The Meaning of the Air Element & How to Connect with Its Symbolism

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Explore the many cultural & spiritual interpretations of the air element
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Whether you recognize the air element from Avatar: The Last Airbender or from the countless cultural and spiritual beliefs that include it in their traditions, there’s no question that this life-giving and wind-creating force has significance for ancient and modern traditions. In this article, we’ll break down every meaning element of the Air element, from its overarching symbolism to its significance in ancient cultures and astrology. Plus, we’ll tell you exactly how to connect to your air element (and why you might want to), all with the help of our experts on astrology, psychotherapy, and mindfulness.

Air Element Spiritual Meaning

The air element is most strongly tied to breath and life force, as the air moving through one’s lungs is what most imminently gives them life. The air element may also be used to represent communication, as breath allows living things to speak and share language.

Section 1 of 7:

What does the air element represent?

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  1. The precise meaning of the air element varies between cultures, customs, and belief systems. However, air is almost always associated with breath, or the breath of life, meaning that it may represent the things that create and inspire a vivacious life. [1]
    • Similar to how the air element represents breath, it can represent the manifestations of breath like the ability to speak and share ideas, language, and connection.
    • The air element is also associated with freedom and movement, since air has the capability to move freely and go anywhere in the world. Therefore, people who connect to the air element may feel more liberated and move about the world with a visionary clarity and lightness.
    • Across different spiritual and cultural belief systems, the air element is also associated with certain deities, cardinal directions, colors, and seasons. In Wicca, for instance, air represents the Horned God, the Eastern direction, the Spring season, and the colors yellow, white, and silver.
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Section 2 of 7:

The Air Element in Different Religious & Spiritual Practices

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  1. In Ancient Greek and Roman traditions, the air element was known as aer , a word that was used to refer to the lower atmosphere. Air was thought to represent lightness, movement, and clarity, but it was also crucial to the geometric advances of the era. In his philosophies, Plato related air to the octahedron geometric shape from sacred geometry , so wearing octahedron jewelry or an octahedron pattern would help the wearers connect with the air element. [2]
    • There were actually two types of air elements in Greek and Roman culture. The other was called aether , which referred to the brighter atmosphere above the clouds. This type of air was considered more celestial and spiritually significant. [3]
  2. In Ancient Egypt, the air element was personified and represented by the god Shu. In Egyptian traditions, Shu is the god of air and the wind and is often portrayed with an ostrich feather. The feather is meant to symbolize the lightness and movement of air, as well as the way that Shu controlled its movements. The deity is also an important part of many Egyptian myths, including their creation story and the explanation of how the sun is pushed across the sky. [4]
  3. The air element is not one of the traditional elements in Chinese culture or Taoist beliefs . However, the air element is similar to the important concept of qi , which represents the life force and vital energy believed to flow through all living things—similar to the universal symbolism of the air element. Qi is also thought to signify freedom, change, and adaptability, and having a balance of qi in one’s body is thought to be crucial for overall health. [5]
  4. The air element in Buddhist traditions is known as vāyu-dhātu , which represents movement, expansion, and repulsive forces. Within the body, vāyu-dhātu is thought to form part of the intestinal system, which repulses and removes impurities from the body. It’s also believed to be present in the breathing process, which is why many Buddhist practices focused on the air element ask followers to observe the rising and falling of their abdomen as they breathe . [6]
  5. In Jain traditions , the air element is referred to by the Sanskrit word vayu . Similar to other belief systems, vayu represents movement and breath and is often managed or connected to through practices like pranayama , or breath control. Vayu is one of five elements in Jain philosophy, known as pancha butas , each of which are seen as living entities with individual souls. [7]
  6. In Wiccan beliefs , Air is connected to the soul and the breath of life. Practitioners of Wicca will often focus on the air element when engaging in rituals related to communication, wisdom, or the mind—it’s believed to aid in ridding oneself of trouble or strife, and may even have the power to carry positive thoughts to people who are far away. For instance, air is an important element in magical practices like incense burning , smudging , and breath-work . [8]
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Section 3 of 7:

