Elements are the fundamental building blocks of life, Everything in this entire Universe is the product of different combinations of the five basic elements known as “Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space or Ether.” They bring balance, as they correlate with the four states of matter. Each of these five elements not only nourishes but also restrains one another, thus preventing dominance of one particular element. It assumes a protective barrier role, that serves to counter the energy imbalances which are observed. You can think of Elements as the transformative doorway, into a balanced life. None of them being inherently good or bad, however each consists of both positive and negative qualities, as well as their own energetic signatures which pervades everything in our physical plane.
The philosophy behind the elements originated from the Greeks who believed that all matter consisted of a combination of these fundamental constituents. Empedocles was the first to propose the four elements namely earth, water, fire and air which he called the four roots, to explain the complexity of all matter in terms of simpler substances, by observing a bucket inverted in water, which did’nt became filled, due to a pocket of air that remained trapped inside. Greek philosophers later debated on which of these substances were to be implemented as the first arch or principle element, meaning the root of existence or the source of all things. Heraclitus promoted “Fire,” Thales supported “Water,” and Anaximenes championed “Air.” Aristotle were the first to propose the fifth element “Aether,” as the quintessence, reasoning that whereas Earth, Water, Fire and Air were mainly earthly and corruptible, since no changes had ever been perceived throughout the heavenly regions, as well as the stars which had to be made up of a different unchangeable heavenly substance.
In today’s modern society, elements are used to combine in different ways to balance the body, mind and spirit. It gives rise to all that exists. In Taoism the five elements are known as “Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,” and “Water,” and consist of either a male or female characteristic, which connects and supports different body parts. “Yin and Yang are known as fluid rather than static categories. For this reason, they’re often referred to as the “five phases” or “five transformations.” (of influence) “– as quoted by Elizabeth Reninger
In Ayurveda elements are viewed as “Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space,” which is believed to be composed of matter and energy. In Hindu mythology the elements are referred to as “Panchamahabhuta, -” Earth as “Bhumi,” Water as “Jala,” Air as “Vayu,” Fire as “Agni” and Space or Ether as “Akash.” In ancient Chinese, the elements are viewed as “Wu Xing.” – which is known to be a holistic philosophy closely linked to Daoism. Wu Xing distinguishes five elements namely “Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.“
On a spiritual level, the Elements are referred to as the bridge between our ancient spiritual wisdom and our present. They also contribute to the complexity of our identities, as the human body, just like the entire universe, is made up of these five elements, namely “Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Space/Ether.” By being consciously aware of them, we learn how to attain and maintain our health, in order to enjoy a long, balanced and fulfilling life based on higher awareness. If imbalanced or impure, it may lead to illness or conflict in relationships. Practicing Yoga is known as being one of the most effective methods to help restore the elements, and also to unravel their inner-powers and abilities. When our elements are balanced, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our loved ones, as well as our relationships. Elements can be used to illuminate our strengths, our weaknesses, upcoming challenges, and even problematic triggers that may occur, in an empowering way.
Space, Ether or Akash
Space or Akash retains a generic meaning of sky, and is known as spirit for not being present in physical form. This is the element of non-resistance, which defines the gap between two things. Being the first and most subtle element, to represent the essence of emptiness as well as the space provided by it. It’s charactarized as our great unifier and to be the home of potential and possibility, as it encompasses the principle of motion, the principle of rest and the principle of time.
The qualities of Ether are not inherent, but is said to take up all the qualities of the remaining elements, due to the absence of their properties in Ether. Ether can be experienced as cold, as it lacks warmth of “Fire,” light in weight, as it lacks heaviness of “Earth and Water,” and Immobile, as it lacks mobility and fluid nature of “Air.” The experience of space as luminous emptiness, forms the basis of higher spiritual order. Akash also provides space, allowing the existence of the remaining elements. and most important of all, it governs the “All Important Breath” in reference to – “The life breath of heaven that covers the earth through the sun’s rays, the lifebreath of the atmosphere that reaches the earth through rain, and on earth life prevails in the form of life breath.” – – as quoted by Abhilash Rajendran –
Practicing yoga asanas, pranayama and kriyas, balances the element of Space. Click on the link to see step-by-step kriya instructions – https://youtu.be/EwQkfoKxRvo
Water or Jala
Water or Jala is essential to all life, seeing as it makes up approximately 60%-70% of the human body. It is soothing, purifying, and healing, as supposed to the intellectualism of air, Water s also known as the principle of cohesion, and exists in many forms in the human body, such as plasma, blood, saliva, nasal secretion, eye secretion, cytoplasm, mucus, digestive juices and cerebrospinal fluid.
Water is the element we relate to as our emotional body from ancient traditions, which is connected to the West. It nurtures and sustains life, as long as it’s in motion. And is also believed to consist of magnetic properties. It’s connection with Svadhisthana or Sacral chakra makes it our element of sexuality and creativity, which governs birth as well as regeneration. Water constitutes the basis of our existence, and is still concidered sacred and to also be linked to psychic powers and intuition by some tribes.
