Tiger vs Dragon – Ying Yang Symbolism

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Mythology and philosophy have always had a symbiotic relationship, where the tiger and the dragon can be considered the offspring.

I find them fascinating and steeped in rich lore, so I would like to guide you in exploring the tiger vs. dragon, and its ying-yang symbolism. 

The yin in yin-yang symbolism represents the tiger that is feminine, negative energy related to the moon.

The yang in yin-yang symbolism points to the dragon that is masculine, positive energy related to the sun.

However, they are opposite in characteristics but necessary to maintain balance. 

The symbolism of the tiger and dragon are both steeped in thousands of years of tradition.

This has integrated into most cultures in the East and understanding the underlying beliefs of those who practice Yin-Yang traditions will give you great insight into these cultures. 

white tiger

Tiger vs Dragon – Ying Yang Symbolism

The Tiger and dragon are traditional emblems of Yin and Yang, the opposing forces that create the cosmos.

The dragon and the tiger symbolism have traditionally symbolized these two powers. 

China brought the ancient Taoist concept of Yin and Yang and the Tiger and dragon symbolism to Japan.

These concepts incorporated into a meditation-based version of Buddhism known as “Chan” in China and “Zen” in Japan. 

The dragon, a mythological creature supposed to rule the sky, represents Yang.

The Tiger, formerly regarded as the most powerful of all wild animals in ancient China, represents Yin.

The tiger side of yin-yang symbolism signifies:

  • Earth energy 
  • Receptiveness
  • Cold
  • Dark 
  • Associated with the moon
  • Shadow

It has feminine energy linked with it, and it incorporates characteristics such as:

  • Contemplation
  • Contraction
  • Softness
  • Stillness
  • Quietness

The dragon aspect of yin-yang represents the following:

  • The sun
  • Light
  • Expansiveness 
  • Impulsiveness

It is associated with masculine energy, and its themes include:

  • Action
  • Expansion
  • Growth
  • Heat
  • Movement

Yin and Yang’s energies are also closely associated with peoples’ personality types. 

People who possess more tiger energy than dragon energy tend to be more reserved, cautious, and calm.

Although they prefer introverted activities, they are highly independent and cognitive and usually detached from emotions. 

Those who possess more potent dragon energy are very friendly and thrive on extroversion.

Their emotions can sometimes overwhelm them, though their natural optimism and easy-going nature soothe these aspects.

Yin-Yang energies of the Tiger and dragon may show the symbolism of opposing energies, but they are still relative to one another so that harmony can be attained.  

gold dragon red background

How Is Yin Symbolic Of Tiger Energy?

In Chinese philosophy, Yin symbolism associates with the Tiger and the moon, and its feminine energy type contains negative energy such as: 

  • Dark
  • Wetness
  • Cold
  • Passivity
  • Cloudy
  • Water
  • Softness

The Tiger’s assault tactic is relentless and robust, and it is very loyal to its family and will defend them. 

To improve your children’s lives, use tiger energy in your house by placing photographs of your children in a cluster in the west section of your home

Incorporating the Tiger’s eye stone into your decor will improve the overall tiger energy. 

Cats are considered the living manifestations of tigers; thus, owning a pair of cats as pets in your home would significantly increase the tiger energy of your home. 

How Yang Symbolic Of Dragon Energy?

In Chinese philosophy, yang symbolism associates with the dragon and the sun and its masculine energy.

It’s considered positive energy such as:

  • Light
  • Warmth
  • Dryness
  • Activity
  • Restlessness
  • Producing
  • Heat

The dragon’s combat technique refers to a “soft” style. On the defense, the dragon attacks in fluid, circular motions. 

In the office, hang a picture or poster of a Chinese dragon on the east wall for outstanding commercial success, or in the house to protect your family’s riches.

Place a dragon inside the front entrance area of your home, facing the door to defend your house and family. You can also place a dragon at the east corner of your workplace, facing the door.

To increase your chances of success and protection, you can consider using a pair of dragons.

Is Yin And Yang Symbolism Related To Tiger And Dragon Gods?

