The Four Elements

Pre-Socratic, Greek philosopher Empedocles said All matter is made up of four elements: water, earth, air and fire. He stated that they represented the realms of the cosmos wherein all things exist and whereof all things consist. He called them the four roots. Later, Aristotle added a fifth element, ether also known as quintessence.

Elements and Cultures

The elements are relative to the culture and tradition of a people. In Hinduism, they are the basis of all cosmic creation. Their names are:

• earth- bhūmi
• water- ap
• fire- tejas
• wind- marut
• ether- akash  

Buddhism also mentions the four but see them through a different lens. They are the basis for understanding suffering and for liberating oneself from suffering.

Taoism adds metal and wood to the list and each element is superior to the next: metal conquers wood, wood conquers earth, et cetera.

• wood
• earth
• water
• fire
• metal

 

The Celts also viewed the elements as crucial blocks; one could not be without the other. They are responsible for constructing our entire cosmos and key to the function of all life.  Their writings talk of healing wells. They also worshipped the Sun and fire played an important part in many pagan rituals. Today they still practice fire ceremonies, like the one on the eve of June 24th. People light open fires illuminating the country.

They also associated each element to a specific goddess/god:

• Earth              Danu            Goddess of protection/mother of all gods
• Air                  Daghdha      Father of all the gods/good god
• Water             Lugh             Storm god/Warrior/hero
• Fire                Cendwen      Goddess of rebirth

Astrology and the Elements

Astrology uses the four classical elements in connection with astrological charts and horoscopes. The twelve signs of the zodiac are divided into the four elements: 

• Fire — Aries    Leo    Sagittarius 
• Earth — Taurus    Virgo    Capricorn 
• Air — Gemini    Libra    Aquarius 
• Water — Cancer    Scorpio    Pisces 

 

 

These are then applied to people’s personalities. The elements represent certain basic traits and give a certain “temperament”. This also varies according to the emphasis of the elements in the horoscope.  Astro.com shows how the four elements can be regarded as four basic principles of life. 

Those born under the fire element are spontaneous and impulsive. They are generous and apply their energies wholeheartedly. Their emotional response is quick and they have a lively imagination. 

Born under the air element makes people quick to react. They are a lively bunch with many diverse likes and delve their energies into them. They tend to intellectualize their feelings and expectations. 

Water people are what I like to call touchy-feely. They are very sensitive. This makes them very  imaginative and emotional.

And, those born under the earth element respond in a slow manner. They possess endurance. It is very difficult to get in touch with how they feel emotionally and do not change quickly. 

So, What Do You Think?

Leave me a comment!

 

Sources:

Library Ireland

thecelticjourney

Pxabay.com