To balance the element of Water ,you can use a practise called Qigong. Qigong is a mind-body exercise form that uses meditation, breathing exercise and movement to increase energy and to enable the body’s self-healing properties. When Water is balanced, our creativity increases and we become more emotionally mature and open minded. Not only does it restore our balance, but it alsp facilitates positive flow and inner-strength, as well as fluidity of the reproductive system. It also promotes inner-development, as it enables our ability to expand our awareness. and to renew our soul.
Click on the link below for a guided Qigong exercise – https://youtu.be/omaO5MSwom4
Earth or Bhumi
The Element of Earth or Bhumi can be described in so many ways, as the cool, dense, loving, and healing element, which is also known as the principle of inertia. Earth is connected to Muladhara or Root chakra, making it our foundational center that keeps us connected and grounded to Mother Earth. It is representative of everything that is solid and resistant as well as everything that gives us form.
Earth is connected to the North, and is concidered to be the ultimate feminine element, which exists in various structural parts of the body such as the bones, nails, teeth, skin, muscles, hair, tendons and cartilage, Just like the ground beneath our feet, Earth also supports. and confers a sense of duty and responsibility to those in it’s sphere. It works in conjunction with the remaining elements to sustain life as we know it. Earth can also be viewed as the treasurer element, who is entrusted with the receipt, care and disbursement of the treasured Qi or Chi (Life Force Energy). Earth binds Fire, Water and Air in various proportions, which makes possible the formation of materials with new different properties.
By simply lying on grass or to sit under a tree, or by taking a barefoot walk on the beach, is ideal for absorbing the energies of Earth. When earthing or grounding yourself, it’s important to connect to an earthly substance, through touch, whether it be soil, sand, or water or any conductive surface that is connected to earth, Once grounded or earthed, you’ll develop a sense of belonging and a tendency to become increasingly more responsible, mature and dependable. A balanced Earth promotes nourishment and balance, and mainly focusses on the importance of the body, by aknowledging the physical body, the desires of the mind as well as the awareness of the soul. You can also listen to the following Shamanic Drumming session while meditating in nature, very powerful method used in Shamanism.
Grounding Shamanic Drumming session – https://youtu.be/F3_1MixAhWs
Fire or Agni
Fire or Agni is essential to all life, as it is linked to our main energy source the sun, which fuels our bodies energetically. It represents all forms of fire that exists on Earth and in our bodies, which consists of both life-giving as well as life-taking properties. Fire manifests itself as masculine energy, which serves as our transformer for converting energy into different forms. Fire is alive, purifying and always giving birth to new ideas and new life.
It is known as the element of the South and serves as the main source of celestial light. which holds great power for exceeding will and determination. On a spiritual level, it represents the living symbol of the Divine fire that burns within every soul.. Fire is completely fearless, cool, confident, and exhibits courage,creativity and initiative. It is linked to the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and the function known as the tripple heater, Fire also governs authority, leadership and movement, and is known for being the closest element to the element of Space or Akash. It is absolutely essential when one attempt’s to access the Akashic records or etheric dimensions, as these dimensions require the presence of fire, to enable access.
Sungazing is known to be very effective to absorb the energies of fire, and speaking from my own personal experiences, I can honestly say that this method has truly benefited me in opening and balancing of Third Eye and Crown Chakra Wait until it’s late in the afternoon just before the sun starts to set. Another method you can use, is to light a candle and meditate while focussing on the flames. A balanced Fire enhances our communication skills and also awakens our ability to create receptively and to transcend beyond all limits. It sets our intentions in motion, and allows the flow of positive energy to flow more freely in the direction you wish to go, to achieve your goals.
Fire(Agni) meditation – https://youtu.be/jKrdC_iMfNU
Air or Vayu
Air or Vayu is the Element of the East, and is vital to human survival, seeing as it is the invisible force that passes through all things, that gives them life. Apart from it’s life-giving properties, it can also be viewed as a symbolical representatiion of our thoughts and spirit, which resonates with new possibilities and new beginnings. Air is detaching, as it enables the co-existence of the two main elements, fire and water. Air is known to govern our spiritual faith, as well as the vast network of vital breath, – referring to “the breath that gave us life.”
Air is endowed with hightened receptivity and manifests itself as masculine energy, superior to the more material elements, earth and water. This is probably one of the most powerful elements to heal and purify the body from toxins, and is sometimes also referred to as the mind’s element, due to it’s connection with intellect, mental intention as well as wisdom. The mind of Air helps us to evade destruction and to mainly focus on groundedness and motion. Air is concidered a leading quality, seeing as the gases in space can penetrate everywhere. Air is also the manifestation of communication, and therefor provides us with increased abilities of interaction, based on observation. It’s connection with the heart chakra or Anahata, also makes it our Element of love..
To balance Air is to simply recognize that the breath of life is a great gift from God, You can also view it from another perspective as a powerful biblical metaphor used to speak of His very presence. Eastern mystics teach meditation upon one’s breath, to control body functions and to help gain inner peace, When Air is balanced, our minds are more open and flexible, as it enables us to mentally travel and explore, allowing for new ideas to broaden our horizens. It gives us room to breath, as it opens our lungs. It also opens the soul and restores balance. You can use the following Vayu meditation, and remember to focus on your breathing.
Balancinc Air(Vayu) meditation – https://youtu.be/Fu26DCzK6L8
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