Eric is pleased to announce that his new book, Elements & Evolution: The Spiritual Landscape of Astrology, is being released today! It discusses how the 4 elements interrelate to structure and catalyze evolution. This book has an ambitious scope, adding many new concepts and innovations to the field. It is most suitable for readers who are interested in a spiritual understanding of astrology, and who seek an overarching philosophy of evolutionary growth. It is a great thrill for Eric to release this labor of love! Here is an excerpt:
Elemental Deficiencies
The most common situation of elemental imbalance occurs when one element is less represented than the other three. In some cases, there are no planets in any of the signs of one of the elements. Some people are particularly strong in two elements and weak in the other two. And others carry an elemental balance. Regardless of our elemental composition, we must learn to engage all four. Let’s first look at the situation in which one element is absent or at least less prominent than the others.
Without the grounding energy of earth, there may be a tendency to fly off into mental speculation. We may be out of touch with our body and averse to creating structure. There is likely to be plenty of thrill-seeking, a zest for unbounded experience, and an endless advocacy of open-ended possibilities. A challenge here is that with our head in the clouds, the bills may not get paid. If discipline and resolve are attended to, this combination can manifest as inspirational and effective. If not, then life is full of unlived potentials. Implementing earthy organization and attention to mundane matters is crucial for worldly advancement. Some form of body awareness technique, such as yoga, tai chi, or a mindful approach to athletics could be helpful. Charge dominates this combination, with air being the only neutral element. Air creates the space for processes (fire, water) to spread and wander. This is a passionate combination, especially about ideas.
When air is missing or minimal, there tends to be a lack of objectivity, perspective, and reason. There is heavy grounding—earth and water anchor fire, which creates a sense of urgency, strong opinions, and drive. Accomplishment of some kind is of prime importance, though being high-strung is the pitfall. Money or belongings may have an increased focus, and it could be difficult to see the larger picture. The lack of objectivity may lead to overly-charged thinking. Some form of mindfulness practice would be helpful in terms of learning not to get caught up in dramatic intensity. Those of us lacking in the air element would also benefit from watching video of ourself or recording thoughts on a voice recorder. Upon review of this material and the self-awareness it can foster, more detachment and objectivity can emerge.
With fire in low supply, there may be a lack of enthusiasm, energy, or spark for life. The tendency is to be grounded, detached, and, at the extreme, depressed. Neutrality dominates and is charged by water; emotions, rather than inspiration, runs the show. Life may easily turn into a series of tasks instead of an enjoyable adventure. Ideas are easily grounded into form—this combination may be a wiz at mundane tasks. There is a scientific or analytical bent motivated by satisfying underlying needs for competence or industriousness. Missing the whimsical influence of fire, this combination is the most reliable and steadfast. Efforts in the direction of recreation help the imbalance. Having a hobby, being able to break away to travel, and exercise can each serve to break up routine and get the energy moving. Checking in as to what is really motivating behavior is useful. Finding a cause to believe in and to help generate some passion creates greater balance. Success is probable here, but aligning with what is truly valued or important is the challenge.
With a lack of water, there is a tendency to avoid emotional and interpersonal process. The presence of both yang elements fuels an outward focus, and earth expects results. We might steamroll others and lack receptivity to their needs. The neutrality emphasizes pragmatics, while the yang elements want a broad reach. There may be a drive to make a social or global impact instead of investing in personal matters. There is toughness in this dry combination. It has a “We can do it!” attitude. A helpful question to then ask is, “Why do you want to?” Greater integration is found through receptiveness. Listening and empathy skills are helpful to develop. Having children or supporting others’ vulnerability in some way may assist in settling into the heart. Spending time in actual water may be calming.
Having an elemental imbalance can make us completely useless in the related function. However, with successful evolutionary momentum, the bolstering of the missing element enables the others to maximize their potency. If we lack earth we can focus on discipline and still attain success. If we lack air we can develop reason and be well-informed. If we lack fire we can cultivate enthusiasm and become inspirational. Those who lack water who learn to deepen can make a meaningful impact. Taking measures to develop these inferior functions pays off substantially. Lacking an element is not a sentence to incompleteness. It’s an invitation to stretch ourself toward wholeness.
Eric Meyers, MA
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