The Taiji (Tai Chi) diagram, or yin-yang symbol, made its first appearance in its current form in the 10th century (Common Era). Before this abstract symbol of balance and harmony emerged, the concepts of yin and yang were brought to life through dynamic images of the tiger and the dragon.

The tiger, embodying yin, represented the mysterious, the moonlit, the feminine force of nature. Its counterpart, the dragon, symbolizing yang, stood for the active, the fiery, the solar energy. This imagery illustrated how these opposing forces were both in constant conflict and in perfect harmony.

As time passed and philosophical ideas evolved, a more abstract representation of these concepts emerged. Thus, the Taiji diagram was born. Two interlocking shapes, each containing a seed of the other, illustrating the interdependence of yin and yang.

Next time you see the Taiji diagram, you can remember its wild origins and the imagery of the tiger and the dragon that once illustrated the dance of the universe.

Video Ā© WhiteCrowTaiji
Text Ā© WhiteCrowTaiji