From the Book: “Rhythms of Change” – Elements

October 15, 2021 | Nalan for Hygeia | No Comments

The purpose of our trainings and sharings offered under the umbrella of Via Hygeia is to establish a connection between the ‘vertical’ and ‘horizontal.’ What does this mean?

When we look at the history of humanity, we can clearly see the step-by-step process of the ‘separation of the human from nature.’ It is evident that with the transition from the hunting-gathering (nomadic) period to settled life, many things changed. The issue of ownership came to the forefront (possessing became more important than ‘being’), we detached ourselves from nature where we co-existed with other beings, and we tried to dominate it by establishing our own hierarchical order. Now, ‘nature’ and ‘human’ were two separate concepts.

Nature is the sole source that reveals the functioning of the universe to us. By observing and trying to understand it, we can make many inferences about the universe and its microcosmic model, which is us. Let’s recall the Hermetic principle, “As above, so below,” and at this point, let’s share a few concrete examples that examine the connections between our relationship with the ‘above’ (vertical) and the elements that constitute the ‘below’ (horizontal): astrology, Paracelsus’s Doctrine of Signatures and the treatments applied by physicians following in his footsteps, sacred geometry, etc.

In summary, by keeping our relationship with the ‘vertical’ (spiritual realm, beyond the visible) and the ‘horizontal’ (the visible projection of the spiritual in the material world) worlds alive (through prayer, meditation, contemplation, action, and experience), we open up a morphic (all-knowing) space for ourselves. When we enter that space, our intuitions strengthen, and we heal in every sense, because at this point, we move from ‘pretending to be’ to the state of ‘being.’

Returning to our main topic – the book “Rhythms of Change”: When discussing the elements (according to Western Philosophy: fire, water, air, earth; according to Eastern Philosophy: earth, wood, fire, metal, and water), we often refer to those that exist in nature. This is a significant indicator of the process of human detachment from nature. However, these elements also exist within us (because we are the microcosmic model of the universe). By observing the elements in nature, we can make inferences about the elements within us (this is called analogy or correspondence, a form of affinity). The distribution of the elements in the human constitution shapes our temperament (for example, a person with a dominant fire element is more inclined to anger). In light of this information, by engaging in appropriate behaviors (such as sports, music, nutrition, aroma, etc., according to elemental structure), we can balance the elements within us, which ultimately reflects in our actions.

As Hygeia, we find the topic of elements essential and share our knowledge without rigidly presenting absolute and firm views. Why without rigidity? Whether there are 4 or 5 elements can be the fuel for an ongoing debate, but the goal is to experience rather than debate it. Which one aligns more with your worldview? Which one resonates with you? Ultimately, they are all reflections of nature. In her book, Mary Saunders explores the analogy of these elements with the human body based on the 5 elements of Eastern Philosophy. As Hygeia, we share these valuable insights summarized as seasonal cycles on Instagram, and later compile the posts into a PDF file placed here. Wishing that in its quest for truth your beautiful heart experiences these pieces of information. With love.