The spirit element of Earth is the one that is closest to us. We feel its nurturing ground, smell its intoxicating scents, hear its calming sounds, taste its nutritious produce and view its abundant beauty every day. Like a mother, earth cradles us, feeds us and gives us shelter, and like a father it provides stability, as it rotates uncomplainingly around the sun, and ensures sustenance for life. We must respect this spirit element, much like we respect our parents because angering it will lead to dire consequences.
Christians view earth as a part of the two states of consciousness, the other being heaven. While heaven is a realm of ideals, earth constitutes our thoughts. Humans are to manifest these heavenly ideals through their creations on earth.
You must have heard of the phrase ‘down to earth’. It means being humble, rooted and free of material thoughts. A connection with earth is vital in order to remain stable and balanced. This is why you will often see Hindu sages and saints walking barefoot, so that they are reminded that it isn’t property or possessions, but this connection that is important for inner peace.
We all walk this earth and receive the gifts that it gives us in abundance. It is our home and we are all its children. When divided, we seem certain of destroying it. So together, we must work to protect it. Early civilisation and belief systems recognised this spirit element’s importance. It is time we do the same, too.