the four elements
The ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements: fire, water, air, & earth. tracing back to about 500 BC, the philosopher Empedocles of Acragas identified the essence of our modern notion of matter and force through naming these four elements. Aristotle went on to build upon and expand this theory. The
Buddha's teaching in regards to the four elements is that rather than being a theory or philosophy, they are the base of all observation of real sensations.
Dynamic theories and observations, each classical element offers many dimensions from simple physics, to the symbolism their energies represent:
- is either active or passive
- relates to one of the four cardinal directions
- is associated with an Astrology sign
- corresponds to particular suit of Tarot
- reflects your “state”
The following is a convenient reference of each of the elements.
Active
Represents the state of: “I do”
Cardinal direction: south
Astrological signs: Aries, Leo, & Sagittarius
Tarot suit: Wands
Property: heat or energy content
Descriptive words:
- energy & action
- passion
- drive
- ambition
- expansive
- aggressive
- proactive
- undeterred
- willpower
- inspiration
water
Passive
Represents the state of: “I feel”
Cardinal direction: west
Astrological signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Tarot suit: cups
Property: cohesion
Descriptive words:
- emotions
- feelings
- intuition
- love
- relationships
- serenity
- spirituality
- deep related to shallow
- ocean relating to the moon
air
Active
Represents the state of: “I think”
Cardinal direction: north
Astrological signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Tarot suit: swords
Property: expansion or vibration
Descriptive words:
- thought & ideas
- intelligent
- ego
- logic
- reasoning
- communication
- conflict
- awareness
- perception
- air circulates
- air cleanses
earth
Passive
Represents the state of: “I am”
Cardinal direction: east
Astrological signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Tarot suit: Pentacles
Property: solidity or inertia
Descriptive words:
- nature
- physical
- material
- sensual
- health
- stability
- reliability
- prosperity
- production
- growth
- foundation
- practicality
- finances
the 4 elements
From meditating - to creating - a process is deepened when working with the four elements, they offer profound insights to ground what spiritual work you prefer / most identify with.