How are you working with the Natural Elements?
Our reality is made of four elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. These elements are physical as well as symbolic. The physical characteristics of these elements are obvious, while the symbolic are more psychological.
FIRE
Physically fire is hot. It must consume some type of fuel. It can destroy things, or is can bring warmth and comfort. Fire can bring people together and it can also turn people against each other. Fire must be created. It cannot exist on its own. Fire is most constructive when it is contained and most destructive when it is wild.
Symbolically fire is the spark. It is the initial inspiration and the excitement that fuels action and manifestation. It is our passion as we forge new territory in our lives, start new projects, and is the drive to complete as we strive for the warmth of success.
When we have a lot of fire in our lives, we may be described as having a lot of drive. Perhaps we can be short tempered. We may have strong opinions and sometimes fail to listen to others point of view. When we lack fire, we may feel a great deal of stagnation. We may feel depressed, unmotivated, lackluster, and uninspired. Learning to cultivate, contain, and channel fire in our lives is the key to the evolution of our soul.
EARTH
Physically earth is tangible. It is real, and can be sensed with our five senses, measured, and quantified. Earth is everything physical. Earth accumulates. It can pile up and block our physical path. Earth is the food we ingest to nourish our bodies. We need to consume earth to live. And we create earth as we excrete. We can shape and mold the earth to suit our needs.
Symbolically earth is what we create. It is the byproduct of our work. It is sometimes the outcome of our inspired action. It is the proof that we exist. It is the way we interact with the literal world. It is our bodies, and how we take care of them. It is the gift we offer others. Earth is the way things “really” are.
When we have a lot of earth we tend to feel heavy and see clutter. We may hoard earth in an effort to feel more secure or important. We may always strive for more of it. When we feel we lack earth, we may feel we are unworthy of receiving. We may unconsciously or consciously deprive ourselves in an effort to gain control. It is important to respect the flow of receiving earth and releasing earth.
AIR
Physically air is what we breathe. We transform air by brining it into our bodies and taking the parts we need, then depositing the gasses we do not need from our blood as we exhale. Air is in constant motion. We do not see air, but know it is very real. It can powerfully blow trees and structures down, or feel thin at high altitudes. We must transform air to live.
Symbolically air is all the things we know exist but cannot see. It is our thoughts, our words, our opinions, our judgments, and our beliefs. Air is the voice in our heads. Air is the songs we sing, the music to our ears, the way we perceive our selves, others, and our lives. It is the way we form our beliefs and how we change our minds. It is information, communication, learning, and teaching.
When we have too much air, we can be a bit ungrounded in and “in our head.” We may intellectualize and analyze, categorize and compartmentalize, to the detriment of feeling. Too much air can create a separation from experience. When we lack air, we may have a hard time thinking things through. We may not create a plan of action, wasting a lot of fire and earth. We may be short sighted or lack follow through. It is important to breath fresh ideas in regularly, and allow our old air to be transformed and released.
WATER
Physically Water flows. It cleans and refreshes. It is ancient and holds memory recorded in its molecules. All water flows downward, unless it is transmuted into another state, but even then, vapor condenses and falls back to the lowest ground. Our bodies are made of mostly water. We need water more than food, but too much water will drown us.
Symbolically water is feelings and emotions. It is the matrix for our experiences. Feeling our feelings puts us in touch with our intuition. Feeling our feelings is presence. It is healing and clearing and transmutes energy. And water seeks to connect us all. Drawing us all toward the ocean of oneness.
When we have too much water we can feel bogged down with emotion and depression. We may feel like victims to the currents of our lives and lack clear direction. Or we may have trouble being light and finding joy and fun. Too little water creates a life lacking juice and emotion. We may have trouble connecting to others and feeling or giving love and nurturing. It is important to balance the waters of our lives so that we may be fully present with the richness of our experiences but not be derailed by huge swings in mood that sabotage our time and energy.