Elements as Fundamental Archetypes

[Dtris]

According to western occultism the four elements are created by the combination of the two principles. Hot/Cold and Wet/Dry. Fire is Hot & Dry, Earth is Hot & Wet, Air is Cold & Dry, Water is Cold & Wet. The principles that create the elements are formed from the first descension of light from the unified creative principle, called the One Thought in the Emerald Tablet.

In Chinese philosophy there are five elements. Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, and Wood. Each are related to the other in constant cycles of creation and destruction. Before the elements existed there was the Wuji, or uncreated principle, which then creates the Taiji aka Yin and Yang, which then creates the myriad of things.

Within the western occult tradition the initial focus is on the 4 elements and the Quintessence. The elements are learned, and used in an exploration of the nature of the self. This is the outer curricula or the foundational work to adepthood.

In the eastern tradition the elements make up a major part of chinese medicine, they are associated with the organs, and there are various exercises working the elements and those organs and meridians. The elements are prominent in meditation methods.

Interestingly there also animal methods in both traditions but more the eastern one IME. I personally think there are many many ways to progress and whether you focus on elements, or animals, or an abstract symbol, all can be beneficial and the best one is the one that you are looking forward to doing each day.