According to Chinese mythology, Yin and Yang were produced from chaos when the cosmos was first established, and they are said to live in harmony in the earth’s core. 

The birth of Pangu (or P’an Ku), the first person, was made possible by their accomplishment of balance in the cosmic egg during creation. 

Tiger and dragon energies gave birth to the first gods:

  • Fuxi (invented the writing system, fishing, domesticate animals)
  • Nuwa (creating humans and repairing the Pillar of Heaven)
  • Shennong (lord over the burning wind)

Shennong, in particular, is said to be the offspring of a princess and a dragon. 

Taoists relate more to Yin symbolism in Chinese religion, while Confucianists prefer Yang symbolism, following their respective ideologies’ primary focus. 

Confucianists believe in the significance of life participation, while Taoists stress reclusion.

Daoism beliefs embrace what is natural and spontaneous in human experience, even to the point of dismissing much of China’s advanced culture, learning, and morality. 

Confucianism favor human social institutions such as:

  • the family
  • school
  • community and state

They prioritize them as the essential qualities to human flourishing and overall moral excellence. 

Are Dragon Tattoos Good Or Bad Luck?

Different tribes and ethnicities hold different ideas about what constitutes ill luck in the form of a tattoo.

However, filling in the eyes of a dragon tattoo before the entire tattoo finishes are considered unlucky in Chinese culture.

The eyes are the window to the soul.

The dragon would experience the anguish of getting tattooed, so the eyes get colored after the rest of the dragon. 

The dragon tattoo is said to bestow yang energy in the form of:

  • The dragon’s power
  • Protection
  • Good fortune 
  • Boosting the flow of positive chi in the body

As a result, dragon tattoos are very popular and have made many appearances in movies, video games, and other forms of pop culture. 

dragon tattoo on man's arm
Closeup a beautiful colored dragon tattoo on the left upper arm of a man.

Is Tiger/Dragon Symbolism of Yin-Yang Relatable To People? 

If most of your birth chart consists of earth and water, you are a Yin-type, and your zodiac sign is:

  • Taurus
  • Cancer
  • Virgo
  • Scorpio
  • Capricorn
  • Pisces

Yin people are more hesitant, emotional, and suspicious of others. 

As with astrology, our psychology and personalities may also be Yin or Yang-dominated.

If the fire and air signs dominate your birth chart, you are a Yang-type, and your zodiac sign is:

  • Aries
  • Gemini
  • Leo
  • Libra
  • Sagittarius
  • Aquarius 

Yang energies are more interested in dramatics, extreme change, and sticking out from the crowd.

Yang personalities are symbolic of dragons who are energetic, outgoing, and ambitious.

Yin personalities carry the symbolism of the Tiger, which are calm, relaxed, and easy-going individuals. 

Can Tigers Symbolise Masculinity And Dragons, Femininity?

The tiger and dragon symbolism of Yin and Yang is widely connected with gender in several Chinese pieces of literature. 

While Yin and Yang are not solely defined as “male” and “female,” and either sex can be deemed Yin or Yang in a particular situation.

Yin refers to the female and Yang to the male in terms of their most general relationship.

Both Yin and Yang are considered necessities for living a healthy and balanced life.

Furthermore, neither is innately “good” or “evil”; they are both considered a necessary evil. 

An imbalance of tiger and dragon energies indicates that one is weaker, which would be a false assumption.

It causes negative thoughts and impulses that are harmful to people and those within their sphere of influence. 

How Is Medicine Symbolic of Tiger And Dragon Energies?

The philosophical foundation of Chinese medicine states that all of our organs and meridians are thought to be allocated Yin and yang energy. 

Certain diseases are more frequent during various seasons in Chinese medicine and result from Yin-Yang imbalances inside the body.

In the first Chinese medicinal text dating back over 2,000, called “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine” or “Huangdi Neijing,” symbolism of Yin-Yang energies is illustrated. 

It states that in attaining perfect health, one must balance the tiger and dragon energies within one’s own body, or illness and disease is sure to follow.

