Sky
The sky element (also called ether) is the element of transcendence. It represents sound and communication. The sky, changing every moment, yet ultimately unchanging and eternal, signifies the soul. Sky suggests unlimited possibilities and hope. Because sky surrounds the other four elements, it is the most subtle. When sky combines with any of the other elements, it lends a spiritual aspect to the other elements.People who have sky featuring predominantly in their element profile tend to be highly creative. They live most solidly in their spirituality. They experience their feelings as pure and clear. They are good listeners and have excellent communication skills. They are focused and can concentrate with intensity. They derive pleasure from expressing themselves, particularly artistically: dance, drawing or painting, theater. They value truth above all. They favor locations that have religious or spiritual
significance and might choose a yoga or meditation retreat as a vacation. The sky element person is able to rise above what’s happening, seeing events from a lofty perspective. They are often inspiring to others. They have no trouble remembering their dreams, and embrace their dream-life with joy.
Earth
We are embodied and thus part of the physical world. Inevitably, then, we have a relationship with the physical world and demonstrate “Earthy” traits of sensuousness, caution, practicality, pragmatism, precision, and discipline, as well as stubbornness, dogmatism, inflexibility, intolerance, compulsivity, and depression. Earth types often believe that they are their physical bodies; consequently, they have an underlying fear of physical death. Earth grounds us, makes us feel centered; earth gives us our
basic sense of identity. The earth element is actually a synergistic combining of the four other elements: the earth receives its vital energies from the refreshing water, the fiery sun, expansive air, and radiant sky. As such, this is the most balancing of the elements. People who have the earth element featuring predominantly in their element profile tend to be nurturing and accepting. They live most solidly in their bodies. They experience their feelings as pleasurable and their feelings define for them who they are. Earth-element people take great joy in eating; they’re interested in health issues and enjoy taking care of their bodies. They are the survivors under any circumstances. They favor locations that are flat and either spacious or densely wooded, and they enjoy activities such as gardening and backpacking.
Water
We are composed almost entirely of water and can live only a few days without it. The surface of the planet is two-thirds water. Life began in the primeval ocean and we develop in the watery womb. Inevitably we have a relationship with water and demonstrate “Watery” traits of emotionalism, empathy, kindness, sympathy, love, gentleness, sociability, nurturing, and intuition, as well as moodiness, capriciousness, possessiveness, neediness, sentimentality, and irrationality. Water types often believe that they
are their feelings; hence, they exhibit a nebulous sense of self and fear solitude. It encourages us to become, to change and to reflect on ourselves. Water-element treatments leave you feeling accepting, fluid and flowing. Water is the most restorative of the elements. People who have the water element featuring predominantly in their element profile tend to be emotional as well as sexual. They live most solidly in their feelings. They are easy to get along with, relaxed, empathic and willing to go with the flow. They are in touch with their feelings yet also able to let go of their feelings. They derive pleasure
from talking and sharing emotionally with others. They are comfortable doing nothing at all. They favor locations near water and enjoy activities in and around water – swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving.
Air
Without air, we would die within minutes. Our relationship with this element is therefore intense and beset by uncertainty. We all exhibit “Airy” traits of rationalism, logic, intellect, analysis, judgement, curiosity, openness, ethics, fairness, and humanitarianism, as well as superiority, coldness, distance, abstraction, emotional illiteracy, naiveté, and prejudice. Air types often believe that they are their minds, and they cling to theories that make sense of both themselves and the world. Air is the element of love and life and symbolizes the interconnectedness of all people. Air and breathing are connected. Breathing is emphasized in all spiritual practices because it is through breath that we gain self-mastery. Air is the most detoxifying of the elements.From air we can learn to be unattached, to be constantly on the move, and to be subtle and not perceptible. We can learn of man’s ability to live in the depth of spirit rather than on the surface of existence. People who have air featuring predominantly in their element profile tend to be highly intuitive. They live most solidly in their minds. They are compassionate and likely to have long-term friendships. There is a sense of emotional freedom in air-element people. As well, they are likely to feel fulfilled. They experience their feelings as balanced, and happily make decisions based on their feelings. They derive pleasure from meeting people. They favor locations in the mountains or places that have expansive views; they will prefer the top floor of an apartment building or a mountain-top cabin. They especially enjoy activities involving aerobic exercise.
Fire
Fire refers to the life force, the spiritual energy that animates us, and the motivation without which we would be inactive and die. We all exhibit “Firey” traits of urgency, drive, passion, enthusiasm, ambition, intensity, creativity, optimism, and progressiveness, as well as egocentricity, selfishness, recklessness, impulsiveness, ruthlessness, aggression, and insensitivity. Fire types often believe that they are their achievements, and so they strive desperately to succeed and constantly monitor their progress as evidence of their worth. Fire gives light as well as heat and is associated with enlightenment. Fire is the element of power. Fire confronts us with our fears. In its ability to burn away impurities, fire is the most highly charged of the elements. People who have the fire element featuring predominantly in their element profile tend to be thoughtful with tremendous will power. They live most solidly in their will. They
are decisive, self-motivated with a strong self-image. As well, they like to be in control of what’s happening. They experience their feelings as balanced, and they apply logic and reason to their feelings. They derive pleasure from setting a goal and achieving it. They favor hot climates and would choose a vacation in the Caribbean or the tropics. Fire element people have great conviction in their views.
