Color is a very effective form of communication, and we say a lot about ourselves through the colors we wear and use.

Extrovert	Introvert
Animated	Quiet
Intense	Relaxed
Realistic	Idealistic
Forceful	Gentle
Dramatic	Reserved
Direct	Subtle
Active	Passive
Analytical	Intuitive
Assertive	Submissive
Exuberant	Calm

Yang or Yin?
The words listed above are divided into two columns because they are opposites. The words on the left describe "yang" traits; those on the right are "yin" traits. The yang is thought to be more forceful and active, the yin more gentle or passive.

The terms come from the ancient Chinese, who believed that each person is a blend of two personalities, the yang and the yin. These opposite characteristics, when put together, make up the whole, balanced person.

How much of your personality is yang and how much is yin? Look at the descriptive words you circled in each category. Add up your yangs and your yins. Did you circle more traits in one column than in the other?

Nearly everyone is a composite of both, because within the framework of your "type," your moods may change. The tiger in the outside world may be a kitten at home (or vice versa!). Colors have personalities, too. You simply vary the shadings according to the mood you want to convey.

If you want to express a yin mood, use the light to medium colors. If you want to express a yang mood, use the more vibrant or darker colors. Every hue ranges in mood from yin through yang. The lightest reds are pink. They are yin-soft, easy, nonthreatening. As the pinks get closer to the "mother color," red, they take on more yang characteristics. The brighter reds are attention-getting dynamic yangs. The deeper wine-reds carry more authority and weight. They are also yang, but with added dignity.

Yang and yin colors can be combined. This is more difficult than staying with just one mood, but, again, the secret is balance.

Portions reproduced from "MORE ALIVE WITH COLOR" with the permission of Leatrice Eiseman.