Air Element in Astrology

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  1. In Western astrology, there are three major air signs : Gemini , Libra , and Aquarius . People born under these signs are often associated with intelligence, intuition, communication, and analytical thinking. Air signs are often thought to possess an innate knowledge of the human experience, as well as an ability to view issues from a logical yet nuanced perspective and quickly solve any problems that come their way. Here are some additional expert insights on each of these powerful air signs: [9]
    • “ Geminis ...need to be intellectually engaged because they’re Air signs,” explains expert astrologer Angel Eyedealism. They need to have “a sense of freedom and constant amusement, or they very quickly become disinterested” in any given topic, experience, or relationship.”
    • “ Libras ...get turned off by coarse behavior…because they’re intellectuals,” continues Eyedealism. “Libra is an Air sign, and the Air sign loves intellectuals.”
    • When it comes to romantic relationships, Eyedealism explains how “ Aquarians must be engaged intellectually first…and then reminded of their physical body and sexuality.”
  2. In Vedic astrology , elements are connected to houses as well as individual signs. There are 12 houses in Vedic astrology, and Air is associated with the Kama Houses, which represent relationships, communication, networking, and material pleasures. The Kama houses include the 3rd, 7th, and 11th houses, although the Air element is also associated with specific signs like Mithuna (Gemini), Tula (Libra), and Kumbha (Aquarius). [10]
    • According to Hindu beliefs, the flow of the houses through the signs represents the growing development of that energy. For example, the 11th house represents the most complete expression of the Kama houses and the air element.
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Section 4 of 7:

What is an air element personality?

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  1. Depending on what qualities you associate with the air element or what belief systems you follow, your interpretation of an “air element personality” might shift. In most cases, however, an air personality is very fun, adventurous, and makes for a natural entertainer. They’re often described as balls of energy who spread warmth and happiness wherever they go. [11]
    • On the negative side, however, air personalities may be seen as flighty or as struggling to take things seriously when necessary. They may also have trouble focusing on important matters or applying themselves.
Section 5 of 7:

Air Element & the Heart Chakra

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  1. The heart chakra is thought of as the place in the body where a person’s soul or life energy resides. In yoga and Hindu practices, there’s an important concept known as prana vayus , which are five movements of life force that are visualized as spiritual winds—so, basically, air! Prana vayu circulates around the heart and chest and emulates the energy and life force behind every breath taken by a living thing. [12]
    • This prana vayu demonstrates the deep connection between the air element and the heart chakra, so tuning into one’s heart chakra is a natural way to enhance their connection to the spiritual gifts of the air element.
    • Mindfulness coach Eveline Renta advises you to “bring your awareness into the chakra you want to focus on,” which, in this case, is the heart chakra. Focus on the part of your body where that chakra resides and “start breathing into that point and allow whatever comes up to be released, always by using your breath.”
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Section 6 of 7:

