Earth (classical element)
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Chinese Hinduism |
Earth is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. Earth is considered to be both cold and dry, and according to Plato is associated with the cube.
In Wiccan tradition, it is associated with the North, Winter, and the color yellow on the physical plane. It is sometimes represented by a yellow square, the drum, animal fur, coins, the pentacle, milk, the heartbeat, jewelry, bones, and the staff. Earth represents strength, abundance, stability, and femininity. In rituals, Earth is represented in the forms of burying objects in the earth, herbalism, and making images out of wood or stone.
The manifestations of the Element of Earth are all plants and trees, mountains, forests, caves, and gardens. The stag, bull, sow, bear, and the snake are also thought to personify the element of Earth, as are all burrowing animals, such as moles and rabbits. Astral creatures of Earth (elementals) are the Satyr/Faun, Gnome/Goblin, Sylvestre/Dryad, and the Elf. Earth’s place on the pentagram is the lower left point. In China and Japan Earth was represented by a turtle; in the Aztec religion, by a house; to the Hindus, a lotus; to the Scythians, a plough; to the Greeks, a wheel; and in Christian iconography by a bull.