The Five Elements
Many forms of traditional medicine have five element theories in various formulations, including Traditional Chinese medicine, older Greek medicine, western astrology, and Native American traditions. The five elements are a kind of universal dialogue that all creatures naturally understand. They relate to our natural realms of experience through earth, water, fire, air and ether.
In Ayurvedic medicine, we work to balance the five elements within us at a biological and psychological level, mainly through the three doshas or biological humors that are composed of them – Vata dosha of air and ether, Pitta dosha of fire and water, and Kapha dosha of earth and water.
In the practice of Yoga, we access the cosmic forms of the five elements mainly through the five chakras and their powers in the cosmic mind, including their rulership over our five sense organs and five motor organs, such as explained the Samkhya system.
Through Vedic astrology, we look to balance the five elements as astronomical and astrological forces and through the planets, signs and movement of time. Generally Mercury as a planet is earth, water is Venus, fire is Mars, air is Saturn, and space or ether is Jupiter. The signs of the zodiac relate to the four elements of fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn).
Through Vastu or the Vedic directional science, we work to balance the five elements as directional influences and through our proper orientation in space. Our dwelling should contain all five elements and honor each as sacred in one way or another.
Making the Five Elements Sacred in Our Lives
The Earth is the sacred ground in which we stand. Bringing harmony into our lives begins with honoring the Earth. This occurs when we approach the earth with reverence, as in the attitudes of the American Indians and other native people who honor the Earth as the world mother. Chants to the Earth or meditations on it as a sacred power are helpful. Noting the rhythms of life on Earth through the days, months and seasons also helps.
Water naturally holds certain vibrations and emotions, as the foundation of life. Most religions have their holy water. This is not just superstition, but the use of water to hold sacred energy or intent. Water holds the energy of chants and prayers, mantra and meditation. We can create our own sacred water by having water on our altar or by our meditation seat. Such sacred water is best if kept in a vessel made of copper, silver or gold. It is good to add a purifying herb to it. For this purpose, we can add a leaf of aromatic plants like basil (tulsi), sage or mint.
Water has a magnetic energy. It can absorb negative energies and help remove them. Spending time around rivers, lakes or the ocean can be very helpful this way, allowing these natural bodies of water to absorb and remove our negative emotions. We should similarly let our mind flow like a stream, carrying all impurities away.
Various sacred Fires, lights or candles are used in all religions and native traditions. The oldest religions like the Vedic are centered on the use of a sacred fire with daily chants and ritual offering. Such fires can be used to offer all of our thoughts, worries, fears and anxieties and to give prayers for the upliftment of humanity and the happiness of all beings. They are very good for purification and can be used for burning up negative emotions or attachments from the past.
Air has a special power to purify by its flow. Fresh air takes away the stagnant air of disharmony and disease. The cosmic air element is honored primarily through the use of incense, which is a common practice in many cultures and popular in the modern world. Air and wind purify, remove and drive away negative energies that are like smoke. Increasing the circulation and movement of energy in body and mind is an important consideration as most disease and unhappiness is born of stagnation, depression and blockage.
Space as the most extensive of the elements is most important. Creating a sacred space is the basis of honoring all the five elements. This requires that we establish a sacred space within and around us. In our homes, we can create altar or meditation area. In society, we can visit special temples or holy places for this purpose. In nature, we can find many sacred spaces and visit them, including mountain regions from which we can access vast vistas.