Space

Figure 4.4-4 demonstrates the view of the earth from the standpoint of a person who is facing south. When speakers of Chinese orient to '4' dimensional space, the fingers subdivide the earth into '8' parts, just as the symbol for time subdivides the sky into '8' parts. In the universe, time is Yang, and space is Yin. The subdivision of the sky is in '1' (Yang) direction, before (Yang) me in the sky, and the subdivision of the earth is in '2' (Yin) directions, before (Yang to) and after (Yin to) me on the earth.

Figure 4.4-4

In order to orient to space in the fourth dimension, the hands are positioned as for orienting to space in the second and third dimensions. Because space is Yang, the left (Yang) hand is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The left (Yang) hand points toward the west (Yang), where the moon sets.

To observe motion in space, 'I' observe the earth extending before (Yang to) me toward the south (Yang). The greater the motion (Yang) of an object, the greater the tendency that 'I' (Yin) will look in that direction. The greatest motion (Yang) during the cycle of the month is during the full moon, when there is the most light (Yang), and when the moon is at the point of the south, the midpoint in its nightly cycle. In the '4'th dimension, whereas time (Yin) orients horizontally (Yang), from left (Yang) to right (Yin), space (Yang) orients vertically (Yin), from before (Yang to) me to after (Yin to) me. Whereas the cycle of time (Yin) begins with light (Yang) increasing (Yang), the cycle of space (Yang) begins with motion (Yang) decreasing (Yin), from the point where the moon is at the point of the south. The point of maximum motion is the point where 'I' can see the farthest (Yang) in space (to the beginning and end of the earth), just as the point of minimum motion is the point where 'I' can see the farthest (Yang) in time (to the beginning and end of the cycle).

It is at this point that the left (Yang) hand becomes active (Yang). Where is motion (Yang) symbolized '1'st (Yang) on the left (Yang) hand? The most Yang finger, the index finger, is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). How does a finger become active (Yang)? Because space is Yang, the '4' fingers become active (Yang) horizontally (Yang). Each finger can actively move forward (Yang), away from (Yang to) me, and each finger can actively move rearward (Yin), toward (Yin to) me.

As space is Yang, the Yang finger points forward (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The index finger points forward (Yang) to the point of the southwest on the horizon. Because the hand inclines slightly rearward (Yin), when the index finger points forward (Yang) as the '1'st (Yang) finger to observe space, it points horizontally (Yang). (Photo 4.4-28).

Photo 4.4-28

Which finger is next? The middle finger is the other finger in the top (Yang) pair of fingers, but the middle finger is Yin, as it is the bottom (Yin) finger of the pair. As the top (Yang) pair of fingers is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), the bottom (Yin) pair of fingers is active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). Of the bottom (Yin) '2' fingers, the ring finger is Yang, as it is above (Yang) the little finger. The ring finger is Yang, and Yang is '1'st (Yang) when observing space (Yang), and so the ring finger is '1'st (Yang). Because the ring finger is Yang, it also points forward (Yang) the '1'st (Yang) time. The ring finger points to the point of the west on the horizon. (Photo 4.4-29).

Photo 4.4-29

The Yang fingers were active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). Now, the Yang fingers rest (Yin), and the Yin fingers become active (Yang). The little and middle fingers are the bottom (Yin) fingers of their pairs. Space is Yang, and the upper (Yang) finger becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The middle finger is Yin, and so it points rearward (Yin) its '1'st (Yang) time. The middle finger points to the point of the horizon in the northwest. (Photo 4.4-30).

Photo 4.4-30

The fourth finger is the little finger. The little finger is the bottommost (Yin) finger. Therefore, as space is Yang, it is counted fourth. As the little finger is on the bottom (Yin) in its pair, it points rearward (Yin), to the point of the horizon in the north. (Photo 4.4-31)

Photo 4.4-31

Each finger can be active (Yang) or still (Yin). There is no 'slightly' active or 'slightly' still. Therefore, when each finger is active, be sure to extend it fully, or else it will not point to the proper part of the earth. Each finger has now been active (Yang) '1' (Yang) time. The fingers have pointed to (symbolized) '4' of the '8' parts of the circle of the earth.

