The universe is duly in order, everything is in its place.  What has arrived is in its place and what waits shall be in its place. 

Walt Whitman, Complete Poetry

Cynthia's Journal:

The Elements on the Wheel

East is the place of Fire
South is the place of Water
West is the place of Earth
North is the place of Air

Since this is the South Week, let’s look more carefully at the Water element, and consider everything affected by it.  Without water, there can be no life.  When spacecraft are sent to explore the moons or other planets, the first thing they look for is evidence of  Water.  Some call Water the ‘life blood’ of the Earth.  Polluting the Water is akin to polluting our own circulation system. 

If we were in tune with this element, we could hold a glass of Water in our hands and know instantly whether it was safe to drink, or not.  Living with that level of sensitivity would be quite a challenge in our modern environment.  We have so much stimulation these days we tend to ‘go numb,’ in an effort to manage what we can, while ignoring the rest.  Alcohol and many medications are used to ‘take the edge off.’  But we pay a price for this.  When you ignore, you remain ignorant. 

Consider how Water interacts with Fire, Air and Earth.  The Air can ‘carry’ Water, by evaporating it and forming clouds which can blow across the land and bring rain to other places.  If you could travel the world, as a single drop of Water, imagine the multitude of shapes you would take and the experiences you would have.  The next time you turn on the tap, and the Water pours over your hands, try to imagine where it has been and the wisdom it contains.

You can do this with every element.  Spend some time with each one in turn.  Some say the Wind ‘carries’ every cry, curse and prayer that was ever uttered.  Some people can ‘read’ the stones. Others can pick up a handful of dirt and understand the place it belongs and what crops will or will not grow in it. Our bodies will return to the Earth one day, going full circle for the Earth has kept us alive, growing our food, and providing everything we use & wear.

Fire used to be called ‘the gift of the gods.’  Once mankind learned to make Fire, the peoples lives began to change. When electricity was invented, we began to spend less time with Fire but it can still teach us many lessons.  Have you ever sat up late at night tending a campfire under the stars?  Fire is a consumer.  Without Air and fuel, it dies. What fuels your inner Fire?

Tomorrow we will look at the elements in relation to a person's spirit.