Quinta Essentia - On The Elements and Plant Medicine

Quinta Essentia- On the Elements and Plant Medicine
Quinta Essentia
On the Elements
and Plant Medicine
By Sajah Derek Popham
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© The School of Evolutionary Herbalism. All Rights Reserved. Please do not copy, distribute, or republish
elsewhere without the written consent of the author Sajah Popham.
Table of Contents
Part I- The 5 Elements

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The Elements of Life

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The Elements Throughout Tradition

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Elemental Herbalism
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The Elements in People

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The Elements in Plants

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Part II- The Elemental Pattern

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Basic Correspondences of the Elements

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The Quintessence and Circulation of the Vital Force

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Botanical Embodiments of the Elemental Forces

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Part III- Quinta Essentia: The Practice

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Intention Infused Imagination

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Framework for Practice

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Closure: On Elemental Perception

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Part I- The 5 Elements

“The kaleidoscope of human character types reflects the infinite diversity of
relationships among the elements.”
-Steven Forrest
The Elements are the foundation of Creation. The spiritual essence of life materializes
and generates all forms of existence through the Elements - be it mineral, botanical, or
animal. Through an in depth inquiry and study into the Elemental pattern of creation,
we begin to study not only life itself, but the invisible forces that operate through life.
We see into the spirit infused within matter.
As a universal principle of life, the Elemental model is a synthesis of science, spirit, and
medicine. Ancient traditions did not separate these into distinct areas of study, but
rather merged them together into one universal understanding. The Elemental
cosmology of nature has been directly perceived by various cultures worldwide
through a direct experience perceived through the heart.
In this way, as we imprint the Elemental understanding of life into the mind, it aligns
itself directly with the heart, and the heart bridges us to nature. Thus, by shifting our
gaze and feeling senses into the Elements, our perception changes from the
conditioned mind, to the mind aligned with nature. Thus, it is a natural language.
The goal of this text is to shed light on the universality of this pattern of nature
through studying various traditions that have utilized it in their understanding of
existence, specifically medical and herbal traditions. It is one thing to have an
intellectual study of a subject and quite another to have an experiential understanding
of it- herein lies the difference between knowledge and wisdom, the mind and the
heart. It is the authors intent to bring an understanding of the Elements into a tangible
and experiential format in order to grow in natural wisdom and deepen our
understanding of plants, healing and ultimately ourselves.
To merely intellectualize the correspondences, qualities, and general nature of each of

the Elements is to keep their power trapped within the ethers of the mind. The beauty
of the botanical kingdom, is that their entire being is sculpted and formed by their
unique composition of these Elemental forces, and thus form a bridge between us and
these primary and powerful principles of life.
To ingest a plant is to ingest their unique Elemental constitution, which in turn shifts
our own Elemental composition. It brings our understanding into the body, where we
feel, see, taste, hear, and smell these communications from the plant world. By
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observing and experiencing plants through the lens of the Elements, we unravel the
patterns of influence they have within our bodies, hearts, minds and spirits.
Thus, we have an experience of plants which shifts our perception into a very ancient
mode of understanding, one that we have all known at one time in our soul’s evolution,
only forgotten. One that connects us to the natural world and the invisible forces that
operate through them. One that teaches us of our inner seasons, our rhythms and
patterns. One that reveals the depths of plants and their teachings, and through them
we are able to consciously assist our evolution.
In order for this transformation of the soul to be possible, we cannot merely study the
Elements on their own, not even how they function through plants- we must see the
way in which the Elements are embodied within ourselves. In this way, we begin to
understand our own cosmology, our constitution and disposition- the various clays that
sculpted our unique bodies, hearts and minds and how they were fashioned. Through
seeing our Elemental constitution, we are able to better understand who we are and
how we can better harmonize ourselves with creation.
For the purposes of plant medicine, it is useful to study the Elements and their
correspondences to 3 primary areas of focus: nature, people and plants. This is the
trinity of Elemental understanding and is the guiding framework for applying the
principles of Energetic Architecture within the context of herbalism. The Elements
form the foundational pattern of this architecture of nature and the universal science,
medicine, and spirituality that is alchemy.
In the following pages, we will explore some of the traditions, qualities, dynamics, and
correspondences involving the Elements in relationship to people and plants, as well as
provide methods for entering a state of entrainment with these Elemental forces in
order to enter an experiential understanding of them. For more in depth information
on the Elements in their relationship to herbalism, with specific materia medica,
correspondences, and applications, see the Elemental Herbalism audio course which
goes into much more detail.
The Elements of Life