At this point in space, the point when the motion is at the point of the north on the earth, Yang evolves into Yin and Yin evolves into Yang. As space is Yang, Yin now becomes active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). The order is symmetrical to the order of the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle. The little finger, which became active (Yang) last (Yin) in the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle, is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) in the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle. The '1'st (Yang) time, the little finger pointed rearward (Yin), and so the '2'nd (Yin) time it points forward (Yang). The little finger points forward (Yang), toward the southwestern horizon. Now, however, the orientation of the bones of the finger is also symmetrical. The orientation the '1'st (Yang) time was to the distal (Yang) bone, which points southwest. This '2'nd (Yin) time, the orientation will be to the proximal (Yin) bone, which points northeast. The proximal (Yin) bone of the little finger points to the next '8'th of the horizon along the circle of the earth. (Photo 4.4-32).

Photo 4.4-32

In like manner, the middle finger is next, and points forward (Yang). The ring and then the index finger point rearward (Yin) their '2'nd (Yin) time. (Photo 4.4-33 - 4.4-35).

Photo 4.4-33

Photo 4.4-34

Photo 4.4-35

Photo 4.4-36 shows a top view of the '2' halves of the cycle of the left (Yang) hand.

Photo 4.4-36

The left (Yang) hand subdivides the earth into '8' parts. As space is Yang, the left (Yang) hand subdivides the earth '1'st (Yang). In order to have a symmetrical awareness of space in the fourth dimension, the cycle is repeated a '2'nd (Yin) time, using the right (Yin) hand.

Because space is Yang, the right (Yin) hand is active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). The right (Yin) hand points toward the east (Yang), where the motion of the moon begins to increase. However, whereas the left (Yang) hand begins with an orientation to the distal (Yang) bones of the fingers, the right (Yin) hand begins with an orientation to the proximal (Yin) bones of the fingers.

As with the left (Yang) hand, awareness of motion begins when the point of maximum motion begins to change. Where is motion (Yang) symbolized '1'st (Yang) on the right (Yin) hand? The most Yin finger, the little finger, is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). As this is the Yin hand, the Yin finger points rearward (Yin) '1'st (Yang). The little finger points rearward (Yin) to the point of the northeastern horizon. At this time, the proximal bone points forward (Yang), to the point of the southwestern horizon, where there is motion (Yang) '1'st (Yang). (Photo 4.4-37).

Photo 4.4-37

The ring finger is the other finger in the bottom (Yin) pair of fingers, but the ring finger is Yang, as it is the top (Yang) finger of the pair. As the bottom (Yin) pair of fingers is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), the top (Yang) pair of fingers is active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). Of the top (Yang) '2' fingers, the middle finger is Yin, as it is below (Yin) the index finger. The middle finger is Yin, and so the middle finger is '1'st (Yang). Because the middle finger is Yin, it also points rearward (Yin) the '1'st (Yang) time. The proximal bone of the middle finger points to the western horizon. (Photo 4.4-38).

Photo 4.4-38

The Yin fingers were active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). Now, the Yin fingers rest (Yin), and the Yang fingers become active (Yang). The ring and index fingers are the top (Yang) fingers of their pairs. This is the Yin hand, and so the lower (Yin) finger becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang). The ring finger is Yang, and so it points forward (Yang) its '1'st (Yang) time. The proximal bone of the ring finger points to the northwestern horizon. (Photo 4.4-39).

Photo 4.4-39

The fourth finger is the index finger. The index finger is the topmost (Yang) finger. Therefore, as the right (Yin) hand is active (Yang), it is counted fourth. As the index finger is on the top (Yang) in its pair, it points forward (Yang), and the proximal bone points to the northern horizon. (Photo 4.4-40) Each finger has now been active (Yang) '1' (Yang) time. The fingers have pointed to '4' of the '8' parts of the semi-circle of the earth.

Photo 4.4-40

At this point in space, the point when the motion is at the point of the north on the earth, Yang evolves into Yin and Yin evolves into Yang. As this is the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle, Yang now becomes active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). The order is symmetrical to the order of the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle. The index finger, which became active (Yang) last (Yin) in the '1'st (Yang) half of the cycle, is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) in the '2'nd (Yin) half of the cycle. The '1'st (Yang) time, the index finger pointed forward (Yang), and so the '2'nd (Yin) time it points rearward (Yin). The index finger points rearward (Yin), toward the northeastern horizon. Now, however, the orientation of the bones of the finger is also symmetrical. The orientation the '1'st (Yang) time was to the proximal (Yin) bone, which points southwest. This '2'nd (Yin) time, the orientation will be to the distal (Yang) bone, which points northeast. The distal (Yang) bone of the index finger points to the next '8'th of the earth. (Photo 4.4-41).

