Introducing the Five Elements
As the basis of all phenomena, of body, of mind, the study and practice of the Elements is extremely vast. But we can make a good start by understanding the basic meaning embraced by each of these formative forces.
BODY
Our body is a sophisticated hierarchy of structures within structures, organized and coordinated with extraordinary precision. The matrix of connective tissue provides the framework of every living cell. Yet when Earth becomes deficient, this amazing city of the body begins to decay and collapse. And when Earth is in excess, there is rigidity, restriction and contraction.
EARTH
MIND
Earth, the inner Ruler, organizes, logically governs, and structures our psychological world. It provides a stable and practical base, and a sense of enrichment. We are where we truly belong, with generosity towards others. But if disconnected, we feel impoverished and unstable. And the dark side is miserliness, oppression, and self-centeredness.
BODY
Water Element is the “universal solvent,” where our chemistry mixes and mingles, and which flows to nourish every nook and cranny of the body. Its flexibility and changeableness is the key to youthful and vibrant health. However, when its force is diminished, our entire biochemistry and metabolism is dampened. And when it is excessive or distorted, we begin to retain toxins, fluids and fat, becoming prone to inflammation and infection.
WATER
MIND
Water Element allows a deep and intimate connection with things, phenomena and people. It can bring compassion, idealism and an easygoing mental flow. Water is intuitive and sensitive, but it, like its aqueous counterpart, gives nurturing and life-giving strength. Disconnected, there is a sense of isolation, doubt, and loss. And Shadow Water creates a manipulative, possessive or co-dependent state, a misguided effort to emulate real power.
BODY
Biological Fire Element burns brightly at the core of every cell, where we create the warmth that is the basis of our whole biochemical factory. Digestive fire makes it possible to break down other life forms and assimilate them, as well deconstruct old tissues and purify the toxins, viruses and other forces that destabilize life. Moreover, Fire is the directivity, the focus and drive built into every cell, organ, insect and human being.
FIRE
MIND
The Fire of mind is our Warriorship, the heroic drive and motivation that pushes us to succeed and overcome all obstacles. In its five forms, the fiery warrior is the ambition of mind, whether it is the push to love more, have more, know more, accomplish more, or be more. In its pure form, this fearlessness and strength carries a sense of responsibility. In Loss, we feel powerless and weak. And in Shadow it can turn brutal and ruthless.
BODY
The circulation of blood, pumping of the heart, expansion of our lungs, the motility of the gut: All that moves is under the domain of Air. More than this, it enables the transfer of messages and signals from brain to cell, and back again. The creation of new tissues and organs is under its domain, as is the resourcefulness to adapt to the constant shifts, alterations and threats from a tumultuous, ever-changing world.
AIR
MIND
Thought, emotion, and sensation are part of the intricate play of mind, but the creative movement of all these parts is Air Element: mixing, inventing, discovering, adapting. Otherwise, ponderous mechanics holds sway and the genius of humanity can never be realized; Yet an excess means instability, disassociation, and lack of grounding.
BODY
The circulation of blood, pumping of the heart, expansion of our lungs, the motility of the gut: All that moves is under the domain of Air. More than this, it enables the transfer of messages and signals from brain to cell, and back again. The creation of new tissues and organs is under its domain, as is the resourcefulness to adapt to the constant shifts, alterations and threats from a tumultuous, ever-changing world.
SPACE
MIND
Thought, emotion, and sensation are part of the intricate play of mind, but the creative movement of all these parts is Air Element: mixing, inventing, discovering, adapting. Otherwise, ponderous mechanics holds sway and the genius of humanity can never be realized; Yet an excess means instability, disassociation, and lack of grounding.
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