To understand the elements, think of them as a process of creation. Fire sparks the creation, which is then carried by water, developed by air, and finished by earth. What oversees the process is the Spirit.
The elements are divided into four parts: fire, water, air, and earth. Each element has many associations with them ranging from directions to colors. For example, one traditional way places childhood in the South, which is ruled by fire. In the West, water represents the maturing person. The earth of the North is the person as an adult, whereas air of the East is the end of life.
Representing the will, fire transforms energy into reality. As the driving force of life, fire fuels the passions and propels the energy forward. Fire symbolizes activity and movement.
Water evokes the emotions. Like the tides, emotions ebb and flow. Like seas, water is ever changing. To navigate the seas of emotional energy, earth is needed. Earth can channel water into a more focused energy.
The mind is governed by air. As the wind, air shifts constantly. Like water, air can be used to create or destroy. An expansive energy, air fuels the intellect and fires the imagination.
Earth is the solid and realness of life. Earth is the stable, grounded part of life. This energy is receptive and patient. Earth represents the physical world, and grounds free flowing energy.
Ruling over and through the elements is the Spirit. Like the circle, the Spirit holds the elements together as one. It is the whole, while the elements are the parts. Spirit transforms and moves the energy through each element.
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Va. Carper
February 27, 2008