ISIT Symbol Deconstruction
Like other abstract objects, the ISIT Symbol holds more meaning than meets the eye. Let’s take a deep dive into the symbolism of this icon.
We started with the Taoist Yin Yang symbol, which is arguably the clearest, most abstract, and most widely recognized representation of the prime duality that we have. Then we began to modify it with ISITistic principles in mind.
The first step was to change the perfect circle into a shape that is half circle and half square. The Circle and Square are quintessential symbols of IS and IT, so we place both of those shapes at the foundation of our symbol.
Adjusting for the new space from the square results in some interesting elements. Now, we have the black character on the bottom with a sharp, pointy head and a sharp hook for a foot, while the white character has a big round head and a harmless pointy tail. The curve and the angle are even more elementary representations of IS and IT, and here we see the black figures’s form taking on the angular characteristics of IT, while the white figure has more ISish curves.
Another key difference between these symbols is that the original Yin Yang symbol is symmetrical, while the ISIT symbol is asymmetrical, with the black figure actually taking up more of the area of the symbol than the white figure. The perfect symmetry of Yin Yang suggests a sense of balance that is rarely seen in our reality. The ISIT symbol is a more accurate abstraction of our relative reality, which is rarely in a state of perfect balance, but is more often an awkward and amazing dance/fight between opposing forces.
The two sides of the object seem like characters because of the circles that look like eyes in their heads. We replace the interior circles with semi-circles to represent the fact that within the realm of ISIT, we are not perfect beings (like circles). We are incomplete, and we all represent both aspects of Reality. The IS and the IT as represented by the eyes as the curve and the straight line.
In this depiction,we see the upward arching eyes of the leaping white creature give it a playful, happy sense, while the sideways semicircle on the angular black creature gives off a devious psycho-killer vibe.
Taken together, this symbol represents the type of people (as well as places, things, events, and everything else you can imagine) that use their ITistic angles and tools and tactics to take advantage of soft targets that are simply trying to find the most joy in life.
Another variable that takes on new significance in this design is the orientation of the objects. With the Yin|Yang symbols, whether it was facing left or right or what rotation it was at made little impact in terms of visual appearance or the meaning of the symbol. With the ISIT Symbol, rotating the figure evokes various images.
The first image on the left is the most appealing. It shows the ISish character enjoying the ride and rising above the ITistic character that is always coming up from behind.
The second image seems a little bit off. It almost has a sexual vibe about it. IS is definitely going down while IT is getting up. I think of it as kind of like the plunge into indulgence and the rise of decadence.
The third image has a very disturbing vibe. It’s like the evil IT is gleefully devouring a dead IS.
And the fourth image depicts the rebirth of Life as IS surges back up with a sense of sheer will and determination, while IT comes crashing down headlong.
Flipping each of these versions horizontally results in eight distinct versions of the logo.
As long as we’ve taken it this far, it only makes sense to bring colors into the mix. Colors are fundamental, and each color conveys its own significance. By applying each of seven colors to the eyes, we come up with a large collection of unique icons, where the eye colors can evoke a range of meanings relative to the figure orientations.
The nature of this icon makes it a great tool for creating intuitive interpretation, like Tarot cards or i Ching.
It also lends itself to creating NFTs.