Photo 4.4-41

In like manner, the ring finger is next, and points rearward (Yin). The middle and then the little finger point forward (Yang) their '2'nd (Yin) time. (Photo 4.4-42 - 4.4-44).

Photo 4.4-42

Photo 4.4-43

Photo 4.4-44

Photo 4.4-45 shows a top view of the '2' halves of the cycle of the left (Yang) hand.

Photo 4.4-45

Figure 4.4-5 is a symbol that has been used since ancient times in China to symbolize the subdivision of the earth into the '8' stages in the cycle of the moon. This is the written symbol for 'space' in the fourth dimension. The square and the circle are the '2' symbols of the '4' dimensional 'area'. The square is a symbol of subdivision (Yin). The circle has no distinct sides, but seems to have only '1' (Yang) side. The circle is a symbol of unity (Yang). Because space is Yang, the written symbol of space uses only '1' (Yang) symbol of the 'area'. The symbol is in the form of a circle, which symbolizes the Tai-Ji, the Chinese symbol of unity (Yang).

Figure 4.4-5

There are '8' symbols that make up the written symbol for space. Each of these symbolizes '1' of the '8' fingers. Each symbol has '3' rows. Each of these rows symbolizes '1' of the bones of the fingers. Half of the segments are composed of '1' (Yang) unified (Yang) segment, and half of the segments are composed of '2' (Yin) subdivided (Yin) segments. (Figure 4.4-6).

Figure 4.4-6

Let us examine the symbolism of this symbol of space. Ignore the order of the fingers in the symbol for a moment, and look at your hands. The '1'st (Yang) finger that becomes active (Yang) in the four dimensional cycle of space (Yang) is the left (Yang) index (Yang) finger. As the left (Yang) hand is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), the proximal bone is symbolized by a unified (Yang) segment. The proximal (Yin) bone is symbolized in the figure by the inward (Yin) of the '3' segments. The index finger is also of the pair of fingers that becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), and so the middle segment is unified. The index finger is '1'st (Yang) in its pair as well, and so the distal segment is unified. All '3' bones of the index finger are symbolized by unified (Yang) segments, for the '1'st (Yang) finger.

The left middle finger is also on the hand that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the proximal segment is unified), and is of the pair of fingers that becomes active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the middle segment is unified), but the middle finger becomes active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin) within its pair, (and so the distal segment is subdivided). The left ring finger is on the hand that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the proximal segment is unified), but it is not of the pair of fingers that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the middle segment is subdivided), although of the pair of fingers, the ring finger is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the distal segment is unified). The left little finger is on the hand that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the proximal segment is unified), it is not of the pair of fingers that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the middle segment is subdivided), and of the pair of fingers, the little finger is active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin), (the distal segment is subdivided). (Photo 4.4-46).

Photo 4.4-46

All of the fingers of the right (Yin) hand are of the hand that is active (Yang) '2'nd, and therefore for each the proximal segment is subdivided. The right little and ring fingers are the pair of fingers that is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), and so the middle segment is unified for the little and ring fingers and is subdivided for the middle and index fingers, which is the pair of fingers that is active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin). Of each pair of fingers, the little and middle fingers are active (Yang) '1'st (Yang), (the distal segment is unified), and the ring and index fingers are active (Yang) '2'nd (Yin), (the distal segment is subdivided). (Photo 4.4-47).

Photo 4.4-47

How can this four dimensional symbol of space be symbolized in written form? As 'I' look at my fingers 'before' (Yang) me in space, my fingers are Yang to me (closer to south), and 'I' am Yin to my fingers. 'I' look at my fingers from the perspective of the distant (Yang) horizon. When 'I' write this symbol down, 'I' literally write it down (Yin) on the ground, which is below (Yin to) me. In this relationship, 'I' become Yang, and the Yang of the fingers evolves into the Yin of a written symbol. In other words, when 'I' look at my fingers, my Yin hand points to Yang and my Yang hand points to Yin. When 'I' hold my written symbol, however, 'I' do not want my Yin hand to symbolize Yang or my Yang hand to symbolize Yin, but rather than my Yang hand symbolize Yang and my Yin hand symbolize Yin; 'I' want to see the symbol from 'my' perspective.

