The elements are common symbols in dreams, expressing the entire range of human characteristics.
They are divided into solid (earth), liquid (water), vapor (air) and energy (fire), and the ancient philosophers believed that these four elements sustained the world and influenced personality. According to Empedocles, a Greek philosopher, scientist and healer who lived in Sicily in the fifth century BC, all matter, including humankind, is comprised of four ‘roots’, or the elements of earth, air, fire and water. In astrology, the elements symbolize the four essential human qualities: earth for fertility; water for emotion; air for intelligence and fire for ambition. Since we know that Carl Jung studied mystical literature, astrology and alchemy, it is possible to conclude that his conceptualization of intuition, sensation, thinking and feeling as basic archetypes, or components of personality, is a derivation of Empedocles’ ancient theories about fire, earth, air and water.
When the elements feature in dreams, many dream analysts believe they represent the state of your psychological wellbeing. Listed below you’ll find the specific symbolism and dream-lore interpretation typically associated with each element.
See Also: NATURE AND THE SEASONS; WEATHER.
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