In Earth-based spiritual beliefs, life is said to have the four creative energies of the universe at work: earth, air, fire and water. Each is necessary for human life. All have positive and negative aspects and are checks and balances for each other to help sustain life. The four elements are in both a physical form and in an unmanifested, non-physical form.
In the words of Ted Andrews, from his book, Earth, Air, Fire & Water, comes this explanation:
“… all the elements emerge from akasha, the immutable, changeless source of all energy. This is the realm of potentiality – of promise, of paths not yet taken, of unformed galaxies, of outer space. Akasha is also present within our bodies. Some say that the spark of life, that unknowable force that is called the “soul”, is a bit of akashic energy housed in a physical body. Akasha is unbeingness. … It’s the primal source of energy that creates and fuels the elements. Because of this, it contains complete, balanced energy: earth, air, fire and water. … “ (p.33)
The Medicine Wheel assigns each of the four elements to one of the four directions on the Wheel. The fifth spot, in the centre of the Medicine Wheel, is given to Spirit. Perhaps this is the akasha that Ted Andrews speaks of. To have a basic understanding of the four elements is to have a basic understanding of how the Wheel assists us with growth and healing. Let’s look at the basic characteristics of these elements of life. (Again, from Ted Andrews’ book)
The Earth Element
Earth is our mother. Its basic nature is fertile, nurturing, stabilizing, grounding. Earth energy is considered Receptive. It is a foundation upon which we can build. It is the densest of all elements. The colour associated with the earth element is Green (think Nature/plants). Earth rituals and prayers are about money, prosperity, fertility, stability, grounding and employment. Herbs aligned with the earth element include earthy-smelling plants such as patchouli and vetiver, mosses and lichens; nuts; dry and stiff plants (straw, grains); heavy, low-growing plants; most roots. Stones and metals that are heavy or opaque, iron or lead based or green such as emerald or peridot indicate earth element energy. The sound for earth element includes all percussion instruments (ie drums). Its direction is North; its time is Night; its point in life is Advanced Age. Earth element is linked to the sense of Touch.
The Air Element
Air is the power of movement. Its basic nature is flying, moving, fresh, intelligent, suspending. Air element is the invisible yet quite real mixture of gases that we breathe in every day. It is the power of the mind ~ the force of intellect. Air element energy is considered Projective. Sound is a manifestation of this element. The colour associated with the air element is Yellow. Air element rituals and prayers are about travel, instruction, study, freedom, knowledge, recovering lost items. Fragrant flowers and pungent herbs are aligned with this element. Stones and metals that are light (pumice) or transparent (mica) and metals such as tin and copper indicate air element energy. The sound for air element comes from all wind instruments (ie., flute). Its season is Spring; its direction is East; its time is Dawn; its point in life is Infancy. Air is linked to the senses of Hearing and Smell.
The Fire Element
Fire is the creator and destroyer. Unlike the other elements, it cannot exist without consuming something else. Fire transforms objects into new forms: heat, light, ash and smoke. Fire must be controlled to benefit us; this is necessary if its physical forms are to be useful. Its basic nature is purifying, destructive, cleaning, energetic, sexual, forceful. Heat is the manifestation of this element. Fire is considered a Projective energy. Its colour is Red. Fire element rituals and prayers are about protection, courage, sex, energy, strength, authority, banishing negativity. Fire element has connection to plants that are stinging, thorny or hot such as chili peppers, thistles, stinging nettle; desert plants such as cacti; stimulants such as coffee beans; most seeds. Stones and metals that are fiery (jaspers) or volcanic (lava) or clear (quartz) and metals such as gold and brass are aligned with fire energy. The sound associated with fire comes from stringed instruments (guitar). Its season is Summer; its direction is South; its time is Noon and its point in life is Youth. Fire is linked to the sense of Sight.
The Water Element
Water is love. Water element is cleansing, healing, psychic and loving. Its basic nature is flowing, purifying, healing, soothing, loving. The energy of this element is vital to our well-being as humans, for it contains within it the essence of love. It is Receptive energy. The colour associated with the water element is Blue (deep water blue). Water rituals and prayers are about purification, love, psychic awareness, dreams, sleep, peace, marriage and friendships. Plants aligned with the water element energy include water plants (water lilies, seaweed); fleshy (succulents); loving such as roses and gardenias (most flowers). Stones and crystals associated with water element are transparent or translucent (aquamarine) or blue (blue tourmaline) and metals such as mercury, silver and copper. The sound for water element comes from all resonate metals (cymbals, bells). Its season is Autumn; its direction is West; its time is Dusk; its point in life is Maturity. Water is linked to the sense of Taste.
Some natural symbols for these elements include:
Earth – salt, clay, fresh soil, rocks, sheaves of wheat, acorns, earthworm, ant
Air – feathers, incense smoke, fragrant flowers, spiders, most birds
Fire – flames, lava, a heated object, snake, ladybug, bee
Water – shells, a cup of water, fish, shellfish, whale, frog
This is just a quick introduction to the Four Elements and how we can begin to see what we need balanced in our lives. Balance holds the promise of better health and happiness. The Medicine Wheel can help direct your actions toward Balance. Is it time for you to try?