The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Elements

Elements, a fundamental concept in alchemy, are composed of Air, Fire, and Water, each representing a principle in the world of elements. This worldview, often explored by alchemists and philosophers, is complemented by the assignment of four body centers to these elements, which provides a symbolic representation of the material world. According to ancient Greek thought, the elements encompass earth, air, fire, and water. These elements played a essential part in the cosmological and philosophical systems of the Pythagorean school, being particularly significant in their relation to harmonic ratios, used to describe aspects of the cosmos and human experience. The elements—earth, air, fire, and water—are represented in the symbolism of Tarot cards, further emphasizing their cultural and mystical importance.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

Divine FireSubstance

The Divine Fire breaks up into tangible elements

Harmonic IntervalsConcept

Harmonic intervals, according to Pythagoras, describe the relationships between elements and their effects.

Air→Substance

Air is derived from the Eternal Light and ethereal water

Salt→Substance

Salt combines fire and water properties

ModesConcept

The modes, particularly as understood by Pythagoras, reflect the sympathy of elements and the cosmos.

Water→Substance

Water originates from lower fire, reflecting heavenly influences

Each Tarot card is associated with one of the four elements (earth, air, fire, water)

The concept of the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) is fundamental in the mythological and philosophical discussion of elementals and their nature.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

ElementsthroughPythagorasilluminatesSun →
I. Elements & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

II. Pythagoras & Sun

Sol, often associated with Apollo, is mentioned in connection with Pythagoras, symbolizing divine knowledge and wisdom

ElementsthroughSaltilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Elements & Salt

Salt combines fire and water properties

II. Salt & Paracelsus

Paracelsus's concept of Salt (Corpus) is key to understanding the Tria Prima.

ElementsthroughPythagorasilluminatesAlchemy →
I. Elements & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

II. Pythagoras & Alchemy

Pythagoras is mentioned as a potential alchemist in ancient tradition, although no historical proof of his alchemical practice exists

ElementsthroughPythagorasilluminatesMysteries →
I. Elements & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

II. Pythagoras & Mysteries

Pythagoras was an initiate in the Mystery schools, teaching divine knowledge and founding the Philosophical movement

ElementsthroughAirilluminatesFire →
I. Elements & Air

Air is derived from the Eternal Light and ethereal water

II. Air & Fire

Fire and Air are two fundamental alchemical elements that, along with Water and Earth, form the "Four Elements," a concept central to alchemical processes. These elements are inherently related due to their shared role within this framework. In the context of alchemy, Fire represents transformation, purification, and destruction, embodying the forces that change matter. Air, in contrast, is associated with motion, breath, and the flow of energy, symbolizing the etheric and spiritual aspects. Both Fire and Air are integral to alchemical practices, as their combined properties allow for the manipulation and transformation of materia into more pure and refined forms. Together, these elements facilitate the complex and mystic processes aimed at achieving perfection and enlightenment in both material and spiritual pursuits. Primordial air and fire are linked in their hierarchical and creating roles

ElementsthroughSaltilluminatesPhilosopher's Stone →
I. Elements & Salt

Salt combines fire and water properties

II. Salt & Philosopher's Stone

Salt, along with sulphur and mercury, is an ingredient in the preparation of the philosopher's stone

ElementsthroughPythagorasilluminatesPentagram →
I. Elements & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

II. Pythagoras & Pentagram

The pentagram was a symbol significant in the teachings and practices of Pythagoras and his school

ElementsthroughWaterilluminatesAstral Light →
I. Elements & Water

Water originates from lower fire, reflecting heavenly influences

II. Water & Astral Light

Water, in the elementary world, corresponds to the kabalistic woman, and the Astral Light, which is a universal seducer typified by the serpent of Genesis, may be affected by these elements.

ElementsthroughAirilluminatesGod →
I. Elements & Air

Air is derived from the Eternal Light and ethereal water

II. Air & God

(GOD created air from the letter Aleph as per Chapter 10)

ElementsthroughPythagorasilluminatesIsis →
I. Elements & Pythagoras

Pythagoras and his followers believed that elements, particularly as they relate to harmonic ratios, were integral to understanding the structure of the cosmos and human experience.

II. Pythagoras & Isis

Pythagoras incorporated Egyptian teachings, particularly those of Isis, into his philosophical work