Yin and Yang is a philosophical concept with roots in Chinese cosmology. It is often represented by a widely recognizable black-and-white circle of interconnected shapes. This is designed to signify the idea of two opposite but interconnected forces existing in unity but with a portion of the opposite element still in each section. It is said that these states are in a constantly shifting dynamic of which aspect is more dominant or powerful but that is a necessary part of life.
Much like twin flames, the concept of Yin and Yang is at times used incorrectly and can sometimes be confused. In this article, we will look at both spiritual philosophies and how, if at all, they overlap. We will look at how an understanding of Yin and Yang can help explain the complex spiritual journey that Twin Flames undertake.
Yin and Yang suggest that opposites attract and cannot exist as completely without each other. Twin Flames also crucially need both parts to make a whole. However, they may not be as polarised in differences and instead, they will have complementary attributes as well as differences.
What Does Yin and Yang mean in Twin Flame?
Unlike the Twin Flame theory which relates to the link between only two people, Yin and Yang work on a more global level. Yin and Yang is the Chinese philosophy used to explain the two over-arching opposite but linked forces that make up the universe. That we need dark to understand light and we need to recognize hard in order to feel soft and vice versa.
Yin is described as the receptive principle while Yang is the active principle. Sometimes this is referred to as yin being the feminine energy and yang as the masculine energy. Some examples of how forces are split are listed in the table below.
| Yin | Yang |
|---|---|
| Negative | Positive |
| Water | Fire |
| Cold | Heat |
| Passive | Active |
| Sun | Moon |
| Earth | Heaven |
| Sleep | Wake |
| Growth | Generation |
| Dark | Light |
If Yin and Yang is the universe-level principle, Twin Flames are a more intense snapshot of how two forces can be irrevocably intertwined. Twin Flames are two halves of one soul who have been split into two people, they can only exist as truly complete when united.
Yin and Yang also show a concept of principles that are inexplicably linked and is the root of the saying that opposites attract. Sometimes the easiest way to understand this is by using the concept of negative (Yin) and positive (Yang) forces. Think of a magnet, two positive aspects of a magnet will repel each other while a positive and negative pull towards each other and lock.
In relation to Twin Flame partnerships, they will pull together as intensely as yin and yang but the main difference is that not all personal attributes of each partner will be opposites.
Are Twin Flames Opposite or Similar?
Being the same soul there will be similarities on each side. However, there is an element of each partner taking certain opposite traits. This is the reason that Twin Flames have the built-in desire to seek each other out, as they need something that only their Twin Flame can provide.
Essentially it is not possible to neatly divide Twin Flame traits or personalities routinely into opposite columns like in Yin and Yang.
The nature of Twin Flame journeys promotes and fosters growth and change in each partner. This means things that may have initially appeared opposing in nature become aligned as the relationship.
Many people refer to their Twin Flame relationship as looking at a mirror of themselves, but it is worth remembering that a mirror creates a reflection, things are flipped. Your right is reversed to the left in a mirror, so it is conceivable that your Twin Flame reflects some aspects or traits that you may not have. Rather than drive divide, these incidental differences are required to push spiritual growth in each partner.
Are Yin and Yang lovers?
Yin and Yang differentiate female (Yin) and male (Yang), which can lead some people to believe that this is a representation of traditional heterosexual relationships. This fundamental principle of males being the opposite of females can suggest strong male energy will attract predominantly female energy and they will co-exist.
In reality, all people are a combination of Yin and Yang qualities, everyone comprises of varying degrees of masculine or feminine energy. Starkly opposite extremes may have an intense initial connection however the relationship will likely not last due to the resultant discord.
In reality often people who comprise of similar or complimentary compositions of energy that will go the distance.
When it comes to Twin Flames and the influence of Yin and Yang, it is vital to remember that not all Twin Flame relationships will comprise of romantic attraction, and some are purely platonic in nature.
What’s more Powerful, Yin or Yang?
When looking at individual Yin and Yang characteristics, a modern understanding of the terms can lead us to assume one aspect may be more powerful. A gut reaction that fire (Yang) may be more powerful due to the devastation it can cause can be countered that water (Yin) could be more powerful given its potential to extinguish fire.
Ultimately Yin and Yang philosophy suggests that the balance between Yin and Yang is fluid and shifting. In order for the universe to continue each side has to give way to the other at times. Light (Yang) has greater power during the day before moving aside to allow dark (Yin) to flourish at night.
This can be seen as a parallel in some aspects of Twin Flame relationships, whereas the pairing work to find their rhythm and shared synchronicity each partner must give and take in equal measure.
Can Twin Flames both be Yang?
As Twin Flames are effectively the same soul split in two, there is the potential that at outset they may both be more expressive of either Yin or Yang characteristics. Just as everyone is a combination of the two, naturally some souls may lean more toward one or the other.
The key aim however of a Twin Flame journey is to inspire spiritual growth in both, to achieve a level of balance and self-actualization where any extremes of personality or belief are rounded and challenged.
If both Twin Fames start out as more akin to Yin attributes, they may present as more passive. This can cause a challenge to progress as they may be indecisive as to what next steps to take. Ultimately this normally encourages one partner to begin to develop more active or Yang traits.
Twin Flame journeys where each partner initially presents as more active (Yang) can be more tumultuous in the early stages. Where both partners are used to solving or fixing the world around them, the vulnerability associated with a Twin Flame journey can be frightening and anxiety-provoking.
In reality, an ideal situation is when two partners come together with their own mix of Yin and Yang attributes but with enough areas of similarity that they can establish a good base bond before challenging each other more as the relationship progresses.
Just as the Yin and Yang symbol shows how two opposing factors come together to make a whole, a Twin Flame partnership exemplifies how two individuals can come together to be greater than the sum of their individual parts.