Symbolism & Connecting With The Elements

Symbolism: Seeing or Experiencing?

Oftentimes, living in this culture, we are immersed in a social agreement that emphasis the mind, the linear, the logical and the rational. The story is told from point A to point B in a straight line. We are taught that this is the right way to go about living in the realm of ‘right and wrong’. Ritual and Ceremony, however, remind us that the story is really multidimensional and the richness of the experience of living happens amidst a tapestry of flavors, textures, sounds, sights and waves of energy. To be able to taste & see the many dimensions and frequencies that surround us and flow through us is food for the Spirit and Soul.

“Symbols are the inner workings of the veins and arteries of the world. When the savoring of symbols is depleted, the world becomes anemic. The world is constantly being remade and rebuilt. Without awareness and experience of symbolism, there is often a starvation of soul and spirit and a longing for reconnection with what people have referred to as ‘the Beloved’, Spirit, Creator, Connection, Unity. Many people today are in a state of longing for home, for the Sacred. We were once connected to it or we wouldn’t be able to long for it.” (paraphrased from a talk given by Malidoma Patrice Some’) Poets, artists, bards and musicians attempt to bring this taste and experience of symbolism back into our realm. Nature does this too.

We live in a world rich with symbolism and, without much effort, can feed upon our experiences and interactions with these perceptions and energies and begin to remember the indigenous wisdom that has been passed onto us from our lineage and resides, right now, in our very bones. I am not referring to the mental musings about what an object symbolically represents. I am speaking of the direct contact and experience of the essence of something in the flow of giving and receiving…..the taking in of the vibration and capturing of the deep memory that is evoked as the result of looking and seeing, smelling, tasting and living in a new way in every now-moment.

In the way of the Dagara Tribe of West Africa, the elements are living beings that are with us and within us, at all times. The elemental beings offer gifts and healing to those who are open to connect with and remember these gifts. Five elements that can be healing balms when interacted with include: Fire, Water, Earth, Mineral and Nature. Many people benefit from their interaction and experience of these elements without considering why. To consciously interact and invite a deeper relationship with these elements through ritual can bring forth a whole new experience of the world in which we live.

Fire is our connection to the Ancestors, to the force of life, to our dreams. To sit with a lighted candle or a bonfire can be enchanting and it can also be a gateway to one’s connection with the Ancestors. Many people are drawn to sit with a fire as it burns…what are they being called to? What are they really seeing, experiencing, remembering- as they gaze into the flames and embers?

Often people describe the influence of the ocean or a lake on them…’it’s so peaceful, I just feel calmer when I’m there’. Water is the element that brings peace, forgiveness, & reconciliation. Water is one that purifies and cleanses. To merge with the essence of water will bring about a new freedom.

Earth is home; our place of belonging, of being held, nurtured and nourished…..working in a garden, lying on the Earth feeling the sun or gazing at stars can allow one the remembering of being held as a baby by the Mother. Earth holds the bones of our Ancestors and our deep roots.

The Mineral realm includes stones and bones. It is said that all ancient wisdom resides within our bones and has been passed down to us from our Ancestors. The stones are the bones of the Earth. Sometimes people are attracted to certain stones, rocks, jewels and keep them around or wear them. Minerals vibrate at certain frequencies and then interact with our personal frequencies whether we are conscious of that or not. Mineral assists us in remembering our stories, our wisdom, our Medicine…..to know something “in our bones”.

Nature surrounds us and is constantly interacting with us and bringing gifts and opportunities to listen and remember and receive…..trees, mountains, plants, flowers, animals all bring a gift to us if we are open to receive the magic. What animals and places in Nature are you attracted to?? Why? Perhaps the qualities and energy of that place or animal are calling to you as a mirror to assist you in bringing forth that Medicine from within you! Or, perhaps not.

This is where choice comes in. Do you live in a world where everything is a miracle or nothing is a miracle? Do you feast upon the energy of interconnectedness and mystery? Are you so busy as to not notice the rich tapestry of colors, sounds, textures and energies that make up your life? Do you take the time to read into the wealth of the symbolism and receive the messages that are there for you from you? May this, and every, now-moment be experienced by us all with the awareness of remembering.