The Four Symbols

The Four Symbols are four mythological creatures from Chinese mythology that represent different directions, seasons, and elements. They are the Azure Dragon (east, spring, wood), the White Tiger (west, autumn, metal), the Red Phoenix or Vermilion Bird (south, summer, fire), and the Black Tortoise or Black Warrior (north, winter, water), often depicted as a tortoise entwined with a snake. These symbols are used in Chinese cosmology, astrology, and feng shui to embody balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of nature's forces and energies.