The Elements, Part 5: Spirit
The element of Spirit is the ethereal combination of all the other elements. It is the very energy which comprises our entire cosmos. Spirit encompasses all that we can see, and the mysteries which are unseen to our mortal eyes. Spirit resides in the center, but also pervades the entire circle of life. It is […]
The Elements: In Conclusion
I just recently realized that I hadn’t completed my series on the elements, begun two years ago. The members of our Elements Study Group got busy with families, work, and other projects, and we haven’t yet returned to our final Water session. Yet I’ve had plenty of time to work with Water on my own, […]
The Elements, Part 4: Water
The element of Water nourishes us, body and soul. Life on this planet began in and emerged from the deep, mysterious waters of Mother Ocean. The never-ending cycle of water is visible to us as lakes and rivers, clouds and raindrops, sweat and tears. Water resides in the West, and its time is autumn and […]
The Elements, Part 3: Fire
The element of Fire lights the darkness of our outer and inner landscapes. It is in the faraway light of the stars, the life-giving warmth of our Sun, the Moon’s mystical reflection, the sudden flash of lightning, the friction of flint on steel, and the spark of passion in the belly. Fire’s direction is South […]
The Elements, Part 2: Air
The element of Air swirls around us, unseen but essential to life. Air’s direction is East and its time is spring and dawn. Air’s colors are light and peaceful: sky blue, pale yellow, and pure white. Air’s essence is expressed by capricious winds, the flight of birds, and music of all types. We need Air […]
Yoga for the Earth Element
The following is a slightly-modified article I wrote for presentation to my Elements Study Group this past weekend. We’ve been exploring the Earth element, and to me the body-mind connection of yoga fit in well. I presented the article, then led them through a half-hour of gentle yoga. Most everyone seemed to enjoy it. Yoga, […]
The Elements, Part 1: Earth
The element of Earth reveals our connection with the land. Earth’s direction is North, and its time is winter and midnight. The colors of Earth are dark and restful: chocolate brown, forest green, deep black like the night sky. Giant mountains, mighty trees, and burrowing creatures sing to us the slow, patient song of Earth. […]
Teaching the Elements
Last spring I took the Elements of Magic class from two wonderful Reclaiming teachers who are bringing these teachings to Maine. I’ve been a Pagan for 20 years, and I’ve attended one of Reclaiming’s witch camps (in 2005). The Reclaiming philosophy and approach, founded by Starhawk in San Francisco many years ago and expanded by […]