Elemental Energy

[Icarus]

I wrote these lectures while I was teaching at the Jedi Academy, so bear that in mind when glossing over the Jedi terminology.

What are elemental energies? Elemental energies are the basic components of reality, in a metaphysical sense. Each element houses certain qualities, or associations and correspondences to physical qualities and activities. These can be separated and used when doing energy work.
Some of you may be asking why we are separating elemental qualities from the totality of the Force. I will ask you, in return, how can you understand the totality of something if you do not look at what it is made up of?

The Force is all of life, all of energy, and all of our experiences collected in one magnificent binding band that holds our reality together. However, the Force has so many subtleties that many people do not take the time to look into what the Force is made up of, and instead focus on using the Force in its entirety. Now, there is nothing at all wrong with “using the Force,” but this use does become an irresponsible action if the user does not understand which aspects of the Force that they are drawing upon.

You see, when we “use the Force,” we draw on certain qualities inherent in the Force that vibrate at the same frequency as our projected desire. This is true with anything that we do, whether this is simply thinking on some material possession that we would like to have, or if we are in a physical conflict. Vibrations of energy are attracted to like vibrations. Our goal is to identify these vibrations, draw on the appropriate vibration and use it as efficiently as possible. This is the duty of a Jedi. The Force is not our play-thing and should be treated and dealt with in a respectful way. It is our ally, but when used inappropriately, the Force can also be an enemy, as our own actions will manipulate the Force’s subtleties and turn them against our intentions, if we do not work with the correct vibrations.

It is of the utmost importance that Jedi students understand this principle. In order to facilitate our understanding of this idea, we will look at the premier Western elements that make up the Force. We will spend one week on each of these elements, identifying these elemental qualities in our daily lives, sensing and working with these energies, and then, with proper dedication and work, we will come to understand, sense, and work in accord with the elemental qualities that make up the Force. I would also like you all to understand why this is a part of this course. Many may be asking why these techniques are being presented in a Jedi course at all, as these techniques are reminiscent of Pagan methodologies. While this is true, these techniques are powerfully effective. Also, these techniques allow a Jedi student to not only see and feel how the “elemental” energies exist within the Force, but they also allow the Jedi to see how their own personal energy is reflected onto the totality of the Force, how their personal energy is absorbed and deflected and used in the elemental sense, and exactly how their own personal energy is a part of the larger whole.

We will be working through the elements in this sequence: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. After completion of this study, in your journals, please discuss the reasons why these elements are presented in this way.

[Icarus]

The first element that we will look at is that of Earth. Now, elemental Earth is not the same thing as the dirt of the Earth or the green grass of the Earth. Physical representations do not equate the archetypal qualities of the Force. Elemental Earth is the solidified, dry, and cool qualities of the Force. Elemental Earth provides us with stability, grounds our energy, and can also give us strength. It is a balancing energy and one associated with prosperity, physical abundance and strength, growth, stability, focus, and acts as an “anchor” for our emotional being. But, when Earth is broken down into its simplest form, the qualities of elemental Earth are dryness and coolness.



Exercise #1: Make a list of things which have the combined qualities of dryness and coolness. Do not just list random things. Go about your day and notice those things that usually go unnoticed and which have the qualities of dryness and coolness.


Exercise #2: Find a place, filled with nature, such as a field or park. Wear as little clothing as possible, but remain decent in public, please. Sit or lie on the ground so that as much of your skin as possible is touching the ground. Spend some time contemplating, feeling the coolness and dryness of the Earth. Do this at least three times this week.

Exercise #3: Spend a period of up to three minutes, once a day, imagining that you are the element Earth. Fell the heaviness, the slowness, the coolness and dryness of Earth. Immerse yourself in this feeling, and contemplate any images that enter your mind, or sensations that occur in your body.

[Icarus]

The next element that we will look at is the element of Air. The qualities of elemental Air are warmth and moisture. Now, this does not mean that it is heat from Fire, or moisture from Water. It is akin to steam, which has both fire and water present in it, but the essence of the element is of itself. It is the combination, true enough, that makes up the qualities of Air, but Air must be accepted as an element of its own right. So, just what are the elemental qualities of Air, besides warmth and moisture? Air has the qualities of thought form, inspiration, communication, racing thoughts, silliness, giddiness, excitement, even light-headedness. Working with the element of Air can sometimes cause you to become dizzy and confused. Should this occur, think back on the earth element and the qualities inherent in Earth. Breathe in those Earth qualities, once again, and this will ground out the Air energy. Having said that, it is important to be familiar with the Air qualities and learn to sense and manipulate them.

