The knowledge of the forces of nature has its origins in Ancient Egypt, where the Great Initiate Thoth Hermes Trismegistus lived and wrote his works. On the basis of Hermeticism formed a mystical science-alchemy, the purpose of which was to show the way to comprehend the essence of things.
An element is a state of space that is a consequence of the operation of certain principles of the Universe. The symbols of the elements are the designations of these principles or primary elements, from which all the substances of the cosmos are formed.
Symbols of earth
1. The archetype of the Great Mother, the feminine
The element of earth is the material basis and Foundation of life. Her image is nature, the fertile mother.
Archetypal symbols of the earth: the virgin, the patron goddess of the harvest, the Great Cosmic mother.
2. Shape: cube, diamond
A common symbol of the earth is a cube – the most stable figure of three-dimensional space. The cubic form is inherent in the crystal lattice of diamond-stone, consisting of the densest concentration of carbon atoms. The symbol of the earth can also be any ordered structure or symmetrical shape.
3. Numbers: 6 and 4
The number 6 - the sign of the perfect form is one of the symbols of the earth. As this element correspond to the shapes: hexagon and six-pointed star. Six is also related to the cube – a geometric figure with 6 sides.
The square and its corresponding number 4 are also connected with the element of the earth.
4. Side of the world and time: North, winter, night
The element of the earth corresponds to the solid state of matter. Naturally, the direction of this element the North, where everything is covered with ice; season – winter; Time of day or night.
5. Planets: Saturn and Venus
Because of the hardness and stability of the earth element associated with Saturn – a planet of restrictions and order. Saturn is the unbreakable rock of the Supreme Law, which no one can escape.
Saturn's qualities: rigor, order, state, power, conscience, law, wisdom, old age, limitations, karma, solidity, asceticism.
6. Sphere of being: material world, nature
7. Chakra: Muladhara
The earth is a symbol of the material nature of our world. Because this element corresponds to the energy center Muladhara, responsible for survival instincts.
Symbol of water
1. Shape: bowls and vessels
The symbol of water can be a bowl, pitcher or seashell. The Cup is also a symbol of the feminine, generative forces and abundance.
2. Sphere of being: astral world
The water element on the Tree of Life represents the astral world of the sphere Yesod, which means "form". Here we are talking about astral forms formed in the interaction of feelings and logic.
3. Time and place: West, autumn, evening
Water is associated with the rainy season – autumn. This season corresponds to the time of day-evening, side of the world-West. Autumn is also the time of harvest and summing up the year. And fertility and harvest-also one of the symbols of water, as mentioned above.
4. Planets: Moon and Neptune
Water element corresponds to the planet Moon . The moon is the patroness of femininity, motherhood, emotions, feelings and intuition.
Water element also protects the planet Neptune. This planet is connected with the psyche, fantasies and dreams. Qualities of Neptune: propensity to mysticism, illusions, deceptive visions, mystery and fog, but also spirituality, connection with the Higher "I", meditative mind.
5. Chakras: ajna, and Svadhisthana
Water qualities are inherent in two energy centers: Swadhistan and Ajna. The first is responsible for emotions, pleasure, procreation. The second chakra-ajna is water as a symbol of clairvoyance and insight.
The symbols of air
1. Air is associated with quickness of thought and sharpness of mind. According to this, the symbols of the air are swords, pikes and other piercing and cutting objects.
2. The bottom line: freedom and the spirit
White bird-symbolic image of the spirit. In the esoteric sense, it is a conscious creative act or action aimed at creation. In Christian tradition, the Holy Spirit is depicted as a white dove. And in Ancient Egypt, the hawk was a symbol of the human soul.
3. Phenomenon: wind
The air has the qualities of lightness, mobility and speed. At the same time it can be changeable and sudden, destructive and unpredictable.
4. Place and time: East, spring, morning
Air – the element of youth and new birth. Therefore, it is often correlated with the East – the place where the Sun is born every morning.
5. Planet: Mercury
One of the symbols of the element of air is the planet closest to the Sun — mercury. Mercury in Roman mythology was the patron of trade and travel, an intermediary between gods and people.
6. Chakras: anahata and vishudha
The symbols of air are also the respiratory organs and their corresponding energy centers: anahata and vishudha. Anahata-heart chakra, is located in the center of the breast and is responsible for breathing, expression of unconditional love and compassion. Vishuddha – the throat chakra located in the area of the thyroid gland and is a function of creative expression and a related question.
Symbols of fire
1. Shape: wands
In ancient times, the rod as an attribute of power and magical power belonged to the spiritual caste of priests. This symbol is the designation of the highest element in the hierarchy-fire.
2. Place and time: South, day, summer
The symbol of fire corresponds to the hottest side of the world-South, season-summer and time of day-day. These symbols of fire indicate its searing nature and the destructive aspect of the element.
3. Phenomena: lightning, explosion, flame
The element of fire can manifest different aspects of his character. The qualities of phenomena determine the qualities of the corresponding symbols of fire.
- Erupting volcano-a symbol of anger, rage, rage, destructive power of fire.
- Candle flame-a symbol of faith and spirituality, guiding light, hope, light of truth in the darkness.
4. Planets: Mars, Sun
The destructive qualities of fire are most evident in the nature of Mars. The planet Mars is a symbol of uncontrolled and raging fire, incinerating everything around. In Ancient Rome, Mars was the God of war and destruction. And at the same time he was honored as the patron and protector of Ancient Rome.
5. Chakras: manipura, Muladhara, ajna, Sahasrara
Symbol of ceasefire can bear in itself the most different quality. Accordingly, in the energy structure of man, this element is displayed in several centers.