Elemental Wisdom
Those of you who have been reading my newsletters for a while might remember that last July I announced my decision to enroll in Debra Silverman’s astrology school. Ever since my introductory class, I’ve continued to study privately with my same wonderful teacher. Well into my second year, my interest in this sacred ancient art just keeps on growing. Astrology has given me a whole new set of tools to help me on my healing journey, as well as a fresh perspective.
My enthusiasm to share my discoveries (a trait of mine that is clearly evident in my natal chart!) motivated me to ask Debra to join me in creating a four-part series on elemental wisdom, the foundation upon which all understanding of astrology is built. Today I’m introducing the series, and I look forward to sharing essays on Water, Air, Earth and Fire in the coming weeks!
Astrology Studies: An Introduction to Elemental Wisdom
I’ve recently become a devoted student of astrology. It began when I learned that the positions of the planets above our heads at the moment of our birth can reveal countless essential details about our personalities—including how we perceive the world, what we yearn for, and the particular ways we think, act, and love. Our natal charts can also illuminate our biggest challenges and core wounds, as well as our unique gifts and ultimate destiny here on earth. Harvesting this wisdom has helped me understand and accept myself, as well as the people in my life, more than ever before.
While astrology confounds the Western mind and is often deemed faulty by people who have only been exposed to sun sign horoscopes, it’s actually an incredibly complex ancient art that is mind-blowingly accurate when interpreted by a well-trained, seasoned professional.
Debra Silverman—renowned astrologer, psychotherapist, and author of The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition—asserts that even if you have no clue where your planets are positioned, you can still harvest much of astrology’s powerful wisdom by doing an internal inventory of how the characteristics of the four basic elements manifest themselves in your life.
“When we’re in pain,” Silverman explains, “it’s often because the elements are out of balance in our lives—we have too much or too little of a particular one or two. Working with the four elements—Water (the element associated with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces); Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius); Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn); and Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius)—is a proven age-old system that facilitates self-discovery and healing in a very simple, clear, and specific way. Once we become familiar with the magic of these four ingredients, so much is understood.”
While all of us have some of every element within us, it is a rare person who naturally has them all in balance. Likewise, every element can express itself as a “high road” or “low road,” which is why our biggest gifts often bring with them our biggest challenges. For example:
Water personality types are usually sensitive, intuitive, and nurturing, but they can also be moody, reclusive, or become emotionally detached in their efforts to deal with feelings that are overwhelming.
Air personality types are analytical, communicative, and process information quickly. They enjoy socializing and embrace change and variety, but they can also live too much in their heads, get distracted easily, and have a hard time making decisions.
Earth personality types are grounded, goal-oriented, dependable, and loyal. They move slowly and have great endurance, but they can also be stubborn, conservative, materialistic, and resistant to change.
Fire personality types bring energy, enthusiasm, spontaneity, and honesty, but they can also be loud, impulsive, opinionated, and insensitive.
In Silverman’s more than forty-year career, she has never seen anyone who hasn’t needed to work at balancing the four elemental energies within. “Most people have two elements that are robust, maybe three, but they’ll definitely have at least one to work on.”