How to Connect with the Air Element

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  1. Air moves all around us, so one of the easiest (yet potentially most effective) ways to connect to it is by engaging in sensory experiences that allow you to better feel and observe the air around you. For each of the five senses known to the human body, there are ways to appreciate and connect with the air element : [13]
    • Touch: Stand outside and pause for a moment to feel the air or wind on your face or hands. Note whether it feels cold or warm, gentle or forceful, and if you can tell which direction it’s coming from.
    • Taste: Air is associated with bitter and astringent tastes, according to the ancient health system of Ayurveda. Taste the air element by eating bitter foods like kale and cacao or astringent foods like pomegranates and black tea.
    • Sight: Step outside and take in all the way that the air is moving the world around you—even if you can’t see the air itself, watch how it moves plants, leaves, clouds, and more. Note the speed and energy in which it moves and the feeling it leaves you with.
    • Smell: Air quality and scent can impact your health and mood, so take the time to breathe in the air in your living room and observe its qualities. Does it feel stale or fresh? Can you smell the remnants of last night’s dinner or your morning shower? Open the windows to let fresh air through as often as possible to revitalize your space and improve your health.
    • Hearing: You might not immediately think of air as having a sound, but consider the sound of wind whistling through tree branches or leaves swirling around on a particularly blustering day. If you can tune into these minute noises made by the air element, you’ll have a better chance of connecting to its innate life force.
  2. Pranayama is a breathing practice that directly connects to the air element by mindfully moving breath and life force through the body. Practice pranayama for a few minutes each day by gently breathing in and out for a count of 5 or 10—as you breathe, observe the air element as it moves through your body. You can also try specific breathing techniques to hone in on the air element, such as Ocean’s Breath, Humming Bee Breath, Full Yogic Breathing, and Box Breathing. [14]
    • Counselor and psychotherapist Ira Israel recommends his own meditative pranayama practice which involves taking “long, deep breaths. Do a nine-second inhalation and maybe count off and inhale for 2, 3, 4. Then, spend about 10 seconds on the exhale.”
    • As a variation, try “closing off one nostril and inhaling through the other one,” adds Israel. “Then switch your fingers and exhale through the other one.”
  3. Several yoga positions are associated with the air element due to their ability to open up the heart, lungs, and front of your body. Try gentle and restorative yoga poses that emphasize light and playful movements. As you proceed through each pose, focus intently on your breathing and observe which positions help you to breathe more calmly and more steadily. Start with basic, flowing poses like cobra, bow, wheel, camel, and cat-cow.
    • To perform the cat-cow pose, as an example, yoga instructor Pasquale Antonio instructs to “kneel with your hands on the floor in a stable position. You want your knees to be underneath your hips, making a straight line from your knees to your hips, and then your hands are directly underneath your shoulders and you’re extending the elbows and shoulders.”
    • “When you inhale,” continues Antonio, “arch the lower back, open up the chest, and look up. Then you exhale and reverse, so you’re now going into cat. Push your lower back up toward the ceiling, drop the head and neck, and exhale. Stay in that position for a little bit, then just keep repeating those movements.”
    • It’s important to be mindful and maintain a steady breath in order to connect with the air element as you try these yoga flows. As yoga instructor Atthena Breitton explains, some people have “a common mistake in yoga is to not pay attention or be mindful of what your body is telling you.”
  4. Due to its association with the heart chakra , mantras that focus on that chakra are also conducive to strengthening the air element. Channel the air element and heart chakra by meditating on a mandal or repeating the YAM (pronounced yan-gm ) mantra. You may also practice visualization meditation, where you visualize the air beneath you and flowing through your body as you meditate.
    • If you’re just starting out with meditation, Israel advises to begin by just “sitting with your spine erect, your chin level, and your jaw unclenched for two minutes in the morning, and just concentrate on your breath.”
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Section 7 of 7:

The Four Elements: Air, Water, Earth, & Fire

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  1. In most ancient cultures and even modern representations, these four elements are believed to make up all things in nature and throughout the universe. Some cultures had additional elements that they believed helped to make up the planet, but these four (air, water, earth, and fire) were and continue to be the predominant elements. Each one has its own properties, as summarized here: [15]
    • Air: Raises clouds to form rain and nurture the earth. Represents life, movement, and communication.
    • Earth : Makes up the planet’s substance. Represents solidity, fertility, and cohesion.
    • Water : Sustains life and removes heat from fire. Represents renewal, purity, and change.
    • Fire: Provides heat and life-giving forces. Represents wisdom, transformation, and passion.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/design-decor/colors-symbols-four-elements
      2. ↑ https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/njoldfieldeportfolio1/tag/octahedron/
      3. ↑ https://ian.umces.edu/blog/its-all-greek-to-me-the-terms-praxis-and-phronesis-in-environmental-philosophy/
      4. ↑ https://www.memphis.edu/hypostyle/meaning_function/model-universe.php
      5. ↑ https://archive.artic.edu/taoism/glossary/qi.php
      6. ↑ https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=socssp
      7. ↑ https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=socssp
      8. ↑ https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/understandingreligion/chapter/sacred-texts/
      9. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/astrology/air-signs/
      1. ↑ https://www.astroculture.in/blog/which-rashi-is-associated-with-the-element-air/
      2. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/5668689/jewish/In-Your-Element-Which-of-These-Four-Personality-Types-Are-You.htm
      3. ↑ https://yogainternational.com/article/view/the-5-prana-vayus-in-yoga-prana/
      4. ↑ https://www.mindful.org/sense-the-benefits-of-nature/
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34812995/
      6. ↑ https://websites.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/F/fourelem.html

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