Is there a general consensus of which animals represent the 4 elements (fire, air, earth, water)? Maybe from historical or mythical writings? Since fire and air are masculine...and earth and water are feminine, I would guess the animals would share those masculine or feminine qualities also. thanks for any input! :)
2007-12-11 03:07:14 · 7 answers · asked by fritzoschitzo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I don't think there is a consensus -- various cultures and spiritual beliefs each have their own set of animal symbols for the elements. I think the animal symbols common to Western beliefs is: salamander for fire; bull for earth, dolphin or porpoise for water and eagle for air. But again, the animal representations would be quite different for each of the various cultures. One set of writings (the alchemical works of Paracelsus) describes the elements as represented by "beings," (not necessarily animals): sylphs for air, undines for water, gnomes for earth, and salamanders for fire.
2007-12-11 03:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by Goddess 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
From alchemy and medieval mysticism:
Salamander=fire (lion and also the unicorn also represented the masculine, solar principle)
Eagle (or other birds)= air
bull or ox= earth
Fish, sea monster=water (the stag deer also represented the moon or feminine principle)
2007-12-11 05:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by philosophyangel 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The animals that I think would best represent each element (as this is what I'm assuming you are asking) would have to be:
Water ~ Dolphin
Earth ~ Horse
Fire ~ Salamander or Phoenix
Air ~ Eagle
2007-12-11 03:45:47 · answer #3 · answered by Pretty Little Rave Girl 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not completely sure for the mythical/historical aspect, but this is what I have heard:
Fire: phoenix (if mythical), raven (credited in some myths with brining fire to people)
Water: dolphin
Earth: elephant, bison
Air: eagle
2007-12-11 03:19:31 · answer #4 · answered by jaded_mouse 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the N/A Indian have many listed in their zodiac.
& in many earth based religious practices there are many more
.http://www.geocities.com/freespirits_kindredspirits/zodiac.html
2007-12-11 03:15:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
you need to become a planeteer and learn about CAPTAIN PLANET
he has all the answers and a helpful team who use all their special "elements" to fight super evil people
2007-12-11 03:12:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
me
2007-12-11 03:20:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