Earth, Air, Fire, Water. These are the basic elements that comprise our reality. They each have a specific esoteric meaning and purpose. They may appear as opposites, as unique items, but there is a force that binds them together. They flow into one another, they swirl around and combine. Thesis, antithesis, synthesis. The magician works with these elemental forces according to the type of activity that is being undertaken. The objective is to bring these into balance. It’s required, however, that they first must be unbalanced. There’d be no reason to attempt to walk the tight-rope if it were any other way. Don’t look down! Is what we might say, in case we should fall. A tumble is often necessary for learning purposes but a safety net is there while we learn our craft. There comes a point when this is removed, however, when we have mastered dancing on the wire. This is the art-form of daredevils. Where angels fear to tread.
Weakness and courage go hand in hand. A lack of courage will result in the weakness of cowardice. We experience this to know how it feels. That we are vulnerable and there are risks ‘out there’ to be feared. It’s a necessity of nature for it to be this way. The hunter is often the hunted simultaneously, the predator is the prey. Even when we believe that we’re at the apex, there’s something that can see us off. It’s for this reason that bravery and caution are happy bedfellows when we’re out in the wild. Our spider senses tingle when we see a giant web. Those with a head in the clouds will wander into it unawares. Caught through an imbalance of perception, a lack of acknowledgement of the physical realm. In order to increase this embodied experience, we must have our feet on solid ground. This is the feminine element of Earth.
Our vessels are important, they are the vehicles of consciousness. Failure to look after this temple in motion will result in breakdowns. Earth is the bedrock on which we stand. It’s difficult to manipulate the other elements when this is out of whack. It also refers not just to physical health but also to our resources, financial wealth and work. We need enough to survive and thrive, with a role that suits us best. Being lacking in the physical realm can cause a knock-on effect to occur. Earthquakes can topple a house built on weak foundations. Being left out in the cold can result in this demolition. It’s vital that we touch the ground and connect ourselves to the reality around us. We must do the dishes, cook the food, wash our clothes and tend to our gardens. We must find balance in the things that we undertake, a mixture of pleasure and pain. Along with the mundane tasks, we need to have fun, to appreciate beauty and be grateful for all that we have created and accumulated, learning to give and take in equal measure, avoiding greed and waste.
The masculine element of Air is the mind and thought. It sits seemingly in opposition to Earth. It is penetrative and thrusting and has a point to prove. The mind is a useful tool but a terrible master. Thoughts can attack us constantly with chatter in the skull, a rambling commentary that isn’t useful or productive. It’s noise and static, distracting ourselves from our purpose. Wielded inappropriately, it can result in deceit, betrayal, despair, despondency, disillusionment, hopelessness, sorrow, anger, arrogance, envy, confusion, indecision and all other manner of mental ills. We can all fall under the sway of these inner demons. The alchemist must purify, distil and transmogrify these gross substances into subtler forms. Mastering the mental realm through meditative practises and study clarifies the psyche and allows the light of consciousness to shine through.
The feminine element of Water is all about the emotions, the feels. It is reflective, deep and enveloping. Love springs forth from the Holy Grail and the heavenly dove from above descends. It’s the seat of our intuition, “I feel it in my waters”, is what we might say when our guts get engaged, however, we can sink or swim in its turbulent tides. It’s a mighty force that can leave our lives in tatters when we refuse to acknowledge that love is around us, at all times, regardless of what situation we find ourselves in. Smashed upon the rocks grieving those we have lost at sea, reminiscing about the past, we must turn our attention to what we do still have. This is the life-raft on which we bob upon the surf through froth and foam. Joy and celebration results from this state of appreciation. A loving cup is shared, playfully. The rainbow appears when we heal past hurts and finally find what we are searching for; the emotional ocean calm as glassy pond. We are isolated on a desert island, no more.
The masculine element of Fire is the spiritual component, it is passion. It’s action rather than repose. All creativity burns in the fire, however, it’s chaos when it roars out of control. Too much potency can lead to addictions of all kinds. Not enough and no forward motion is taken and we stay forever waiting for our ship to come in, looking out at the big wide world and wishing for distant shores. We should allow spirit to move us, in any way it wishes, being careful not to take on too much; when we are encumbered with overburden it leads to a broken back. Battles must be fought and won though, without causing grievous causalities but with enough force to deliver and receive a few bumps, cuts and bruises. Victory is assured when we follow our fire, our desire. It may be the cause of suffering for some but striving impels us onwards. New ideas should be grabbed firmly in the hand. This takes us to our destination and destiny.
Balancing these areas of our lives is the name of the game: the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes. We are given the world when we have mastered the art of each of the spheres. This enables us to lead wisely through our endeavours, whatever they may be, with strength, wisdom and love.
From the book From Darkness Into The Light by J.J. Flanagan