Traditional Chinese medicine still used today includes:

  • Acupuncture
  • Moxibustion (burning herbal leaves on or near the body)
  • Cupping (the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on specific points of the body).
  • Tai Chi exercises (it stabilizes the flow of chi in the body)

How Are Ying And Yang Energies Represented In Life?

The Tiger and dragon form part of Ying-Yang symbolism through the five natural elements, commonly known as the “Wu Xing.”

All five elements include:

  • wood
  • fire
  • earth
  • metal
  • water

Tiger energy follows the metal element, whereas dragon energy consists of the wood element.

Yin and Yang, these components are in a continuous birth, death, and rebirth cycle.

In feng shui, tiger and dragon symbolism are translated to placement and direction. 

Feng shui translates to “wind-water,” with wind symbolizing Yang and Yin representing water. 

There is a good flow of chi in your surroundings when the aspects of tiger and dragon energies are in harmony and the Yin and Yang is completed.

Harmony promotes:

  • Healthy living
  • Wellbeing (mental capacity)
  • Longevity

Your environment might feel dull and uninspired when it is out of harmony; it can be compared to magnets.

Both north and south sides exist, and they can only sync when these two sides come together in an adjacent formation.  

What Does Balanced Tiger And Dragon Symbolism Look Like?

In ancient times, hunters who got the kill were awarded the heart and the liver to partake in the physical attributes of the animal. 

Many ancestors believed that we are what we eat. 

The same can be said today; heavily processed foods offer minimal nutrients.

A balanced diet is symbolic of tiger and dragon energies working together, and Yin-Yang works together to regulate the health of your body. 

Too much of a particular food will prevent the other foods from being effective and create an imbalance between the Tiger and the dragon.

When finances overwhelm you, it leads to long, stressful days that seem to last a lifetime.

Take a step back, force yourself to breathe, and don’t try to fill the void with food or other pleasures! 

Take a trip, try a new hobby or visit an old friend – if balance is a rare commodity in your life, it’s up to you to create it. 

Qi: What Is It And How Does It Link To The Tiger And Dragon?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital life force in the universe.

Its symbolism consists of and governs the five elements: 

  • Metal
  • Wood
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Earth

In Chinese medicine, a healthy human being has a well-rounded mixture of every element and can maintain a healthy and stable balance.

Qi is constantly fluctuating and transforming between the different elements following our thoughts, feelings, and actions. 

Chinese philosophy employed Yin and Yang energies to adequately express and understand these interactions, notably the Tiger and dragon symbolism.  

Yin relates to Qi energies that are:

  • Solid
  • Cold
  • Dark
  • Passive

Yang energies are represented by:

  • Light
  • Hollow
  • Ascending
  • Bright
  • Aggressive
  • Active

Traditional Chinese medicine often employs Qi to forcefully alter or shift the elements within someone’s body to recreate balance and cure their illness. 

What Role Does Tiger/Dragon Symbolism Have In Martial Arts?

The ‘Tiger Style’ symbolism in Chinese martial arts is centered on muscle memory and raw power.

It attacks in a simple manner, bulldozing its opponent and paying little attention to protection. 

The Tiger represents the ‘hard’ style of martial arts (attacking and relentless). There are many different styles of tiger martial arts, too. 

“Dragon Style” symbolism of Yin-Yang energies represents fighting methods or tactics that rely more on movement awareness. 

The dragon battles with circular, flexible strikes, watching for opportunities to strike at the opponent’s exposed weakness.

It is characterized as a “soft” martial arts style, with defense as its main characteristic.

Final Thoughts

The symbolism of tiger energy is negative, feminine energy, while the symbolism of the dragon energy is positive and associated with the sun.

Their role in Yin and Yang makes them both essential in maintaining perfect balance. 

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About Ash

My name is Ash and I'm the founder of High Vibes Haven. I have been studying numerology, angels, and angel numbers for over 20 years. I am passionate about helping people recognize signs from their guardian angels, understand the hidden meanings of numbers in their life, and learn more about the secrets of the universe.

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