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Celebrating the Elements


This symbol was created by placing a stylised Brigid’s Cross within an oval.

Achieved is the balanced figure of the square within the oval, the two linked together by four lines.

Oval- spiritual - feminine qualities

Square - physical - masculine qualities

Earth Air Fire and Water - Earth Air Fire and Water - I stand at the centre and acknowledge each quarter - The Earth is my mother - And I know as Her daughter - That the circle extends to the stars and goes on forever.

May our steps be supported by the Earth, May our wishes be carried by the Wind, May our passions be lit by the Fire, May our worries be washed by the Water, May our spirits be fed by Ether.

Remember you are air –Observe. Breath. Focus. Decide. Remember you are fire – Flare. Tame. Adapt. Ignite.
Remember you are water – Cry. Cleanse. Flow. Let go. Remember you are earth – Ground. Give. Build. Heal.
Remember you are spirit – Connect. Listen. Know.

Five Elements

ElementYinYangSeasonHouseEmotion
Fireheartsmall intsummerspiritlove, joy, hatred, rage
Waterkidney
bladder
winter
wisdom
contentment, fear of loss
Metallungs
large int
autumn
psyche
broadminded, sensitivity to self
Woodliver
gall bladder
spring
soul
assertiveness, awareness, judgement, anger
Earthspleenstomachequinox, sol
egosympathy, compassion, self pity, resentment

Fire, Water and Earth:
Under their respective sections below

Metal:

Feet close together, bring arms up in front, open out to the side – (should feel a stretch down your arms and chest – so arms now should be out to your side as if you were going to hug lots of people) bring arms back in front of you, palms together, then bring arms back elbows bent, push arms out in front – palms forward (as if you are pushing open a door) and then bring arms back and then down by your side.

Wood:

Feet close together, scooping breath, as if taking water from a well, gather energy, scoop up with palms facing up, breath out with palms facing down.

Water:

Feet close together, hands by side, palms facing behind, straighten arms up in front of you (palms will now be facing down), , bring arms back elbows bent, push arms out in front – palms forward (as if you are pushing open a door) and then bring arms back and then down by your side

I asked if the water had a message...

"Is there anything you want to share?"

"I am as fierce as a tsunami and as gentle as a dew drop" replied water.

West

Mature age

Magician

Fulfilment

Mystical - spiritual realms

Independence , mature reasoning

Young tree

Swimming fish - go in the flow

Uncertainty

Autumn

Maturity wisdom experience,

Hold commitment to need

Water Celebration

This can be done in the physical realms or as a thought intention....

Identify what symbolises water for you - snow, ice, river, rain, lake, puddle....

Water transforms and adapts to suit the situation it is in.

Arrange a centre of symbolic water items

Welcome to the energies of the east - sunrise - Air
Welcome to the energies of the south - mid-day - Fire
Welcome to the energies of the west - sunset - Water
Welcome to the energies of the north - night - Earth

Water awareness

I watch the water and the water watches me...
My intention... That we live in harmony.

Water cleanses

Feel water run over your hands, pouring from a ladle, under a tap, in a stream, at a beach... and as you do say offer gratitude and thanks for the shared moment. Feel the Life Force flow over and through you.


Return to your centre and close the circle

Gratitude and blesssings to the energies of Air, Fire, Water and Earth
and may these radiate out into eternity.
It is done.

Water Meditation

Well of Wisdom & Salmon of Knowledge

Connecting with the otherworldly waters of the Well of Segais (Well of Wisdom) and the Salmon of Knowledge we create a sacred well in our mind's inner landscapes.

Visualise a green mound decked with 9 ancient trees

From it's side flows water which spreads outward into a circular pool.

This is a place where life emerges from the earth.

In the water swim sacred salmon seeking the hazel nuts of wisdom. You connect and acknowledge the Goddess Brigid in whose land this well flows - Bright Brighid, Daughter of the Dagda, Flame of Inspiration, maker of metal, maker of good health, maker of song, triple-blessed -

O shining light of the hearth, we ask you to alight in our hearts, that we may give praise to all beings of the earth.

