Earth (classical element)
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Earth is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. Earth is considered to be both cold and dry, and according to Plato is associated with the cube.
One of the four elements thought to make up the universe; the others being Air, Fire, and Water. In Wiccan tradition, it is associated with the North, Winter, and the color green on the physical plane. It is sometimes represented by a green square, the drum, animal fur, coins, the pentacle, milk, the heartbeat, jewelry, bones, and the staff. Earth represents strength, abundance, stability, and femininity. In rituals, Earth is represented in the forms of burying objects in the earth, herbalism, and making images out of wood or stone.
The manifestations of the Element of Earth are all plants and trees, mountains, forests, caves, and gardens. The stag, bull, sow, bear, and the snake are also thought to personify the element of Earth, as are all burrowing animals, such as moles and rabbits. Astral creatures of Earth (elementals) are the Satyr/Faun, Gnome/Goblin, Sylvestre/Dryad, and the Elf. Earth’s place on the pentagram is the lower left point. In China and Japan Earth was represented by a turtle; in the Aztec religion, by a house; to the Hindus, a lotus; to the Scythians, a plough; to the Greeks, a wheel; and in Christian iconography by a bull.
An anonymous poem called “Invoking the Elements,” says “This is the Earth, my Children; these are the Creatures: / Deer who worries; Fox who schemes; / Cat who conjures; Sheep who dreams; / Hare the playful; Badger the stern; / Mouse who teaches; Horse who learns; / Wolf who wanders; Boar who stays; / Stag who guards; Puma who preys. / This is the Earth I conjure, and this is the birth of the World.”
| Classical Elements
Western Chinese |