The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water … Return, Return, Return, Return

These are the words to a well-known chant that honors the elements. Recognizing the role of the elements is an integral part of my spiritual practice.

The elements are integral to my spiritual practice because everything we see, touch, smell, and taste is made in one form or another from these elements. Earth/air/fire/water represent aspects of our physical and spiritual being. We see them in everything around us. We can see them in ourselves – and ourselves in them.

And central to earth/air/fire/water is the energy of spirit. The power that drives us from within – the prime element present in all things – providing space, connection, and balance for all elements to exist.

Earth is associated with the North. It represents our physical form.  Stability, birth, strength, stillness, potential, and maternal nourishment. Its symbols are fertile soil, rocks, roots, grass, salt, and trees. It is our body.

 

Air is associated with the East. It represents the mind. Intelligence, communication, imagination, ideas, knowledge, desires, dreams, and changeability. Its symbols are sky, breezes, clouds, smoke, and feathers. It is our breath.

Fire is associated with the South. It represents energy. Purifying, transforming, warmth, light, aspiration, and desire. Its symbols are flames, the sun, lightning, stars, lava, and candles. It is our passion.

Water is associated with the West. It represents the fluidity of our being. Emotions, movement, cleansing, cooling, purification, and wisdom. Its symbols are ocean, rain, fog, lakes, and rivers. It is our blood and tears.

So when we celebrate a change of season, or a life event, or a cycle of the moon ...

We look to the Earth
We look to the Air
We look to the Fire
We look to the Water
We draw from the Spirit within us.

We draw in the power and the resource of their energies. And with those forces, we move through the days with greater ability to face the challenges and joys and sorrows and loves of our lives.

In balance.

Resources:
Listen to The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water Chant