Extend all fingers from the base position for observing space. Bring the fingers of each hand together, such that all fingers point east or west. (Photo 4.4-48) The left (Yang) hand moves '1' (Yang) time, and the right (Yin) hand moves '2' (Yin) times. First, rotate the right (Yin) hand downward (Yin). (Photo 4.4-49) The '2'nd (Yin) time, move both hands inward (Yin), such that the fingers interlace. The right (Yin) hand has the back (Yang) of the hand facing rearward (Yin), and the little finger of the right hand is above (Yang to) the left index finger. The left thumb rests under the right little finger, and the right thumb rests under the right index finger. (Photo 4.4-50)

Photo 4.4-48

Photo 4.4-49

Photo 4.4-50

This is the proper perspective for a symbol that is seen while looking down (Yin) instead of looking forward (Yang). The palms can now overlay Figure 4.4-5, with the right palm down and the left palm up, and the fingers will match the symbol. To use the symbol, rotate both hands outward, and form the fingers into a circle with the fingertips pointing downward (Yin) onto the '8' symbols. (Photo 4.4-51) This is the proper perspective from 'my' viewpoint. The hands are then held apart (Yin), they are held vertically (Yin) to the earth, and the fingers point in '2' (Yin) directions. (Photo 4.4-52) The '8' fingers are used in this orientation to symbolize space in the fourth dimension.

Photo 4.4-51

Photo 4.4-52

Interaction

The '2' written symbols of the Ba-Gua (the '8 distinctions') symbolize each of the '8' distinctions of the first through fourth dimensions. The symbol of time symbolizes the subdivision of the semi-circle of the sky into '8' parts. The symbol of space symbolizes the subdivision of the circle of the earth into '8' directions.

Let us examine the '8' distinctions. The '1'st dimension symbolizes unity (Yang). This is symbolized by the circle (Yang) that encloses the symbol for time and the circular (Yang) shape of the symbol for space. Form the written symbol for time (Yin) with the hands. Hold the forearms and hands perfectly vertical (Yin), with the hands six inches before the face, with the forearms and little fingers of the hands touching. (Photo 4.4-53) The hands join with each other to form '1' (Yang) symbol, just as there is '1' (Yang) body. Form the symbol for space (Yang) with the hands. Hold the forearms and hands perfectly horizontal (Yang), with the hands six inches before the face, fingers interlaced, with the right (Yin) palm facing outward (Yang) and the right little finger on top (Yang). (Photo 4.4-54) The hands join with each other to form '1' (Yang) symbol, just as there is '1' (Yang) body.

Photo 4.4-53

Photo 4.4-54

The '2'nd dimension symbolizes subdivision (Yin) of '1' into '2', into Yang and Yin. In the symbol for time, white (Yang) symbolizes light (Yang), and black (Yin) symbolizes darkness (Yin). In the symbol for space, '1' (Yang) unified (Yang) segment symbolizes Yang, and '2' (Yin) subdivided (Yin) segments symbolize Yin. The ancient Chinese symbols for Yang and Yin are the heavens (Yang), , and the earth (Yin), . The heavens (Yang) symbolize the direction south (Yang), as this is the point of orientation to the sky, the point of maximum Yang. The earth (Yin) symbolizes the direction north (Yin), as this is the point of maximum Yin on the earth.

Form the written symbol for time with the hands. (Photo 4.4-53) Separate the arms outward (Yang) such that the arms are even with the shoulders. (Photo 4.4-55) This symbolizes the first subdivision of the body, into '2' hands. The first, second, and third bones that arise from each finger symbolize the first, second, and third subdivisions of the unity of the '1'st dimension. The '1'st bone that arises on each finger, the proximal bone, symbolizes the '1'st subdivision, of the second dimension. As the right (Yin) hand is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) for time (Yin), the proximal bone of each finger of the right (Yin) hand is symbolized in the symbol for time by white (Yang), and the proximal bone of each finger of the left (Yang) hand is symbolized by black (Yin).