(Exercises taken from, or adapted from Donald Michael Kraig’s book: Modern Magick)

Exercise #1: Observe those things around you which have combined qualities of warmth and moistness. Remember, all of these elemental qualities are relative. Steam is a form of the element Air, and it has much more moisture and warmth than does the vapor from dry ice. However, that cold vapor from the dry ice also has the element of Air within it. See if you can determine the relative Airy qualities as you experience them. Make a list of all of these things and record it in your diary. Do this exercise daily for the week.

Exercise #2: Find a spot where you can be alone. Take with you an outdoor reclining lounger, the type that has the nylon webbing around an aluminum frame. If you don’t have one of these, a folding chair or hammock will work. The idea is to be elevated above the ground and have as much of the physical air surrounding your body as possible. Wearing a swimsuit would be suitable for this exercise, as you are to allow as much of the air to touch your skin as is possible.

What you will be doing here is known as “elemental pore breathing.” To do this, start off by relaxing your body and getting into a meditation state. Now, become very aware of your breath. Become very aware of your slow in-and-out motion of the physical air. Notice the way that the air feels as it comes in through the nose, goes down the air pipe and into the lungs. Sense or imagine the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the lungs, through the air pipe and out the nose and mouth.

Now imagine that your entire body is nothing but a large breathing apparatus. Imagine that every part of your body has only the function of breathing. Further, visualize that your skin is part of this system. As you physically breathe, imagine that every pore of your skin is lso breathing. However, just as your lungs breathe physical air, so should your pores be breathing in elemental Air. Feel it going in and out of you, cleansing and purifying your entire body.

Try this exercise at different times of the day, and if possible, at different locations.

Exercise #3: Once you have done exercise #2 at least three times, go on to this one. Spend a period of up to three minutes imagining that you are the element Air. Feel the lightness, the floating giddiness, the warmth and moistness of Air. Feel how physical things don’t seem to matter and learn the true meaning of the term “airhead.”

Again, if you feel disconnected, flighty, overly-giddy, cannot concentrate, or experience similar symptoms, discontinue this exercise and repeat the Earth exercises to regain your balance.

[Icarus]

The third element that we will look at is the element Water. Water has cool and moist qualities. Water is a fluid element, just like its physical representation. Its associated energies vibrate with our emotions, psychic ability and phenomenon, dreams, the astral world, and the more “feminine” of energies. Working with the element Water can help us to investigate our emotional responses to situations and events, our relationships with other people, and even how we perceive the world around us. At times, Water can bring to light things that we have repressed or forgotten. Water can be a difficult element to master, but it is not impossible. For some, the Water element is the easiest because it is so fluid and malleable. For Jedi, investigating the subtle Water vibrations in the Force is essential, as we must always be conscious of the emotional and psychological reasons for our actions. Water can take us deeper into these investigations of ourselves than any other element.

Should you have any problems with this assignment (or any of the others) or feel that there is any personal issue that is holding you back, or was brought to the surface by the Water assignment, please speak with your instructor.


(Exercises taken from or adapted from Donald Michael Kraig’s book: Modern Magick)

Exercise #1: Observe those things around you which have the combined qualities of coolness and moistness.

Exercise #2: If possible, this exercise should be done in a body of cool water, such as a lake or pond. If this is not possible, this exercise may be done in a swimming pool or even the bathtub. If you have access to a snorkel, so that you can totally submerge yourself in the water, this would be a good idea.

Enter the body of water and submerge yourself as much as possible. Relax to the point of a meditation state, but not so much that you fall asleep and drown! Become very aware of your breath. As you do this, you will notice that your breath will automatically slow down. Notice the way that the air feels as it comes in through the nose (or through the snorkel and mouth), and down the air pipe and into the lungs. Sense or imagine the interchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the lungs. Feel the CO2-laden air as it leaves your body.

Once again, imagine that your entire body is nothing but an enormous breathing apparatus. Imagine that every part of your body only has the function of breathing. Know that your skin is a vital part of your system. In this “pore breathing” exercise, as you breathe in air, imagine that every pore of your body is breathing in Water. Feel it as it washes in and out of you, flushing the impurities from your entire body. Do not confuse elemental Water with physical water or you may get a “drowning sensation.” If this happens, stop the exercise and begin it again at a later time.

Experiment with this exercise at different times of the day, and if possible, at different locations. Water is not very compressible, but it is very changeable. Try to experience it in its many variations.

Exercise #3: After performing exercise #2 three times, proceed to this one. Spend a period of up to three minutes, once a day, imagining that you are the element Water. Feel the fluidity, the coolness, the refreshing moistness of the elemental waters. Become familiar with Water in all of its various appearances. Know what water feels like; what water is.

