In ancient times, scientists, philosophers and magi divided matter
into
four basic elements: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. It has been said
that
these elements are the building blocks of life.
A scientist and philosopher named Empedocles set this foundation for
science in Sicily during the 5th century B.C. Empedocles belonged to
the
tradition of "Root Cutters," which means that he was an herbal
magician
and healer. He defined these elements, or "roots," as not only
physical
substances, but also as "spiritual essences." He even assigned gods
and
goddesses to these energies:
Air - Zeus
Fire - Hades
Water - Nestis (also known as Persephone)
Earth - Hera
About a century later, Aristotle assigned properties of hotness and
coldness to the elements:
Air - hot/moist
Fire - hot/dry
Water - cool/moist
Earth - cool/dry
Mystics throughout the ages have recognized these elements as four
spiritual modes of being. Air, Fire, Water and Earth are represented
by
the four suits of the Tarot - Swords (Air), Wands (Fire), Cups
(Water)
and Pentacles (Earth). I have seen that a dominant suit in a card
spread
can be very telling. You will also find these elements in astrology:
Air - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Earth - Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Alchemy, Hermeticism and Gnosticism hold understandings of the four
elements, too. We can see them in the Jungian theory of the four
personality types - thinking (Air), intuiting (Fire), feeling
(Water)
and sensing (Earth). Even our modern Meyers-Briggs personality test
shares this four-fold concept.
The idea is that nature and the Self are equal. The four seasons of
a
year can be compared to the four stages of human life - birth,
growth,
maturity and death. We can utilize the four elements as dimensions
of
psychic and spiritual growth. The natural way would be to strive to
achieve an equal proportion of each. Understanding the psychic
energies
of these elements can help us balance our lives and experience
greater
harmony. If you know which elements to call upon and how to connect
with
them, you can manage whatever life throws your way much more easily.
AIR
Season - Spring
Time of Day - Dawn
Direction - East
Color - Yellow
Archangel - Raphael
Every time you think or communicate, you are drawing on the element
of
Air. Our connections with others are formed through Air. Air is the
most
elusive of all the elements. It is uncontainable, unseen, and
changeable. Whenever you seek insight, discover a new idea, change
your
mind, clarify a vision, develop a plan or concentrate on your
breathing,
you are becoming Air. Air is intellect, Truth and wisdom. If you
have
difficulty making decisions, taking action, understanding or being
understood, Air can help you.
To awaken your connection to the Air element, open your windows and
clear the air around you by burning some incense or smudging your
home
with sage. Play music that inspires you. Or go outside and feel the
wind
on your face. Pay attention to the way it masters its own destiny,
moving constantly. Its flexibility makes it unstoppable. Try to
block it
with your hand. It will only go around.
Singing or toning, whistling, even dancing are all Air activities.
Crystal singing bowls and tuning forks are useful tools for invoking
Air
energy. Inventors utilize the element of Air. Read biographies of
inventors to understand the inner workings of Air.
FIRE
Season - Summer
Time of Day - Noon
Direction - South
Color - Red
Archangel - Mikael
Have you ever really, really wanted something? That's fire. Fire is
desire. It is dynamic, passionate, bold, enthusiastic, active and
hopeful. Fire is the life principle. It provides heat and light. It
is
the element of Spirit. Fire is charming, flamboyant and
inspirational.
Fire transforms. If you would like to improve your sense of humor or
build courage, confidence, or motivation, look to Fire.
To open up to the power of Fire within you, you can light a candle
and
see what the living flame has to show you. Watch a sunset and take
in
the brilliance of this vital element. If you really want a mega-
dose,
try dancing around a campfire and watch the way the fire dances with
you. Let the heat of the Fire element penetrate and warm your soul.
Competitive sports and games are also good ways to stimulate the
spark
of Fire in your life.
Do something spontaneous. Search within for your purpose. Set some
life
goals for yourself. Complete a task you've been meaning to finish.
Learn
to trust your intuition. Listen to a motivational tape or energize
yourself with affirmations. Empower yourself with divine thoughts
and
let your ideals awaken.
WATER
Season - Autumn
Time of Day - Dusk/sunset
Direction - West
Color - Blue
Archangel - Gabriel
If you have ever loved, you have experienced the element of Water.
Serenity is a result of Water's presence in our lives. Water is the
most
psychic of all the elements. It cleanses, nourishes and reflects. It
is
passive and malleable - it takes on the shape of whatever contains
it.
The Holy Grail is associated with Water, the original Primordial
Chaos.
Water rules the emotions and the subconscious. If you have prophetic
dreams, you are using the element of Water. If you are lonely,
depressed, overwhelmed or having trouble opening your heart, let
Water
clear the way for you.
To get water flowing in your life, the easiest, most accessible tool
is
the bathtub. Add essential oils or milk and honey to cleanse and
nurture
your Higher Self. Drink pure water to purify your body. You may try
taking a walk in the rain. Notice how it gathers together to form
puddles and pools. Throw a stone into a lake or a pond and watch the
endless ripples. See how beautiful it is when it is contained.
Feeling compassion, shedding tears and giving to charity are the
workings of this gentle element. Scrying bowls and table fountains
are
easy ways to get more Water into your life. Read poetry to get a
feel
for Water's subtle, soothing properties.
EARTH
Season - Winter
Time of Day - Midnight
Direction - North
Color - Green
Archangel - Uriel
When you eat, exercise or save money, you are interacting with the
Earth
element. Stability is Earth's unique gift. Seeing, smelling, tasting
and
touching are functions of Earth. Earth is solid, rich, sultry,
strong
and dependable. It is the foundation for all the other elements.
Earth
is commitment, permanence, form. It is facts and law, practicality
and
consequence. Earth is about getting results. Poverty, insecurity,
safety
issues, obsessions and a sense of being "weak-willed"or incapable
can
all be resolved with earth.
If you would like to strengthen your connection to Earth, put your
bare
feet on the ground. Walk, run, jump. Let the immovable nature of the
Earth element support you. You could also plant a garden or start a
houseplant on a window sill. Roots such as potatoes, carrots, beets
and
turnips are known as "grounding" foods that can increase your
personal
Earth energy.
Learn to respect yourself, accept yourself. Define what dignity is
to
you. Stimulate your senses. Work with your hands. Knit, string
beads, or
do pottery. Place stones or a dish of sea salt on your altar, or
wear a
hematite pendant, to represent the Earth in your spiritual workings.
Strive to be at home in your body.
INTEGRATE
Figure out which elements you are lacking and integrate them into
your
life. Let the elements of nature bring you into closer contact with
your
True Self. As you grow on each of these levels, you will experience
greater and greater joy.
Don't let yourself get too much of one element. Too much air can
make
you spacey. Too much fire can cause burn-out. Too much water can
make
you "wishy-washy." And too much earth can make you rigid. Keep your
personal elements balanced and your life will reflect that balance
back
to you by giving you all that you need, on every level.
2007-08-05 11:54:23
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answer #1
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answered by Heathen Mage 3
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