Photo 4.4-53

Photo 4.4-55

Form the written symbol for space with the hands. (Photo 4.4-54) Keeping the upper arms still, extend (Yang) the forearms until they form a ninety degree angle with the upper arms. Rotate the right (Yin) hand upward (Yang). Both hands point forward (Yang) horizontally (Yang). (Photo 4.4-56) This symbolizes the first subdivision of the body, into '2' hands. The first bone that arises on each finger, the proximal (Yin) bone, is symbolized by the inward (Yin) segment of each of the symbols for space. The index finger of the left hand is at the top (Yang) of the symbol, and moves down along the left (Yang) side. The index finger of the right (Yin) hand is below (Yin to) and right of (Yin to) the index finger of the left hand, and moves down along the right (Yin) side. As the left (Yang) hand is active (Yang) '1'st (Yang) for space (Yang), the proximal bone of each finger of the left (Yang) hand is symbolized by a unified (Yang) segment, and the proximal bone of each finger of the right (Yin) hand is symbolized by a subdivided (Yin) segment.

Photo 4.4-54

Photo 4.4-56

The '3'rd dimension symbolizes the subdivision of '2' into '4'. The '3'rd dimension symbolizes awareness of motion. There are '2' distinctions of motion, 'from' and 'to'. The ancient Chinese symbols of motion are fire (Yang), , and water (Yin), . Fire (Yang) symbolizes motion upward (Yang), as fire (Yang) rises (Yang). Water (Yin) symbolizes motion downward (Yin), as water (Yin) falls (Yin) (in the form of rain). Fire (Yang) and water (Yin) symbolize motion between the heavens (Yang) and the earth (Yin). Fire (Yang) symbolizes east (Yang), because fire symbolizes the point of awareness of motion 'from' the sunrise 'to' the point of the south, the point of orientation. Fire rises 'from' the earth, just as the sun rises 'from' the point of the east. Fire (Yang) symbolizes the past (Yang), because when the sun is at the point of orientation in the south the point of the sunrise in the east (Yang) is where the sun was in the past (Yang). Water symbolizes west (Yin), because water symbolizes the future (Yin), and the motion of the sun 'from' the point of orientation in the south is 'to' the west (Yin), where it will arrive in the future (Yin), at the point of the sunset. The motion of the sun at this time is downward (Yin), just as water (Yin) falls (Yin) downward (Yin). Fire (Yang) symbolizes the past (Yang), because the heavens (Yang) are far (Yang), and by the time that 'I' see motion in the heavens (Yang), that motion has already occurred, and is in the past (Yang). Water (Yin) symbolizes the future (Yin), because the motion of the water (Yin) is such that in my future (Yin) the falling rain (Yin) will be at my point of the here and now.

The '2'nd subdivision, of the '3'rd dimension, the subdivision of motion as symbolized by fire and water, is symbolized by the '2'nd bone of each finger on the hands, the middle bone. Form the previous symbol for time with the hands. (Photo 4.4-55) Subdivide each of the '2' hands into '4' pairs of fingers by joining the index and middle fingers of each hand, the outside (Yang) fingers, together outward (Yang), and by joining the ring and middle fingers of each hand, the inside (Yin) fingers, together inward (Yin). (Photo 4.4-57) As time is Yin, the fingers flow in '2' (Yin) directions. The right (Yang for time) pair of fingers of each hand, the top (Yang) pair of the right (Yang for time) hand and the bottom (Yin) pair of the left (Yin for time) hand, is active '1'st (Yang), and the corresponding middle bones are symbolized by white (Yang). The middle bones of the other pair of fingers are symbolized by black (Yin).

Photo 4.4-55

Photo 4.4-57

In the symbol for time, the symbols for the right '2' pairs of fingers are above the white proximal bones of the hand. The right (Yang for time) pair symbolizes fire (Yang) rising (Yang) 'to' the heavens (Yang). The left (Yin) pair symbolizes water (Yin) falling (Yin) 'from' the heavens (Yang). The left '2' pairs of fingers are above the black proximal bones of the hand. The right (Yang) pair symbolizes fire (Yang) rising (Yang) 'from' the earth (Yin). The left (Yin) pair symbolizes water (Yin) falling (Yin) 'to' the earth (Yin). The third dimension symbolizes motion, and the '2' hands symbolize motion 'from' and 'to' the heavens (Yang) and the earth (Yin).

