The Elements
Alchemy Basics
All physcial things are made of different proportions of the four elements- fire, water, earth, and air. That is not to say that their physical makeup consists of these elements, but rather their essence is made up of the philisophical qualities that relate to these elements.
The Four Elements
5×7 Print Pack of all four paintings
Fire
Alchemical Symbol
The upwards facing triangle is the symbol for fire in alchemy (and many other occult studies).
- Male
- Volatile
- Passionate
- Rising
- Hot
- Dry
Water
Alchemical Symbol
The downward facing triangle is the symbol for water in alchemy (and many other occult studies).
- Female
- Flexible
- Falling
- Cold
- Wet
Air
Alchemical Symbol
The upward facing triangle with the intersecting line is the symbol for air in alchemy (and many other occult studies).
- Male
- Freedom
- Life
- Hot
- Wet
Earth
Alchemical Symbol
The downwards facing triangle with the intersecting line is the symbol for earth in alchemy (and many other occult studies).
- Female
- Steady
- Fixed
- Halting
- Dry
- Cold
Each of the elements share one quality with the two other elements that are not their opposite (i.e. Water shares one quality with Air and different with Earth). This sharing of natures is what allows for transmutation of substances. You may imagine something like the water cycle taking place on a spirtual level.