ELEMENTS in relation to Crystals and Stones
Generally it's believed that the philosophy behind the four elements originated in Ancient Greece. Empedocles was the first known to use the term with Aristotle later adding the 5th element. The 5th element is also know as Akesha, quintessence, prana, spirit, ether or storm. The concept can be seen in many cultures such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Tibetan, Japanese and Islamic philosophy with all having some minor differences. The native tribes of the world have all used and held the earths elements in great respect as they know they are strongly connected to them. The Chinese version used in TCM uses slightly different methodology of the 5 elements or 5 phases, Wood, Earth, Water, Fire and Metal and is related to the interactions and relationships between phenomena of wellness, health, cycles of life, Feng Shui and Astrology.
Even though all crystals and stones come from the Earth (and a few from the sky) they also hold different qualities that relate back the the 4 basic elements and of the 5th, Storm.
Earth: Relates to the physical. In body and mind, your skeletal structure and muscles. Your sense of home and family foundations. Survival instincts and financial aspects. In relation to stones, they would be grounding, keeping you centred. They tend to balance the base chakra and earth star chakra (located approximately 6 to 12 inches below feet and connects us energetically to the earth).
Some examples are Black Tourmaline, Hematite, Bloodstone, Red Jasper, Obsidian, Ruby, Smokey Quartz.
Fire: Balances movement of energy in your body and life. Governs the meridian and chakra system. Also affects the reproductive, digestive and endocrine system.
Symbolizes action, creativity, and manifestation. Relates to the sacral and solar plexus chakras.
Unbalances affect the ability to take action and have direction in life.
Stones containing the fire element tend to stimulate the body and energetic field.
Examples are Carnelian, Citrine, Fire Agate, Malachite, Golden Topaz, Sunstone, Tiger eye and Calcites.
Water: Relates to the emotional body, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Often helps people to let go of the past and flow towards the future. Communication, love and compassion are key emotions here. Relationships are in focus.
Chakras related are heart and throat.
Examples are Rose Quartz, All tourmalines (except black), Lepidolite, Dioptase, Chrysocolla, Larimar, Amazonite, Chrysoprase, Emerald, Blue Lace Agate and Morganite.
Air/Wind: This governs our mental aspect. Creates inspiration, cognitive, spiritual communication, psychic awareness and clairvoyance. Also respiratory system, learning and vision. Inspires hope and a higher perspective (rise above one’s emotions).
Chakras related to air/wind are brow -3rd eye and crown.
Examples are Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Sugalite, Iolite, Fluorite, Selenite, Apatite, Moonstone, Sodalite, Celestite, Azurite and Apophyllite.
Storm: A synchronized combination of the four basic elements. Symbolizes huge transformation. Can activate any of the chakras but is related to the Soul star (6 to 8 inches above the crown) which is where we experience our highest spiritual energies and insights.
Similar to a storm where it builds up, creates havoc and then usually leaves the air cleared, with a more peaceful energy. So to is the energy when working with storm element stones. Only use for a short time, bringing up deep patterns that need to be understood, and then cleared. It is recommended that you are already in a balanced state before working with stone of this element. – expect change!
Examples are Phenicite, Magnesite, Covellite, Tektite, Fulgurite, Creedite, Moldavite, Clear Quartz, Barite, Danburite, Azeztulite, Aragonite, Astrophyllite, Dream Quartz, Herkimer Diamond, Kyanite, Libyan Gold Tektite, Nirvana Quartz, Pietersite, Seraphinite, Tibetan Quartz, Spirit quartz.
Lorraine xx
