Earth (Gaia in ancient greece) is primarily dry and secondarily cold. It is the element of Planet Earth herself, the nurturing Mother of all we know. The fertility of earth and the tiny creatures of the soil are the wellspring of our nutrition, and the cycle which rejuvenates Earth is the story of a violent birth and a gradual settling back to whence it came.

Earth is born of fire, molten lava in the core our planet. It is thrust out to the surface in a dazzling spectacle, cooling and hardening into imposing igneous rock formations.These massive bodies are slowly and inexorably eroded by wind and water disintegrating into tiny particles which settle onto the surface of the planet, mixing with decaying organic matter to become the fertile loam so vital to our existence. Layer upon layer, strata upon strata is is slowly accreted, pressing the lower levels into sedimentary rock, and ultimately back into the fiery core of planet Earth.

The platonic solid associated with Earth is the cube. The cube, aside from the sphere, is the most fundamental of all the solids. Through combination and truncation, it is the origin of all the other polygon faced shapes.

Traditionally Earth is associated North, Winter, midnight and the last years of our lives. The Earth astrological signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Earth is a deliberate energy that is difficult to get moving, but once in motion is unstoppable.

To know Earth is to feel the cold dark fertile soil of an old forest, to rest on the forest floor and feel earth's ability to absorb our problems. The most powerful magic of Gaia is her ability to take our waste and decayed flesh and tramsform it into the a bountiful garden, particularly when we honor and respect her.

Earth has traditionally been used to assist in the following endeavors:

• Abundance
• Agriculture
• Archaeology
• Buildings and Houses
• Construction and Fabrication
• Family
• Fertility
• Healing
• Jobs and Career
• Money
• Nutrition
• Old Age
• Weight Problems

Psychological Qualities Of Air

Herbs Associated With Earth

Gems Associated With Earth

An Alter To Earth

In the northern part of your house, drape and decorate a table in browns, greens and black. Offer stones and crystals, pots of earth or bowls of salt, coins, gems, incense and herbs sacred to Earth, and the cast off gifts of animals, such as antlers or hooves. Invite the Element Earth to make this space its home. Light candles and incense on this altar when you cook, wrap gifts, work with your family, plan your finances or do healing work.