The Four Elements of nature magic and philosophy, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, arise from ancient Greek thinkers around the 6th century BCE. It's similar to the Chinese model Wuxing; the collective unconscious; and the Whole as more than the sum of its parts.
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The concept of four basic elements, earth (γῆ gê), water (ὕδωρ hýdōr), air (ἀήρ aḗr), and fire (πῦρ pŷr), dates from pre-Socratic times. The concept of the Four Elements as a group is first put forth by philosopher Empedocles (492 - 432 BCE) based on the work of Socrates.
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Greek philosopher Aristotle adds aether as an element in the 4th century BCE. These elements - earth, water, air, fire, and aether (ether, space) - are seen as building blocks of all matter.
This knowledge persists through the Middle Ages and into the Early modern period, deeply influencing European thought and culture. The classical elements, originating from ancient philosophies and beliefs, provide a framework for understanding the universe.
From their incipience the archetypal elements have a strong impact on the development of human understanding and philosophical thought. This paradigm of Earth, Air, Fire and Water continues to resonate through the medieval into the Early modern period.
In alchemy these elements combine, separate, coagulate, dissolve, ferment and vaporize. They're considered in their relationships to forces around and within them, their mutability and spiritual properties such as decomposition, purification, awakening and realization.
Each element carries symbolic significance, associated with certain characteristics and qualities. In Greek philosophy, earth symbolizes stability and grounding. Air signifies intellect and communication, and fire embodies transformation and passion.
Water represents fluidity and adaptability. The later inclusion of aether or space adds a dimension of spirituality and interconnectedness to the elemental system. Aether is the air breathed by the gods.
This interpretation plays a key role in molding the worldview of medieval society, from alchemical practices to religious beliefs. These elemental concepts are not limited to Greece but appear in other ancient civilizations such as Angola, Tibet, India, and Mali.
Despite variations in terminology and interpretations, the core idea of elemental balance and harmony remains consistent. In Tibetan culture, "air" might be called "wind," highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of this element.
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Similarly, aether, the fifth element, or "space," underscores the vast and boundless nature of the universe. Aether is around, in and above the other elements, characterized as a sphere rather than a flat circle.
Later astrologers, astronomers, philosophers and alchemists build upon this fundamental concept. The planets and zodiac signs embody elemental qualities. In traditional medicine ingredients can be categorized according to elemental influences.
In Eastern tradition the alchemist and seeker works with the Wuxing system of philosophy using elements earth, wood, fire, metal and water. Wuxing is usually translated as Five Phases or Five Agents. It's used in disparate traditional Chinese fields of study.
Five Agents are Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth. The Wuxing system has been in use since its origin in the the second or first century BCE, during the Han dynasty.
Wuxing elemental spiritualism addresses a wide array of phenomena. These include cosmic cycles, music, feng shui, wedding dates, organ function, alchemy, politics, astrology, martial arts, military strategy, I Ching divination and herbal medicines.
This interconnectedness is reminiscent of the collective unconscious model by renowned analytical psychologist Carl Jung (1875 - 1961). Jung asserts there exists a shared reservoir of universal experiences and symbolic imagery, coming together in the wholeness of being.
Neoplatonism expresses belief of "The One," the ultimate source or essence from which the cosmos emanates. The interconnectedness of elements highlights a holistic view of the universe, where everything is intricately linked and derived from a common origin.
This philosophical framework not only seeks to explain the physical world. It also delves into the metaphysical and ontological inquiries, exploring the nature of existence and the underlying principles governing reality.
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