Almost every culture has some form of a basic set of elements that were attempts to describe the fundamental building blocks of our physical reality. Most of them had a fifth that played the role of the unseen forces of the universe, called the void, the "aether", or some other mystical sounding moniker. Some went beyond that core four. In all cases they were models for explaining life, matter, or the world.
While all these models relied a little too much on imagination over empiricism and often grew beyond observation into superstition, the human need to explain things inspired many explorations. Some became the basis for occult beliefs and practices while others became the foundations to the modern world including math, physics, chemistry, and biology. The elements still hold a sacred place in our consciousness.
Playing Card Suits as Elements
My view of the suit associations is exactly the same as the groundbreaking work of Ana Cortez for the elements Water, Fire, Air, and Earth. However, I prefer a view of the elements in their natural order and association with the cardinal directions that is derived from my interpretation of the history of existence as shared by the Hebrews in the Torah, but arguably attributable to the wisdom of the Egyptians.
A quick note about my personal philosophy: I would never claim that my view is correct or another is incorrect. We see what we see because of perspective, bias, and intent. The inherent cryptomorphic (in this context, "concealing secret meaning") nature of all things leaves an infinity of secrets to discover. The traditions that revealed the elements can all be different and all be true.
To be explicit about the associations and my view of their general meanings:
- Water is represented by Hearts. Our human heart that pumps the water of life with strength of iron through our body, a powerful force that we can't help but link to our emotions. Effortless flow, clarity, and unity feels like a true love.
- Fire is represented by Diamonds. Shining brightly for all to see with brilliant energy and the result of immense pressure resulting in a fundamental material transformation from dark to light. Its unquenchable hunger needs to be seen.
- Air is represented by Clubs, or are they clouds? Invisible or thick and blinding like a fog. Carrier of olfactory information, the sense most directly connected to our memory, reaction of disgust, and carnal desires. Fantastic manifestation.
- Earth is represented by Spades. Dig in. Solid and stable with everything in its place. Balanced order you can rely upon. Safe as houses and feet on the ground. Buried treasure or buried dead. Everything that is real, but still has its secrets.
Getting Back to the Beginning
Darkness was upon the formless and void Water. By the word, light appeared as if from a Fire. Sky separated the above from the below with Air. Earth then emerged. Paraphrased and concise, but borrowed from Genesis in both form and concept. A story that in essence was told the same way by countless cultures before and after.
We start out in the womb, surrounded by Water. We emerge not fully formed but with eyes to see the Fire of light. Our first breath of Air is what makes us alive and ready to be part of this world, the home we call Earth. Water, Fire, Air, and Earth. As mentioned above, this is one perspective, one path through the elements. This is the path of creation, the story of existence, the nature of life. One path of many.
For All Intents and Purposes
A final note on my sources of inspiration: Mine is not a religious perspective. There is no system, only my perspective influenced by my biases in my pursuit of wisdom and my truth. Despite the fact that these inspirations have shown themselves to be part of the fabric of a shared reality and collective consciousness through their vast influence and ubiquity, the way they have been wielded throughout history is very problematic. We must remember in all things, it is intent and purpose that count.
Primarily, one of the worst crimes against humanity for the last several hundreds if not thousands of years is the systemic and systematic oppression, exploitation, and femicide of women by an unorganized but global patriarchy that unjustly privileges men. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the culture, discoveries, and achievements of women being suppressed and often misattributed to men. Furthermore, it tuned much ancient wisdom and recorded history toward male personifications and their views, and benefit. My hope is we can free the truth and wisdom from these chains.
Read on for 4 cartomancy layouts based on ruling elemental influences.