"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Earth~

Here Bardon points out that Earth, like Air, is not considered an "Element Proper". This is apparently due to Earth being born out of an interplay between the three preceding Elements; Fire, Water and Air. However, Earth is distinct in its quality of having condensed into a solid form, thus creating space, measure, weight and time. These qualities also limiting the Earthly dimension in contrast to the other Elements. Bardon tells us that here we have the four polar magnet from the reciprocal action of the four Elements, something I don't pretend to understand. With its' fluid being electromagnetic. He states that all life is to be explained by the fact that all Elements are active in Earth, thus the fiat "It shall be". I've also heard this Fiat interpreted as "Go forth and Create". This is all currently a bit above my head, but I take comfort in Bardons' promise that more detailed descriptions will be forthcoming and his statement that his main point here is to give the reader a "general impression" of the Elements and their effects.

The little poems I've let out of my subconscious mind have been quite an effective tool for communicating to myself my own inner understanding. I mean to say that after reading these few paragraphs on each Element, I'm left with only a vague sense that I understand something of each of the Elements but cannot quite put it into words. It seems to me that we are dealing with dynamics of a subconscious nature and as such it's hard to bring them into conscious expression. To put words to them or "wrap our minds around them". By letting my self "free write" a little poem about each one, it seems that subconsciously I'm able to speak to myself of what I do already know about each Elements' nature. Again here let me insist, I am no expert and am not lecturing. Merely exploring my own mind as I try to understand these themes of an Occult nature. If any reader has light to shed on my own reflections, let them do so without hesitation.

Air Elemental~

As Day push forth
and Night pull back,
Air rush to
engage the act.
Wind roar
and whirl around,
mesmerize
the baying hound.
Break the limb,
bend the tree.
Whip the whithered
leaves 'til free.
Breathe in
to make a sound.
Blow the willows,
brush the ground.
Lift the fowl
to new found height,
mend the rift
'tween day and night.
Oh thou child
of dark and light,
move through every
thing in sight.
Push the wave
across the ocean,
send the living
into motion.
Reconciler
of the fight,
ease heat of day
to cold of night.
No warriors' strike
will find you there,
but only emptiness
of Air.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Air ~

The Element of Air calls to my mind the image of the Fool, being not yet in charge of his own fate nor in control of the Elements of Fire and Water, he is pushed by the hot expansion of Fire and drawn toward the cold void of Water. Hence the image of the Fool stepping off the precipice into "thin Air". Just an intuitive feeling. Air seems to be that space where Fire and Water don't quite meet but effect each other, causing motion through their influences. It is in fact the pressure of heats' expansion and the draw of colds' compression that causes the flow of air in nature thus producing the wind. So it's easy enough to see why the Hermeticists explain that air is born out of the interplay between Fire and Water. Bardon describes Air as a neutralizing medium, establishing equilibrium between Fire and Water. However, looking at nature it seems to me that it's more that the attempt at equilibrium is what produces air(wind), not so much that equilibrium is ever actually reached. Bardon points out that Air has assumed the quality of warmth from Fire and humidity from Water, making life possible( I need to meditate on this). And again he reminds us of the dual polarity of creative and destructive potential latent in this and all Elements. Lastly ,he warns us once again not to associate the Elements too closely to their literal counterparts. His description of this Element is, I'm sure, adequate enough, but to me seems a bit vague. I take it as an introductory account and trust that with deeper contemplation and more experience I'll come to a fuller understanding of the nature of Air and the other Elements as well.

Water Elemental~

Night return
to cool the day.
Condense the cloud,
hide the ray.
Allow the soil
to sooth the pain
with the coming
evenings rain.
Quench the fire
that burns the skin.
Wash away
our very sin.
Water Water,
Fill the Soul.
Return the Suns'
taken toll.
Refresh the day
with passive night.
Give us rest
after the fight.
To dream before
the coming dawn.
To sleep before
a new day yawn.
Water rushing
into Fire,
Bursting forth
a new attire.
Robe us in
a calming cloud.
Before the day
does sing aloud
a dawning of
a new creation.
Peace before
our new elation.

"I.I.H." Theory: The Principle of Water~

No huge revelation here. Water is associated with the quality of coldness and contraction. Fire and Water being the two primary Elements, they interact to create all other Elements and are in all things. Water contributes to the "Magnetic fluid" or Yin. That part of nature which is yielding and absorbing, the feminine, the Consort. For some reason the Great Whore of the Church comes to mind. The whore being yin/Water/magnetic and the church being yang/fire/electric. Of course some would say the Church is the Bride of Christ, being yin/water, with Christ being yang/fire. But looking at the Gospels from a more mystic view, Christ is clearly yin/water as he is supposedly the sacrificial lamb, absorbing all mans' sins. No? Just a reflection on the nature of the Elements and their application, don't call the Vatican just yet.