not always understood so here is a little “crash course” on the interpretation of this perfect symbol as understood and used in Feng Shui, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other authentic systems of Asian study.

The circle represents the never ending continuity of the life cycle, the seasons of the year, the times of day, the thought process… you get the picture. Now let’s see how we find all of these areas in this one little symbol.

You notice there are two opposites of light and dark. The dark area is referred to as the Yin side of the Tao. This is the side which represents all things dark, heavy, quiet, slow moving, inward and reflective. The light area is the Yang side of the Tao and represents the opposite things such as sunlight, movement, energy, loud noises and colors, explosion or outward moving actions.

Now notice that there is a dot of the opposite color contained in each side. This represents the truth that even when you have an overwhelming amount of either Yin or Yang you ALWAYS have a little bit of the opposite to help keep balance. An example would be a hot sunny day in the middle of a field of corn (yang energy from sun and growing corn and color yellow). The tree planted in the center of the field creates shade for a darker, cooler, resting place (yin energy). A frozen ice field in the middle of winter (yin energy) is cold, dark, and very slow moving. Somewhere in that snow are animals hibernating for the winter in cozy little nests being kept all warm and toasty until spring arrives.

Start anywhere on the line and follow it in a clockwise direction and notice how you move from light into dark and back again. Like sunrise on the left side, high noon at the very top, sunset on the right side and midnight at the very bottom. You can easily see the seasons of the year repeated in this circle pattern and then the cycle of life etc. Think of anything in life and it will follow the Tao. There is always a beginning, a process, an ending and a new beginning.

So, how do you draw the symbol the ‘right way’? Always remember that sunlight comes from above us so the light is on top and the dark soil of the earth is below our feet so the dark side is on the bottom.

Now you know how to read the Tao. Explain it to your friends and see how many things you can see that fit this age old symbol.


This article is Copyright 2004 by Valerie Samson.    

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About the author: 

Valerie Samson, Feng Shui Consultant
Valerie Samson is a certified Feng Shui consultant and the current Chair of the Feng Shui Association of Canada (a national certifying body for consultants).  She has been a business owner for 20 years and has a background in accounting and business management. Her public speaking seminars are humorous and always well received.