The Elements in Astrology and their Origin
The elements we are most familiar with used in Astrology are earth, water, air, and fire. These elements are derived from the system of the Tattwas in Vedic tradition. The system of the Tattwas identified five forces known as Prithivi, Apas, Tejas, Vayu, and Akasha, otherwise known as earth, water, air, fire, and spirit.
In the system of the Tattwas, each of these elements has a simple symbol that can be used to evoke their energies. It has been said they can also be invoked in a visionary sense through realm travel.
The Astrology Elements in Magick
The elements are heavily worked within magick, ritual, and spell work. The symbols from the elements used in Astrology have been fundamental to the magickal systems devised by the Golden Dawn.
The symbols provide a very effective and simple method for getting in touch with the energies that exist both internally within and externally within the universe.
In magic, correspondences are used when working with each of the elements. Gemstones and plants are common correspondences that can be added to magical workings. Next, we will look at each of the Astrology elements’ gemstones and plants correspondences.
The Elements with Gemstone and Plant Correspondences
Fire – Gemstones (Bloodstone, garnet, lava, quartz crystal, ruby, carnelian, tiger’s eye, agate, red jasper), Plants (Basil, cacti, cinnamon, garlic, hibiscus, juniper, mustard, nettle, onion, red pepper, poppy, thistle, allspice.
Air – Gemstones (Topaz, aventurine, mica, fluorite, amethyst, blue or yellow stone), Plants (Anise, acacia, aspen, benzoin, clover, dill, frankincense, lavender, myrrh, pine, primrose, vervain, yarrow).
Water – Gemstones (Amethyst, aquamarine, blue tourmaline, pearl, coral, blue topaz, blue fluorite, lapis luzuli, sodalite), Plants (Aloe, apple, catnip, chamomile, fern, gardenia, lemon, lettuce, lilac, lotus, passion flower, seaweed, thyme, water lily, willow tree.
Earth – Gemstones (Emerald, peridot rock crystal, onyx, azurite, royal azure, tourmaline), Plants (Cedar, cypress, comfrey, honeysuckle, ivy, magnolia, primrose, sage, nuts, and oak.
Working with and Meditating with the Astrology Elements and the Tattwas
One way you can work with the Astrology elements is by meditating on their associated Tattwas symbols. You can work with the Tattwas symbols by just drawing them or using ones that have already been drawn out. Printing them out on a piece of paper or drawing them on cards will help to begin.
Next, sit in a relaxing position and gaze at the symbol while you meditate upon the Tattwas symbol’s associated element. For example, when meditating with the Tattwas symbol for fire, imagine smelling burning and hearing the crackling of the flame.
Traveling in the Spirit Vision with the Tattwas and Elements
If you are comfortable going even deeper, you can attempt to work with the Tattwas to invoke realm travel. Firstly, keep gazing at the symbol until you have thoroughly absorbed it. The edges of the symbol should start to appear luminous after some time, and a flashing color should appear on your retina.
This is said to be a complementary color that is considered to be the astral counterpart of the actual color. The tattwa symbol should now appear in its flashing color. When this happens, the symbol now serves as an astral portal through which you can travel.
Once you have decided to enter into this portal, take your time to adjust to your new surroundings and make a note of them, no matter how vague or subtle they may seem at first.
You can also then mentally summon up a spirit guide. Show respect and gratitude to your guide at all times. When your visit has finished, give thanks, and bid farewell. Step back through the portal by your original entry point.
Always visualize the portal closing behind you. Don’t forget to record what you had seen and felt. This entire exercise can be considered “traveling in the spirit vision”. Through such exercises, you are summoning elementals and learning to work earth Magick.