Form the previous symbol for space with the hands. (Photo 4.4-56) Just as the fingers subdivided vertically (Yin) for the symbol for time (Yin), the fingers subdivide horizontally (Yang) for the symbol for space (Yang). Subdivide each of the '2' hands into '4' pairs of fingers by joining the index and middle fingers of each hand, the top (Yang) fingers, together upward (Yang), and by joining the ring and middle fingers of each hand, the bottom (Yin) fingers, together downward (Yin). (Photo 4.4-58) As space is Yang, the fingers flow in '1' (Yang) direction. The top (Yang) pair of fingers of each hand is active '1'st (Yang), and the corresponding middle bones are symbolized by a unified (Yang) segment. The bottom (Yin) pair of fingers of each hand is active '2'nd (Yin), and the corresponding middle bones are symbolized by a subdivided (Yin) segment.

Photo 4.4-56

Photo 4.4-58

The '4'th dimension symbolizes the subdivision of '4' into '8'. The '4'th dimension symbolizes awareness of interaction. There are '2' distinctions of interaction. One interaction is symbolized by the moon 'holding down' the light of the sun during a solar eclipse. The other interaction is symbolized by the sun 'holding down' the light of the moon during a lunar eclipse. In a solar (Yang) eclipse, the sun and the moon are at '1' (Yang) point in the sky, during which time Yang cannot rise (Yang). In a lunar (Yin) eclipse, the sun and the moon are at '2' (Yin) points in the sky, during which time Yin cannot fall (Yin). Each of these interactions can be further subdivided into Yang and Yin.

The first pair of interactions occurs on the earth. There are '2' distinctions of the earth. There is 'land', and there is 'water'. More (more space is Yin) of the earth that 'I' see around me is land (Yin), is solid (Yin), is still (Yin). Less (Yang) of the earth that 'I' see around me is water (Yang), is liquid (Yang), is in motion (Yang). Water and land, solid and liquid, interact. For example, water erodes land, land absorbs water, etc. Mankind (Yin), and the earth (Yin), cannot exist without water (Yang). Crops (Yin), and food (Yin), cannot grow without water (Yang). To exist, mankind (Yin) requires water (Yang) and food (Yin), liquid (Yang) and solid (Yin). Solid has form (Yin), and liquid is formless (Yang). Solid is still (Yin), and liquid is in constant motion (Yang). The surface of land has form (Yin), and mankind (Yin) can live on land (Yin). The surface of water is formless (Yang), and mankind (Yin) cannot live on a body of water (Yang). The symbol for land, for stillness, for solid, for Yin is 'mountain', , the largest (most Yin) body of land. The symbol for water, for motion, for liquid, for Yang is 'marsh', , the smallest (most Yang) body of water. What are the directions that are symbolized by 'marsh' and 'mountain'? The capital, the center, of ancient China was located in modern Xi-An. The marshes, which were created by the annual flooding of the Yellow River, and which were progressively brought under control for the purposes of agriculture, were located to the southeast of Xi-An, and 'marsh' symbolizes the southeast. To the northwest of Xi-An there are only mountains, and 'mountain' symbolizes the northwest.

The second pair of interactions occurs in the sky. Just as with water (Yang) and food (Yin), mankind needs air to exist. 'Air' symbolizes the most Yang of the Yin distinctions, as it is fairly formless (Yang) and is difficult to see (Yang). Air is most visible in the form of wind. Therefore, the Yin interaction is symbolized by 'wind', . Wind interacts with the earth (Yin) and can be seen (Yin) by mankind (Yin). Wind (Yin) symbolizes interactions in space that 'I' can be aware of with my eyes (Yin). Wind (Yin) often accompanies water (Yin) (in the form of rain). In addition to air, mankind needs sound to exist. Whereas wind (Yin) symbolizes motion through space (Yin), sound symbolizes motion through time, as without time (at '1' point in time) there is no sound. The most Yang sound in nature is symbolized by 'thunder', . Thunder symbolizes interactions in time that 'I' cannot be aware of with my eyes, but which 'I' can be aware of with my ears (Yang). Thunder (Yang) interacts with the heavens (Yang) and is heard (Yang) by mankind (Yin). Thunder (Yang) often accompanies fire (Yang) (in the form of lightning). What are the directions that are symbolized by 'wind' and 'thunder'? Thunder' symbolizes the northeast, as northeast from Xi-An is a region that is prone to earthquakes (one very major earthquake was recorded some 2,800 years ago), which cause the earth to shake like thunder. (The Chinese character for 'earthquake' is similar to the character for 'thunder'.) 'Wind' symbolizes the southwest. (Figure 4.4-7)

