The Yin and Yang of it

In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang describes how opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. They actually give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.Yin represents female energy, darkness, the moon and the spirit of all things. Yang represents male energy, light, the sun and the form of all things. Most people will agree that yin and yang represents opposites, no matter what the topic is. While the world is composed of many different, sometimes opposing, forces, these forces still coexist and even complement each other. Sometimes, forces opposite in nature even rely on one another to exist. The nature of yin-yang lies in the interchange and interplay of the two components. Day and night is just such an example. There cannot be a shadow without light.

Yin and Yang were born from chaos when the universe was first created and they are believed to exist in harmony at the center of the Earth. During the creation, their achievement of balance in the cosmic egg allowed for the birth of Pangu, the first human.

The yin-yang symbol (also known as the Tai Chi symbol) consists of a circle divided into two halves by a curved line. One half of the circle is black, typically representing the yin side; the other is white, for the yang side. A dot of each color is situated near the center of the other's half. The two halves are thus intertwining across a spiral-like curve that splits the whole into semicircles, and the small dots represent the idea that both sides carry the seed of the other.

The white dot in the black area and the black dot in the white area connote coexistence and unity of the opposites to form the whole. The curvy line signifies that there are no absolute separations between the two opposites. The yin-yang symbol, then, embodies both sides: duality, paradox, unity in diversity, change and harmony.

So here is another of my original patterns. I'm not sure but I think I am developing my own pattern writing style. Are there any crocheters out there that would like to try this? I would appreciate any feedback on the instructions. I've been following patterns for years or making it up as I go along but then I can't get it to look the same the next time. At least I'm to the point now where I can read my own notes. LOL

YIN YANG- make 2 in alternating contrasting colors

Ch 4 with yarn A

Dc in 4th ch from hook

15 dc in same chain

join in top of ch 4. fasten off.

Make another with yarn B

Join yarn B in any dc on circle A

sc, 2sc, sc, 2sc, hdc, 2hdc, hdc, 2hdc

dc, 2dc, dc, 2dc, trc, 2trc, trc, 4trc in last stitch in circle

Working on the side of last trc

Ch 4, 3trc, dc, evenly

Dc in sc on center

hdc in next 2 stitches, sc in next 2 stitches turn

Ch 1, sc, hdc in next 3 st, dc in next 3 st, trc in next 2 st, leave top of chain 4 unworked, turn

Ch 4 (counts as first trc), trc in next 2 st, dc in next 2 st, hdc in next 2 st, sc in next 2 st turn

Ch 1, sc in next 2 st, hdc in next 2 st, dc in next 2 st, trc in next 2 st, leave top of chain 4 unworked turn

Ch4 (counts as first trc), trc, dc, hdc, sc next 2 tog, sc next 2 tog, turn

Ch 1, sc, hdc, dc, trc in next 2 st, turn

Ch 4 (counts as first trc), trc, dc, hdc, sc, turn

Ch 1, sc, hdc, dc, trc, leave top of chain 4 unworked, fasten off

Repeat with yarn A on circle B.

Fit pieces together, stretching points to create a circle.

Use lighter color yarn to sew halves together down center.

Sc around outside of circle evenly, change colors to accentuate contrast.

Block piece into circle shape. This can be done by spraying it with a little water,

shape, and allow to air dry.

I have used this motif on a blanket and a cozy for a didgeridoo.

It would also look good on a purse or the top of a hat. Ooo yay, a top hat.

Stay Crafty, Opal Luna