Imagine being at the well, and look into the waters. In the depths flow the waters of wisdom. Sacred waters, which also flow within us all. Sunlight, moonlight and starlight shine into the well and invigorate the waters. You may be aware of the ancestors, of gods and goddesses, nature spirits, all who provide you with sustenance and guidance.

You feel in a pocket of your clothes and find there a suitable gift for these guides and guardians. It may be something familiar to you or something you did not know you carried, or you may not know what it is. Whatever you do or do not find in your pocket, you imagine placing it, or just the intention to give a gift, beside the well.

For a short while sit by the well, watching the movement of the water. You might feel a coolness around the well, or a magical warmth, as airy breezes dance in the nearby trees.

You might see bubbles rising to the surface. You might sight the gleam of light on water, a flash of beauty which gives a moment of enlightenment or a glimpse of the otherworld. There may be the sound of water seeping through the ground and dripping onto rocks and stones. Be quiet and listen.

Flowering plants at the edge of the well may give off a beautiful scent. This holy well is a healing well, and you may dip your cupped hands into the water and taste this gift from the earth. Wisdom is knowledge about life and the world that enables us to live life fully; that is, to make the best possible choices in our particular circumstances.

If you so wish, you may now meet with one of the ancient salmon who swim there. Have an intention to be in communion with the salmon. You can ask for insight into a problem or for a deepening of your general understanding of life and the world. If it is feels right ask permission of the salmon to take one of the hazel nuts which fall from the 9 ancient trees growing beside the well. You may hold this hazelnut in the palms of your hands while meditating or eat it. You now have the opportunity to sit at the well, listen, watch, feel, taste and smell the natural world around you. Time to return from the well. Thank and bless all connections.

Fire:

Feet close together, hands by side, palms facing behind, bend knees, lean forward, swoop down – as if going skiing – straighten knees, (you should be standing straight now with hand at right angles, palms down)

Bring arms back in to you, elbows bent, push out again, bring arms in again, then bring arms down to side, pushing down.

I asked if the fire had a message...

"Is there anything you want to share?"

"Feel my warmth." beamed fire. "But don't touch! Explore your own fire."

South

Youth

Warrior

Growth

Health - physical realms

Breaking free, development

Sapling

Basking cat - enjoy the heat

Ambiguity, complexity

Experiment, expand,

development, summer

Give attention to need

Fire Celebration

This can be done in the physical realms or as a thought intention....

Identify what symbolises fire for you - the sun, candle, log fire.

Flames are restless, changing, flowing and so we celebrate movement.

Arrange a centre of symbolic fire items

Welcome to the energies of the east - sunrise - Air
Welcome to the energies of the south - mid-day - Fire
Welcome to the energies of the west - sunset - Water
Welcome to the energies of the north - night - Earth

Fire can be an inferno or glow with a gentle warmth.

I watch the fire and the fire watches me...
My intention... That we live in harmony.

Connecting to the elements of fire, air, water and earth whilst walking -

Lifting – fire (makes things lighter so they rise)

- moving forward – air (motion and movement)

- putting down – water (gravity pulls water downhill)

- touching the ground – earth (hardness or softness of the foot as it touches the ground)

Return to your centre and close the circle

Gratitude and blesssings to the energies of Air, Fire, Water and Earth
and may these radiate out into eternity.
It is done.

Fire Meditation

Focus on Brigid in her role as smith, worker with fire.

To begin, settle into a comfortable meditative position.

Calm your body and your mind by focusing on your breath, gradually lengthening the inhales and exhales.

Imagine you are resting beside a fire. The colourful flames flicker and dance, captivate your attention. You gaze into the fire.

A magical, mystical, calming night.

Imagine this is a forge in the forest and you have arranged to meet Brigid there. Tell her what you would like to create in the coming year with her help and request that she aid in keeping the inspiration alight in the coming weeks.

