Elements Series - Air 🜁

May 26, 20235 min read

Updated: Aug 11, 2023

Each breath we take is us connecting with the air element. We rely on oxygen at the most basic level. Air carries the sound waves of our loved ones voices. The songs we love to listen and dance too also rely on this element to carry them. In the vacuum of space - sound cannot travel (no matter how hard Hollywood pretends otherwise). This element is so integral to our well-being that there are entire government agencies dedicated to monitoring the quality of the air around us. Air is inescapable and every time we fill our lungs we are inviting this wonderful element to be a part of our journey.

One of the first things suggested to those with anxiety is to learn how to control our breathing. Taking steady, deep, controlled breaths is one of the fastest way to reset our fight/flight mode responses. Regulating our air intake can help us regulate our neurological and physiological processes. It is one of the most direct ways to tell our bodies what we want it to do and how. Athletes also learn how to breathe in the most effective way to ensure their success when engaging in their preferred sport. If you take a yoga or pilates class, there is a deep emphasis on how to properly breathe and when to breathe while you stretch.

All of that to say, we are always breathing. Which means we are always magically connected to the universe. In fact, our brains have made breathing an entirely unconscious process. It takes actual practice to think about, and control, our diaphragm and lungs in order to manifest a different rhythm to our oxygen intake. One of the most magical things you can do throughout your day is to sit and listen to your body breathe. You do not even have to try and change how it happens, just notice the pattern of your own breath. It can be very calming when you are overwhelmed.

Tangibility of Air

Further down I have a list of information about this element - so if you want to "skip to the recipe" click here.

I live by the motto that there is no wrong way to work with the energies around you. What is wrong for ME may not be wrong for YOU. I have a list of what most sources associate with this energy, don't limit yourself to what is here!

If your intuition guides you to go in a direction that is not with the "status quo" then do that.

Beyond how we take oxygen into our body, there are other ways to feel and see the tangibility of this element. If you have ever been a passenger in a car and stuck your hand out of the window to "surf the wind" you know how strong and soft the air can feel while you move through it quickly. Watching a storm roll in or enjoying a nice spring breeze also makes air a tangible entity. As with anything, it is not always fun and games.

Air can be as destructive as fire, albeit in a different way. One of the biggest factors in a brush fire is the wind, it can either help stop the spread of the flames by not showing up, or carry embers hundreds of yards away. Windstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can all bring buildings down to their foundations. Ships can be blown off course by large wind gusts and planes trajectories can be greatly impacted as well. Fun fact - turbulence happens when you hit air pockets in the sky or hit really tumultuous air currents.

As we were reminded in a harsh way in 2020, air can carry viruses. Breathing on those around us, or breathing too close, can cause our community harm. Taking steps to protect each other looked like putting on a mask and staying home, is a good way to honor this element and our neighbors. Breath can be an aura around us that may be perfectly fine for us, and harmful for others. I say all this because it is important to remember that all things are in balance. There is not good and evil. Nothing is ever truly without it's shades of color. Air should be respected for its dangers as well as appreciated for its boons.

Working With Air

Dance. Sing. MOVE. Go for a walk outside during the day and get a two-fer with air and fire. Walk at night (safely) to work with air and water. Use your breath to blow out candles with intention, or blow on your personal workings to infuse it with a part of you. Speak your truth and verbalize your boundaries. Scream your emotions out into the world if you need to - know that sometimes this is the best way to process out the pain or hurt you are experiencing.

I keep feathers around my house to invite the air element in. When I smoke cleanse (saining) I use a feather wand to help waft the rosemary and mugwort smoke around my house. I light incense to help shift the energy of a room (House Bound Energy).

I will dance around as I sweep the floors, much to the annoyance of my fur babies, and the delight of my son. I marvel at the movement of clouds outside and try to focus on them to see if I can get them to move or dissipate with my mind. This is a fun exercise to challenge your kiddos to do if you need them to be quiet outside for a few minutes!

When I am feeling low on spoons (Measurements of Energy) and am seeking inspiration - I call on the air element. I focus on drawing this energy into my soul by way of daffodils, dandelions, buttercups, Palo Verde blossoms, or any other yellow flower. I picture them swaying in a spring breeze, and imagine the feeling of that breeze on my face. Not only is this a lovely short meditation similar to Happy Places, but it helps me feel inspired to drive forward towards an innovative solution. In fact, right now as I write this post, I am leaning on the air element to help me communicate my thoughts to you, dear reader. Air is helping to inspire me to write, create, and share how I move through this world.

The Nitty Gritty

Here are the associations I was able to find that are most commonly "agreed" upon. I have a list of all of my sources at the bottom of this post under the expandable "References" section. I strongly encourage you to check out the source materials as they are not only interesting, but wonderful reads.

Compass Direction: East
Calling Quarter: 2nd quarter called
Color Associations: Yellow
Symbol: Upward triangle crossed by a line 🜁
Representations: Bells, music, feathers, scents, smoke
Correspondences: Employment, clarity, meditation, influence, creation
Areas of Influence / Energy signature: Law, knowledge, language, communication, breath, intellect, innovation, mental energies, speech
Uses: New idea generating, add your breathe to your spells to tie them to you, light incense for concentration (ties well with fire)
Tarot Suit: Swords
Astrological Signs: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
Body Representation: Throat
Season: Spring
Some Herbs Associated:
- Allspice
- Betel
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Guarana
- Lavender
- Meadowsweet
- Pine