Self Care
How to Live Seasonally With the Elements October 08 2015, 0 Comments
Some of you may be wondering what our products called Air, Water, Fire and Earth are all about.
"A deodorant that smells like water? A tea that tastes like Air? Uh, awesome..."
To get a better understanding of what these elements mean in regards to our products, lets first start by looking at what the elements traditionally represent.
In astrology and Pagan traditions, the elements Earth, Water, Air, and Fire are used to relate to a particular function of the self:
Earth represents the physical body and matter
Water, our emotions
Air, the mind and intellect
and Fire, the spirit and intuition.
Elements are also connected to astrological signs,
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Earth signs
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Earth signs
Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer are Water signs
Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are Air signs
and Leo, Ares, and Sagittarius are Fire signs.
We've attached elemental varieties to our deodorants, teas, fragrances, raw balms, and soaps.
Does that mean you are only allowed to use an item that is of your sign?
Certainly not!
While many people I meet do happen to prefer the variety tied to their own sun sign, many others are drawn to their opposing element, which can bring balance. For example, Fire and Water are opposing, as are Fire and Earth, Earth and Air, and Water and Air. That would leave matching signs to be Water and Earth or Fire and Air. There really are hundreds of potential explanations as to what will draw you to a scent, including the possibility that it has absolutely nothing to do with astrological sign!
So what plants do they use already!
Well, since Earth represents the physical, it is a very grounding and practical element, bringing us back to reality. For this reason we have used deep, sturdy herbs and roots such as dandelion root, sage, and clove.
Water, being tied to the emotions, is sensitive and inward. These items, like taking a swim, are fresh and cooling. Invigorating herbs like peppermint and rosemary are balanced with calming herbs like lavender and oatstraw so as to stimulate creativity but not to cause turbulent waters!
Air, being connected with the mind and intellect, is innovative and full of ideas. It's herbs are sweet and soft, with crisp notes like lemon and vanilla to inspire, balanced with calming herbs like lavender and chamomile to keep focused and not let thoughts run in circles or flit about.
And finally Fire, the element of spirit and intuition, is passionate about life and acts on it's gut. Its herbs are spicy and warming with lots of ginger, balanced with soft herbs like catnip and vanilla to prevent overheating.
What's the point?
Why bother matching nature's elements to body care products?
If we can bring a little bit of mindfulness to the way we treat our bodies, maybe that can translate to how we treat our whole being and those around us. Taking the time to build a personal ritual into your daily routine gives you the opportunity to slow down and think about what feels good to you, both inside and out. Maybe you wake up feeling excited but scattered, or calm but depressed. Maybe an invigorating ginger spray or tea sounds agitating today. Or maybe a grounding soap sounds boring. Having the tools from nature to bring balance to those feelings can offer peace of mind, body, and spirit.
Shop element products here.
For a definitive reading on the subject of astrology I encourage you to read "The Astrology Bible" by Judy Hall.