We all have days when we just don't feel 'ourselves'. Maybe we are snappy, tired, can't focus or just want to be alone. This is the time to study our feelings and 're-balance' our personal elements. The elements exist not only within nature, but also as part of our very being. When they are unbalanced, they have a profound effect on the way we feel.
Air
Cardinal Direction - East
Colour - Yellow
Totem - Eagle
Air is the symbol of new beginnings, of birth, creativity, of thoughts, breathing and sense of smell. When air is too dominant, it gives rise to becoming over analytical, pernickety, critical and the tendancy is to talk about and plan - more than actually get on with.
Fire
Cardinal Direction - South
Colour - Red
Totem - Mouse
Fire controls fire, passion, building on the existing, of learning and experience. When Fire is too dominant you may feel anger, over energetic, unsettled, ferocity, passion, feverent, overwhelming desire. Too little and you feel drained, depressed, unmotivated, lacking in energy, and like you're walking through glue.
Water
Cardinal Direction - West
Colour - Blue
Totem - Bear
Water controls feelings and emotions, healing, intuition and quiet reflection. When Water is too dominant you may feel over emotional, weepy, have mood swings, overloaded and overwhelemed. Too little and you may feel unable to reveal your feelings, too guarded, the shutters go up and you won't let in, you put up walls.
Earth
Cardinal Direction - North
Colour - Green
Totem - Buffalo
Earth controls our physical, the sense of touch, of material pleasures, physical security and the home.
When Earth is too dominant you may feelthe need for surrounding yourself with possesions, for staying in a rut because it is 'safer', for the need of the sanctuary of the home, the need for security. Too little and you may feel unable to concentrate, lacking in any staying power and easily bored.
Balancing Our Elements
Once you have identified the element(s) that are out of balance, you can work on them individually. If you find your energy levels are low, you just can't work up the enthusiam to do anything, then maybe you need to boost your Fire.
Find a quiet place, calm your mind with meditation and summon the element of fire. We all do this in different ways, for me it is a candle burning, for others it may be a volcano, a bonfire, the fire in the hearth - it's whatever helps you to 'feel' the element, the warmth from the glow of the hearth, or the sun on your face. Bring it towards you from the distance, getting closer and closer. Keep the feeling with you, immerse yourself in it, concntrate on only that sensation and then let it recede, getting smaller and further away. Do this for any element that is either over-active, or not active enough.
I like to start my day with an energy balance. Before I get out of bed, when I'm still relaxed and at peace with my world, I start with the East and I summon each element in turn, feeling it, experiencing it and then releasing it. For me, this brings all into balance and I can start my day fresh and in tune - it doesn't tend to stay that way for long - but it's a good way to sart!