The Elements, Yoga, and Calling On the Energy You Need
Have you ever worked with the elements in your yoga practice? The elements are referenced in yoga philosophy, yogic subtle body anatomy, and yoga’s sister sciences including Ayurveda and Astrology.
There are five elements that correspond to various principles in yoga, life, and the natural world. When you understand these simple elemental principles, they can illuminate and enliven your understanding of your yoga practice and your experience of life.
The simple fact is: we display tendencies that relate to the elements. While the elements don’t have to be perfectly in balance, they do show up in various proportions to help us move forward in a way that’s helpful to us.
Knowing which element (or elements) to strengthen in yourself is the key to overcoming many energetic blocks that show up physically, mentally, and emotionally in life. If you find yourself ‘stuck’ in a particular area of life, learning to work with the elements in your yoga practice and your life can be the missing piece that frees you.
1. Earth Element
Associations with the earth element:
The earth element is associated with all things practical and tangible. It’s associated with Annamaya Kosha in yogic subtle body anatomy, which corresponds to the physical layer of your form. Earth is considered a mixture of the other elements, and is related to the zodiac signs Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.
When you might want to work with the earth element:
You might want to work with the earth element when you’re seeking practical answers to solutions or in need of resources such as money or other tools to move you forward. The earth element can also be called upon to bring a sense of grounding and safety, as well as physical vitality and wellbeing.
Öko Living mat suggested: Earth
2. Water Element
Associations with the water element:
The water element is associated with all things intuitive and emotional. It’s associated with Pranamaya Kosha in yogic subtle body anatomy, which corresponds to the vital or energetic layer of your form. Water is considered the energetic substance which allows material reality to remain fluid at any moment, and is related to the zodiac signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
When you might want to work with the water element:
You might want to work with the water element when you’re seeking nurture, love, compassion, or emotional resources to see you through life’s big moments. The water element can also be called upon to awaken intuitive and psychic gifts, as well as nurture and emotional attunement.
Öko Living mat suggested: Water
3. Fire Element
Associations with the fire element:
The fire element is associated with all things creative and expressive. It’s associated with Manamaya Kosha in yogic subtle body anatomy, which corresponds to the sensing and instinctual layer of your form. Fire is considered the spark of inspiration which brings a zest for living, and is related to the zodiac signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
When you might want to work with the fire element:
You might want to work with the fire element when you’re seeking inspiration, creative expression, or zest for your daily life. The fire element can also be called upon to bring a sense of joy, drive, and purpose as well as energy and growth in your endeavors.
Öko Living mat suggested: Fire
4. Air Element
Associations with the air element:
The air element is associated with all things mental, intellectual, and communicative. It’s associated with Vijnanamaya Kosha in yogic subtle body anatomy, which corresponds to the rational and intellectual layer of your form. Air is considered the quality of the mind which forms and transforms your life experience, and is related to the zodiac signs Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini.
When you might want to work with the air element:
You might want to work with the air element when you’re seeking mental answers in life or are training your mind toward states of optimism, happiness, and balance. The air element can also be called upon to bring mental peace, intellectual growth, and meditative states, as well as powerful growth in various centers in the brain.
Öko Living mat suggested: Air
5. Ether
The ether or quintessence element is the principle of subtle reality that unites the universe in the mystery of life and all that is. It represents the connective, infusing, enigmatic, and elusive realm of life. When you experience the spiritual connection of the ether element, you open to all possible gifts and insights that are meant for you in this life.
Call on the ether element to help you tap into the spiritual realms of life, open yourself to receive gifts, or call in experiences and insights for your path.
The quintessential element is connected to matters of the great mystery of life, spirituality, and the overarching unfoldment of life in the universe. All astrology signs and placements will resonate with an ether-element Öko Living mat, provided their aim is to access the mystery of life.
Öko Living mat suggested: Ether
Author: Emily Ridout is an AstroYoga specialist. She offers a AstroYoga Teacher Training 50 hour course. Learn more here.
By learning about the elemental energies you can call in what you need to find balance.
What energy do you need more of in your life and which elements draw you in?