--By Hyperion Night of Beanblossom's Tea and Tarot
Empedocles, a Greek philosopher, scientist and healer who lived in Sicily in the fifth century B.C., believed that all matter was comprised of four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Fire and air are upward and outward reaching elements, whereas earth and water turn inward and downward.
The Four Elements were also believed to exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, behavior, emotions, thinking and intuition. Whether they do or not, they've become important symbols in Tarot, with each element representing a different Tarot suit.
Tarot aims to help us to better focus our energies, gain a better understanding of our positive traits, and deal with the negative ones. We can use this knowledge to realize our full potential and live our best life. Understanding what these elements represent can make it easier to interpret the cards.
Earth
Tarot: Pentacles
Astrology: Taurus, Capricorn, Virgo
Jung: Sensation
Associated with the signs Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo, Earth represents the practical, realistic material side of our nature, it seeks to assert a stable, secure and structured environment into which we can function. Earth is patient and reliable. It is solid and strong. To be on solid ground encourages one to seek the practical and most logical answer to a problem.
Earth can be a stabilizing force in a relationships, contributing structure and organization to achieve balance and harmony. Earth sustains growth- watch how plant life grows, from an acorn grows an oak tree; so do humans grow from youth to maturity. Growth is an immense facet of life.
The overexpression of earth/pentacles can be seen in a stubborn and rigid personality, one that strives to remain in the comfort zone in life, afraid to take risks. It can also be seen by a love of the material side of life, the comforts of material well-being. Material worth can be overemphasized and this can lead to stressful or worrisome situations.
Weakness of this element/suit: attachment, stinginess, materialism, resistance to change, too much attention to detail and missing the big picture.
Air
Tarot: Swords
Astrology: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Jung: Thinking
The element Air is associated with the signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. It seeks to establish itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of thinking that we develop ideas. It is through the influence of this element that we learn to communicate. Through air we gain and share knowledge.
Air contributes inventiveness, originality and versatility to the personality. It gives that feeling of freedom, unattachment, it reaches out to the mental self. Air expresses love of people, the ability to intellectualize, to appreciate the differences in people, accept different perspectives without which, there would be a lack of vision and human interaction.
Thoughts are a continual force in our lives. Air is associated with meditation where deep breathing is essential to reach that level of stillness, energy, and relaxation.
An overexpression of air/swords can be seen as living in a dream world with unrealistic goals and flights of fancy.
Weakness of this element/suit: lack of emotion, depression, lack of connection with the higher self, overactive mind that blocks inner peace and harmony.
Fire
Tarot: Wands
Astrology: Leo, Sagittarius, Aries
Jung: Intuition
The signs Leo, Sagittarius and Aries are associated with the element Fire. It represents the life force glowing within us. This element projects self-expression, creativity, courage and enthusiasm.
Fire strengthens self-confidence to tackle problems without hesitation. Without fire, there is no radiance, no conviction, no expression. A spark can light up new ideas, serve as a beacon to light the way to achieve goals with conviction and enthusiasm.
An overexpression of fire/wands can turn assertiveness into aggression, daring into reckless behavior and so forth. When fires influence is out of control, it seeks to consume all in it’s path.
Weaknesses of this element/suit: lack of interest, egotistic, excessive self-centeredness, self- importance.
Water
Tarot: Cups
Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Jung: Feelings/Emotion
The element Water is associated with the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces and influences the conscience and the subconscious forces that act on our lives. The element water pours forth to others. It allows one to feel their pain and suffering and offer sincere compassion.
Psychic awareness is also present in the water signs and shows itself from time to time with uncanny accuracy. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it.
Uncontrolled, this element/suit can send emotions on a turbulent path resulting in moodiness and unpredictable highs and lows, like the crest and trough of a wave.
When overexpressed, water/cups may tend to be overly emotional, deeply sensitive and subjective. With too much emotion, depression may result.
Weaknesses of this element/suit can result from being too protective and possessive of their loved ones, a cold attitude and lack of drive may arise.
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