Sit for a moment in peace. Reconnect to your body, and know that you are whole, complete and revitalised.

Give thanks as feels appropriate to you, and return your awareness to the here and now.

I asked if the air had a message...

"Is there anything you want to share?"

"Breathe" whispered air. "Feel me touching you. Then you will know me."

East

Birth

Lover

Potential

Ideas - mental realms

Dependence, impulse

Seed

Flying bird - rise high and view from above

Simplicity

Initiate, start, Insight,

resourcefulness, spring

Identify need

Wind Forecasting

Northern Hemisphere -stand with wind at your back.

If the clouds are moving left to right the weather is going to get worse.

If clouds are moving right to left the weather is going to get better.

And if the clouds are stationary or moving towards you / away from you then it stays the same.

Southern Hemisphere - the opposite of the above.

Dagda and the Harp


first used Autumn Equinox


21 September 2015

Narrator: Irish lore is full of stories that have fantastical people and magical semi divine beings who are put into situations that require innovative solutions to proceed while observing certain prohibitions’ or “geassaí”.

Tonight's meditation on choices is rooted in the tales of Dagda, the good god and his magical Harp.

Dagda: I am the Dagda. Betroth of Danu, father of Brigit, wise and beneficent leader of the Tuath de Danann. I live in Brú na Bóinne.

Harp: I am the beautiful jewel encrusted oak harp of Dagda. I am the voice of the people of this sacred land and also their symbol. I am the voice of the sovereign self. I sing only truth.

Dagda.: Tell our guests what else you can do

Harp: I restore to life and heal. I place the seasons in their right order.

Dagda: Perhaps a demonstration of your power of attack for our guests. Let them feel the disarming power of Sadness

Harp: Let the music evoke our own shadow self, sabotage, failure, destruction, inactivity, asleep, apathetic, indifferent, sadness. Of this, what did you come here tonight with?....................

Dagda. I am divine, as are our esteemed guests and even I am depressed. Please forgive me for using my divinity in this way. I am apologise. I didn’t realise the effect I was having in my world. I thank you for this opportunity to become more aware, I love you from the bottom of all my hearts, I bless you from the depth of my divine essence. Harp, perhaps something lighter?

Harp: Let the music evoke our own shadow self, Sleep, laziness, apathy, indifference. In what way are you sleep walking? Of this, what did you come here tonight with?....................

Dagda. Harp, show them your creative power in a more positive light. Let our esteemed guests sample some joy, optimism, gladness and laughter.

Harp: Let the music wash over you and manifest joy for each of our esteemed guests. Let them embody this quality, bring it into this group and take home this power with them. The more joy they take the more they get.

AUM also known as OM...


sound of the universe...

union of mind, body and spirit...

first sound of creation...

Air Celebration

This can be done in the physical realms or as a thought intention....

Identify what symbolises air for you - a cloud, a leaf falling, a tree branch swaying, smoke wafting.

Arrange a centre of symbolic air items

Welcome to the energies of the east - sunrise - Air
Welcome to the energies of the south - mid-day - Fire
Welcome to the energies of the west - sunset - Water
Welcome to the energies of the north - night - Earth

Put out your hands and gently move them through the air around you

Air is invisible. We only know it's movement and physicality by observing what it affects.

I watch the air and the air watches me...
My intention... That we live in harmony.

Sound the Om / Aum

Sound the A at the back of your throat as an 'awe'.
Move the sound forward into your mouth sounding U as 'ooo'.
Moving to the front of your mouth sound an M as 'mmmmmm'.
Now remain in silence.

Return to your centre and close the circle

Gratitude and blesssings to the energies of Air, Fire, Water and Earth
and may these radiate out into eternity.
It is done.

Air Meditation

To begin, settle into a comfortable meditative position.

Calm your body and your mind by focusing on your breath, gradually lengthening the inhales and exhales.