Figure 4.4-7

The rightmost (Yang) of the '4' pairs of middle bones of the symbol for time and the top/leftmost (Yang) of the '4' pairs of symbols for space symbolize Yang (proximal bone is white/unified) that is rising (middle bone is white/unified). The '1'st (Yang) finger of this pair is Yang. This symbolizes that the sun (Yang) is holding back the light of the moon (Yin), such that Yin cannot fall (Yin). Yang is rising, of which no Yang is held back by the moon. This Yang rises (Yang) all of the way up (Yang), and is symbolized by that which is at the top (Yang), the 'heavens' (Yang). The '2'nd (Yin) finger of this pair is Yin. This symbolizes that the moon (Yin) is holding back the light of the sun (Yang), such that Yang cannot rise (Yang). The Yang that was rising is held back, and falls (Yin) all of the way down (Yin), until it reaches a point that is at, but still above (Yang to), the bottom (Yin). This is symbolized by the 'marshes' that are on the earth. These bodies of water are above (Yang to) the earth, and they hide the earth from sight, but water is not the earth.

The leftmost (Yin) of the '4' pairs of middle bones of the symbol for time and the bottom/rightmost (Yin) of the '4' pairs of symbols for space symbolize Yin (proximal bone is black/subdivided) that is falling (middle bone is black/subdivided). The '2'nd (Yin) finger of this pair is Yin. This symbolizes that the moon (Yin) is holding back the light of the sun (Yang), such that Yang cannot rise (Yang). All Yin is falling. This Yin falls (Yin) all of the way down (Yin), and is symbolized by that which is at the bottom (Yin), the 'earth' (Yin). The '1'st (Yang) finger of this pair is Yang. This symbolizes that the sun (Yang) is holding back the light of the moon (Yin), such that Yin cannot fall (Yin). The Yin that was falling is held back, and rises (Yang) all of the way up (Yang), until it reaches a point that is at, but still below (Yin to), the top (Yang). This is symbolized by the 'mountains' that are on the earth. These bodies of land are below (Yin to) the heavens, and they hide the heavens (the point of the south) from sight (when the mountains are in the 'before', toward the south), but mountains are not the heavens.

The '2'nd (Yin) rightmost (Yang) of the '4' pairs of middle bones of the symbol for time and the bottom/leftmost (Yin within Yang) of the '4' pairs of symbols for space symbolize Yang (proximal bone is white/unified) that is falling (middle bone is black/subdivided). The '1'st (Yang) finger of this pair is Yang. This symbolizes that the sun (Yang) is holding back the light of the moon (Yin). The Yang that is falling (Yin) can therefore rise (Yang) again. This Yang is symbolized by 'fire', which is Yang that rises (Yang). The '2'nd (Yin) finger of this pair is Yin. This symbolizes that the moon (Yin) is holding back the light of the sun (Yang). The Yang that was rising is held back, and is symbolized by 'thunder' falling (Yin) to the earth.

The '2'nd (Yin) leftmost (Yin) of the '4' pairs of middle bones of the symbol for time and the bottom/rightmost (Yang within Yin) of the '4' pairs of symbols for space symbolize Yin (proximal bone is black/subdivided) that is rising (middle bone is white/unified). The '2'nd (Yang) finger of this pair is Yin. This symbolizes that the moon (Yin) is holding back the light of the sun (Yang). The Yang that is rising (Yang) can therefore fall (Yin) again. This Yin is symbolized by 'water' (rain), which is Yin that falls (Yin). The '1'st (Yang) finger of this pair is Yang. This symbolizes that the sun (Yang) is holding back the light of the moon (Yin). The Yin that was falling is held back, and is symbolized by 'wind' which causes things to rise (Yang) above the earth.