Common Concepts
What Are Yin and Yang (Yin Yang)?
Also called: Yin Yang, Yin-Yang
Plain Explanation
Yin and Yang are traditional names for two relative aspects, such as movement and stillness. Before calling one aspect yin and the other yang, first make clear what is being compared.
Example
Traditional accounts often call movement yang and stillness yin to distinguish the two aspects. The Heavenly Stems are also classified by polarity: although Jia (甲) and Yi (乙) both belong to Wood, Jia is classified as yang Wood and Yi as yin Wood.
| Heavenly Stem | Element | Yin or yang |
|---|---|---|
| Jia (甲) | Wood | Yang |
| Yi (乙) | Wood | Yin |
What It Is Used For
Yin and yang distinguish aspects within the same category and describe their relative relationship. In BaZi, polarity combines with the Five Elements to distinguish the Ten Gods. Although Jia (甲) and Yi (乙) are both Wood, they have different Ten-God relationships to the same Day Master.
Common Misunderstandings
Yin and yang do not identify a person’s sex or moral character
Jia (甲) being yang does not mean that a person with Jia as their Day Master must be male. Yi (乙) being yin does not mean that the person must be female or that yin is bad. Yin and yang are classification terms.
Related Concepts
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy