An old Chinese symbol for the universe that has become integrated in Western ideography.  illustrates the two opposing dimensions that give the world its dynamics: yin and yang. Yin represents the passive, receiving, recipient, malleable, matter, and is symbolized by the broken horizontal line, . Yang represents energy, activity, warmth, spirit, and is symbolized by an unbroken short horizontal line, . (In Chinese symbolism  in most cases carries the same meanings as  does in Western ideography.)     There exists nothing that is totally yin or all yang. This fact is symbolized by the presence of the small white circle in the black yin field, and the small black circle in the white yang field.     Structurally  and  are the closest related Western signs.     As far as the spectrum of meaning is concerned  is rather synonymous, being a common sign for the uniting of opposite elements for the alchemists.