Imagine you are resting beside a fire of burning wood.

Maintain gentle awareness of the seen and unseen.

Keep focussing on your breath, inhaling and exhaling.

As you meditate on the air element the wind purrs, laughs, whistles, chatters and is silent, quiet, murmurs and is in harmony with all.

When you are ready, envisage facing outwards, sharing loving kindness with the world. You hear the sound of plane engines as they join the wind and carry the messages of health, happiness and peace.

Take three deep breaths.

Sit for a moment in peace. Reconnect to your body, and know that you are whole, complete and revitalised.

Give thanks as feels appropriate to you, and return your awareness to the here and now.

Earth:

Feet close together, hands by side, bring right arm up in front of you in front of your face, gazing at palm, as if looking in a mirror. Bring arm around to right hand side, always looking at palm, bring palm back down in front of your face and in the meantime, left arm is coming up to cross over right arm – so now you are gazing at left palm and your head will be facing over your left shoulder.

I asked if the earth had a message...

"Is there anything you want to share?"

"Why?" She replied. "I am here, is that not enough?"


North

Mature age

Magician - Elder

Fulfillment

Mystical - spiritual realms

Stability

Mature tree

Walking animal - stay close to ground

Clarity

Deep inner reflection, thinking,

ending, withdraw, retreat, regroup, winter

Receive reward for work well done

Sloping Trenches, Hill of Tara

Walking along the path each step is new, different, as my foot touches a detail of earth.

Here it is solid, dry...

here it is slippery, muddy...

here it is steep, rising...

here it is steep, descending...

here it holds a puddle which I need to pass around.

So many fragments of experience.

Rambling through the lifetime pilgrimage earth reveals a path and I celebrate it's diversity.

Drombeg, Glandore, Cork

"The earth was breathing, we were breathing. Breathing life in wild lands." quote from 2020 Alignment on Hope celebration at Tara

Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis, sees the Earth as a living, breathing being, an intelligent entity.

The land rings like a bell and this vibration, of many different frequencies, a subtle energy, is what we feel at many ancient sites. It forms into patterns, spirals, flows.

Possibly the megalithic people knew something that we don’t - something to do with energy flows. At Drombeg Stone Circle in Cork, they aligned the stones to sunset Winter Solstice.

Earth Celebration

This can be done in the physical realms or as a thought intention....

Identify what symbolises earth for you - a plant, a part of your garden / window box, viewpoint, nearby landmark

Arrange a centre of symbolic earth items

Welcome to the energies of the east - sunrise - Air
Welcome to the energies of the south - mid-day - Fire
Welcome to the energies of the west - sunset - Water
Welcome to the energies of the north - night - Earth

Go to your symbolic earth place

I watch the earth and the earth watches me...
My intention...
That we live in harmony.

Return to your centre and close the circle

Gratitude and blesssings to the energies of Air, Fire, Water and Earth
and may these radiate out into eternity.
It is done.

Roots Meditation

To begin, settle into a comfortable meditative position. Calm your body and your mind by focusing on your breath, gradually lengthening the inhales and exhales.

Focus on the base of your spine, and imagine roots extending from this base, deep into the earth.

Allow the image to fill out as a single root branches into many.

Appreciate the complexity of your roots, the vastness of the network tethering you to, and making you one, with the Earth.

Imagine your roots intertwining with everyone else. You can distinguish your own roots from those of other people and even your own relatives. But you recognise that you are supporting and being supported by their presence near to you.

Set the intention to receive via your roots the information that is correct and good for you at this time, then allow the experience to unfold.

Maintain gentle awareness of the root network, and allow any thoughts and sensations to arise. You might see images, hear words, have thoughts pop into your head, seemingly out of nowhere. Allow the information to flow into you.

Take three deep breaths.

Sit for a moment in peace. Reconnect to your roots, and know that you are whole, complete and revitalised.

Give thanks as feels appropriate to you, and return your awareness to the here and now.