[Icarus]

The final element that we will look at is the element of Fire. Fire has the qualities of warmth and dryness. It is also associated with courage, energy, passion, anger, strength, a “fighting spirit,” love, aggression, warfare, desire, sacrifice, destruction, and rebuilding a greater and stronger character. Many people look at Fire as being the most powerful of the elements, but this is not the case. It is no more powerful than any other subtlety of the Force, but humans tend to focus on Fire a great deal of the time. Why is this the case? In many instances, it has to do with the fact that most people are not self-aware, and remain attached to the outcome of a situation. Thu, they constantly strive to manipulate the outcome of the situation to fit their desire. By relying on basic instinct, instead of acting through mindfulness and awareness of the forces affecting the self, many humans live their lives constantly pulling on the subtle influences of the Fire element.

Now, this is not to say that Fire is any less valuable or important in energy work. But, as Jedi, we must be aware of why we are using this element, just as we must remain aware of this with all elements, and ensure that we are acting in accordance with the Will of the Force, and not through our basic human desires.

(Exercises taken from, or adapted from Donald Michael Kraig’s book Modern Magick)

Exercise #1: Observe those things around you which have the combined qualities of heat and dryness. Compare the heat and dryness of a fire to that of the Sun. Observe fire in its various combinations with the other elements around you. Do NOT just go out and start fires. Look at a candle flame. Watch a fire in a fireplace or firepit. Watch the flames on a gas stove. Think of the stars and contemplate the fierceness with which they burn.

Warning: If you perform this exercise outside, set some kind of timer so that you do not do this for longer than ten minutes at a time.

Exercise #2: Find a place that is extremely hot such as a desert or dry sauna, but not a steam bath. If those are not possible, find a place where a roaring fire is going. Get close to the heat of the fire, but not so close as to get burned. If this is not possible, wait until the hottest part of the day and go outside. Wear as little clothing as possible and make sure that you apply sunscreen if you are doing this outside.

Once you are in a situation where it is uncomfortably hot (but not painfully or unbearably so) and your perspiration is flowing freely, relax and get to your meditation state. This may be difficult due to the heat, but it will test you to see how well you can do this. Then focus on your breathing and feel the heat-laden air going in and out of your lungs.

As before, imagine that your body is nothing more than an enormous breathing apparatus. Imagine that every part of your body only has the function of breathing and nothing else. Know that your skin is a vital part of this system. As you physically breathe in air, imagine that every pore in your body is also breathing in heat and dryness: elemental Fire. Feel the fire course through your body, cleansing and purifying. Then, as you exhale, feel it leave through your pores, taking with it your body’s toxins, pains, and sufferings.

Note: Only do this outside or near a heat source one time, please.

Next, try that same pore breathing (minus the heat source) at night, or in the cool air. If you begin to get hot or perspire, you are doing this correctly.

Exercise #3: Spend a period of up to three minutes, once per day imagining that you are the element of Fire. Feel the heat and your ability to transmit the heat. Take notice of the dry quality of this element, and if you feel yourself perspiring, try to stop the perspiration for a brief moment and then let it continue. Remember, that is your body’s way of cooling itself. Never stop perspiration for a long period of time.

[Icarus]

Bringing It All Together

Now, each of you should be familiar with the traditional Western elemental energies. What happens now? How does it all come together? The answer to that is: They were never separate to begin with. What you have done is to single out, identify, and embrace qualities in the Force that every Jedi uses when performing energy manipulation. Now, it must be understood that just because Jedi can single these energies out and separate them, they do not have to go through this process after a period of time and practice. It becomes instinctive to the practitioner. For instance, if a Jedi were to need to send a telepathic image to another Jedi, they would focus on the Air qualities. But, as an adept of energy work, the Jedi does not have to think of which qualities act with which energy. No, they simply tap into that stream at will and perform whatever deed needs doing. This is what you are learning to do right now. By understanding and connecting with these qualities, you have set an energetic signature in the Force that connects you to those elemental energies. You can now access them proficiently.

In essence, you have just embraced four unique qualities that reside in the Force, but by no means is that the extent of the Force. I would like each of you to try something new.

Place yourself in a meditative state. Breathe deeply and focus on a blank, white slate in front of your eyes. Once you have that slate, I want each of you to visualize the elemental energies that you have just studied. Keep them separate and distinctive in their state. You may choose any form or image that you wish to use to form these elemental energies, but allow each of the elemental energies to remain apart from one another. See these energies vibrating with power. Finally, visualize these elemental energies coming together. Again, choose what images work best for you, but see all four energies uniting as one pure Force. When that moment comes, and it will, embrace the fullness of that energy. Absorb it into you and breathe that energy in and out. Feel the totality of the Force.