Elements:
The Fundamental forces of Nature
© by Jean Herzel, 1997
We experience the natural or physical world through
our senses. Behind this world, unperceived by many, is a world of energy.
Called by many names, such as prana, Qi or life force, it is this energy that
animates matter. Alchemists, shamans,
mystics and others have organised their ideas about this primal energy into
categories. One system of interpretation finds the essence of all living things
related to four Elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Such a structure helps
us to better understand what we experience and clarifies for us why certain
relationships are formed among living beings.
On one level, we find it easy to think of these
elements as we know them in the material world. But these elements also exist
on another, more elevated sensory plane. We literally require a heightened
awareness or state of consciousness to perceive these elements as they act in
their higher roles. Otherwise, the Elementals remain veiled and unknown despite
their tremendous influence in our world. This is unfortunate because these
forces are the active agents of the Higher Consciousness which create and
maintain this world and a myriad of others like it.
As we come to recognise this fundamental layer of
activity in Nature, we are a step closer to knowing that all life on Earth, and
elsewhere for that matter, is unified and bound together by common bonds.
Humanity is not a creation apart from the plant, animal, plant and mineral
kingdoms. Rather, humanity is only one aspect or manifestation of the unified
life form we refer to as the planet Earth.
Until recently many of us had forgotten our roles and
responsibilities to other aspects of this world. One important realisation is
that humanity in general is better served through an attitude of co-operation
with Nature’s forces than through an attempt to dominate them. Fortunately for
all of us, many are now awakening to the immense possibilities which underlie
such an attitude. Coupled with our awakening to this fundamental principle, is
our social responsibility. Once we are aware of Nature’s design, we have an opportunity to explore. It is
through these investigations that we can encourage others to help in this great
and necessary work.
The plant kingdom is an excellent place to begin our
explorations. Whether we realise it or not, humanity is thoroughly connected to
plants. Yet we rarely even think of this relationship. Imagine how totally
plants are a intertwined with our very physical being. Plants provide the main
constituents of our diets. On a cellular level, plants provide a large part of
the substance from which we regenerate our bodies. Even those of us who eat
meat indirectly owe their existence to the plant kingdom.
As we ingest plants, their qualities become active
within our cells. So it is that herbs will heal, teas will soothe and food
provides the fuel which enables continuing life. In this way, our close
relationship with these wonderful, giving beings is formed. Now imagine for a
moment that the members of the plant kingdom are not only conscious of their
relationship with the animal kingdom but happy to play the role they do.
From the first moment of our appearance on this
planet, we have relied on plants for food, shelter, clothing and healing. In this relationship, seemingly so one–sided,
the plants have benefited as well. Through planting and harvesting techniques
species have grown stronger and new strains have been developed. Typically, we
only hear about the bad news in our relationship— endangered plant and animal
species, devastated forests and contaminated habitat but much wonderful
progress has been made.
Human relationships with the surrounding world is, and
always has been, a part of a larger evolutionary process. It is through our
more direct connection with Higher Consciousness, that the plant world has
derived special opportunities to develop. As the Earth itself evolves, each of
its composite parts benefits from their relationship to other levels of life
simultaneously manifesting.
The activity of the elementals within the plant
kingdom is a fascinating world. Within each plant, all four of the elemental
forces (earth, water, air, and fire) exist in varying degrees. The interaction
of these forces can be compared to a cosmic dance with one elemental
orchestrating the activity of the other three within each plant species.
Nature in her infinite wisdom balances the plant
kingdom with an immeasurable array of
combinations, each having its own unique role in the entire scheme. For
example, in a marsh the water elementals are dominant. To balance the water
energy, the synthesis is through a plant which uses the fire elemental which
brings a balancing force into action. In
arid, high mountain regions the Indian Paintbrush is there to manifest the
water elementals. Another very obvious
example is the cactus. Many cactus
synthesise through the water elemental in the parching, dry deserts.
To develop an awareness of elementals we must move
beyond our physical senses of perception. This experience is personal. Although
you certainly could begin a study in your garden with a friend, each person’s
experience will be unique. Elementals, for example, will not appear in the same
way to everyone simply because they are not physical beings. They are beings of
light and energy. Their non–physical reality is translated through the unique
perceptions of each observer.
So do not be surprised when the visualisations or
auditory perceptions (some people hear music and others see fairies) you
experience do not seem in any way like those of your friends or like those in
the accompanying paintings. This is a chance to rejoice in our individuality as
well! It is apparent, though, that the elementals each have certain
distinguishing characteristics. Learning to recognise these will help you to
identify them when they are encountered.
Earth Elementals
The earth elementals are the most solid and seemingly
unchanging of the four. They are hard workers and always appear as heavy. In
folk tradition and legend we know them as gnomes, leprechauns, and trolls.
Actually, they are not hesitant to appear as grotesque and delight in appearing
so. Although they can be attractive, generally, they are not because their
solidity comes across with a fierce intensity. They correspond to the physical
body. This is why they feel so heavy to us, as we experience the direct
connection to the physical plane of existence through these particular
elemental forces.
Water Elementals
Perhaps the most beautiful of all are the water
elementals. They are the epitome of refinement. In folklore we know them as
nymphs. They are always astonishingly
beautiful and very delicate. Water is an energy correspondent to the emotions
so perhaps they will stir an emotional response from you as you experience
them.
Air Elementals
Air elementals appear and disappear with great ease.
They have an apparent disconnection from form and are quite transparent and
light. We know them lovingly as the fairies and sylphs. Air elementals deal
with the mental body and perhaps will give you a sensation of light–headedness
should you make contact with them.
Fire Elementals
Fire elementals are the most difficult for us to
contact. They contain the power of transformation and are so powerful it is
often wise to be cautious. But you will see them, if you are quick enough, as
fresh and spontaneous beings which exude the power of renewal. They correspond
to our spiritual nature, and of the four elementals are the most hidden from
us. In folklore we have dragons and salamanders corresponding to this
elemental.
The best way to learn about elementals is by working
directly with nature. Gardening is an excellent opportunity for such an
exploration. Opening yourself to the energies flowing in your garden can lead
to new experiences and is truly a royal road to elemental knowledge. Since our
inter–relationship with the plant kingdom already exists at a subconscious
level, plants respond superbly when invited to participate in gardening
activities. This invitation is extended not so much by what one says as by what
one does with the plants. The same principle works equally well for the naturalist, the herbalist, the farmer or any
person involved directly with the plant world.
Possessing a receptivity to contacting plant spirits
is the only prerequisite. If you take
this clue seriously and pursue your investigations deeply enough, you will find
that the plants are eager and interested in working with you as well. Such an approach was made famous at Findhorn
where members of the community transformed the barren, rocky land off the north
Scottish coast into lush, plentiful gardens. Their success has made it clear
that it is only by entering into communion with the forces of Nature that
humanity will find ways to heal a badly damaged Earth. In so doing we offer
ourselves both a chance to heal and a way to live. In this vital cause, we can
all participate.
The time is not far away when we all will awaken in a
world of oneness with all of Nature. Many have already reached this
understanding and the larger body of humanity is steadily moving toward the day
when Planetary Consciousness will not be something to discuss but a State of