In ancient times, scientists, philosophers and magi divided matter into four basic elements: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. It has been said that these elements are the building blocks of life.

A scientist and philosopher named Empedocles set this foundation for science in Sicily during the 5th century B.C. Empedocles belonged to the tradition of ‘Root Cutters’, which means that he was an herbal magician and healer.

He defined these elements, or ‘roots’, as not only physical substances, but also as ‘spiritual essences’. He even assigned gods and goddesses to these energies:

Even our modern Meyers-Briggs personality test shares this four-fold concept.

The idea is that nature and the Self are equal. The four seasons of a year can be compared to the four stages of human life; birth, growth, maturity and death. We can utilize the four elements as dimensions of psychic and spiritual growth.

The natural way would be to strive to achieve an equal proportion of each. Understanding the psychic energies of these elements can help us balance our lives and experience greater harmony. If you know which elements to call upon and how to connect with them, you can manage whatever life throws your way much more easily.

If you have ever loved, you have experienced the element of Water. Serenity is a result of Water’s presence in our lives. Water is the most psychic of all the elements. It cleanses, nourishes and reflects. It is passive and malleable; it takes on the shape of whatever contains it. The Holy Grail is associated with Water, the original Primordial Chaos.

Water rules the emotions and the subconscious. If you have prophetic dreams, you are using the element of Water. If you are lonely, depressed, overwhelmed or having trouble opening your heart, let Water clear the way for you.

To get water flowing in your life, the easiest, most accessible tool is the bathtub. Add essential oils or milk and honey to cleanse and nurture your Higher Self. Drink pure water to purify your body.

You may try taking a walk in the rain. Notice how it gathers together to form puddles and pools. Throw a stone into a lake or a pond and watch the endless ripples. See how beautiful it is when it is contained.

Feeling compassion, shedding tears and giving to charity are the workings of this gentle element. Scrying bowls and table fountains are easy ways to get more Water into your life. Read poetry to get a feel for Water’s subtle, soothing properties.

When you eat, exercise or save money, you are interacting with the Earth element. Stability is Earth's unique gift. Seeing, smelling, tasting and touching are functions of Earth. Earth is solid, rich, sultry, strong and dependable. It is the foundation for all the other elements.

Earth is commitment, permanence, form. It is facts and law, practicality and consequence. Earth is about getting results. Poverty, insecurity, safety issues, obsessions and a sense of being 'weak-willed' or incapable can all be resolved with earth.

If you would like to strengthen your connection to Earth, put your bare feet on the ground. Walk, run, jump. Let the immovable nature of the Earth element support you.

You could also plant a garden or start a houseplant on a window sill. Roots such as potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips are known as 'grounding' foods that can increase your personal Earth energy.

Learn to respect yourself, accept yourself. Define what dignity is to you. Stimulate your senses. Work with your hands. Knit, string beads, or do some pottery. Place stones or a dish of sea salt on your altar, or wear a hematite pendant, to represent the Earth in your spiritual workings. Strive to be at home in your body.

Figure out which elements you are lacking and integrate them into your conscious life. Let the elements of nature bring you into closer contact with your True Self. As you grow on each of these levels, you will experience greater and greater joy.

Do not let yourself get too much of one element;

• Too much air can make you spacey.
• Too much fire can cause burn-out.
• Too much water can make you ‘wishy-washy’.
• Too much earth can make you rigid.