Earth. Water. Air. Fire. Ether. These 5 Elements are the primary energetic constituents
for all of life. Everything in Creation is composed of these 5 fundamental forces. It is
important to understand that Fire and Water are not merely the water in the sink and
the fire in the fireplace, these are merely physical reflections of a greater, more
archetypal force. There are various reflections of the Elements as they exist in life,
from the scientific and molecular levels, to the more subtle and esoteric and all points
in between.
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These Elements constitute the primary states of matter being solid (Earth), liquid
(Water), gas (Air), combustion (Fire), and space itself (Ether). The 4 most prominent
elements on the periodic table also bear correspondence to our more archetypal
Elements: carbon (Earth), oxygen (Water), hydrogen (Air), and nitrogen (Fire). Plato
in his classic Timaeus (350 BCE) also made Elemental correspondences to the 5
primary polyhedra which constitute all physical matter: cube (Earth), icosahedron
(Water), octahedron (Air), tetrahedron (Fire) and dodecahedron (Ether).
Another primary reflection of the Elements as we see in life itself is simply through the
changing of the seasons. Each season holds a particular Elemental quality which will
generate an increase of it within our own inner environment. This is where shifting our
diets, practices, schedules, and herbs we work with must happen so we maintain our
equilibrium with the outer environment.
Elemental dynamics throughout the seasons will naturally differ throughout various
geographical regions of the Earth. In the northern hemisphere we see a typical
correspondences being: spring (Air), summer (Fire), autumn (Water), and winter
(Earth). The transitional phases in between the seasons are ruled by the Ether
Element, as it is the wind that blows one season out and the next one in. It is often
during these transitional zones between seasons that people are more prone to getting
sick, as their inner Elemental constitution suddenly shifts and releases.
If we observe the various kingdoms of nature, we see that there are in fact 5 various
kingdoms, as opposed to the three we typically think of, which is mineral, vegetable
and animal. While some may disagree with me, I believe humans are distinct from the
animal realm. Of course, the ancients never regarded the fungal realm, which is of
course extremely important in regards to ecological function. Thus we have minerals
(Earth), fungi (Water), plants (Air), animal (Fire), and human (Ether).
The Elements Throughout Tradition

The Elemental pattern is probably the most universal system of energetics and
correspondence that we see throughout the world. From the eastern spiritual and
medical traditions such as Taoism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and even martial arts
such as Kung Fu, to the western systems of medicine in Greece, the Middle East, and
Europe as well as the Native traditions of North and South America, the Elements
show up everywhere. Even though many of these traditions were not in physical contact
with one another, they still derived much of the same information about these
foundational principles of life, directly showing their universality.
The reasoning behind this is because most ancient peoples perceived the intelligence of
life and nature directly; they learned from nature itself, and because there is only One
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nature, they all saw the same pattern. They lived in a different state of consciousness
than we do in the modern age. One that was not limited to the confined boundaries of
the linear mind, but a state of perception that reached outside of themselves and
touched the heart of the Earth. By following the Light of Nature through their direct
perception from the heart, ancient people were able to see into the invisible pattern
behind nature, the blueprint, the cosmology, the underlying structure of reality.
And the pattern they all saw, was the pattern of the Elements.
The primary traditions that will be referenced within this text and the tables of
correspondence within are: Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Greek Medicine, western
science, the Qabalah, the Native American Medicine Wheel, the Physiomedicalists,
Astrology, and Jungian psychology. There are certainly more than that....
Elemental Herbalism
In terms of herbalism, we see the Elemental model being applied in most traditions
from the “Energetic” phase of its evolution, such as Thomsonianism,
Physiomedicalism, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Greek Medicine (the Galenic model),
Unani-tibb medicine (Arabic), and Tibetan Medicine. We also see this same pattern
being used with the Qabalah, the tarot, and western Alchemy, which has a rich
elemental model of nature, life, plants and the transformational process of preparing
medicine.
This pattern provided the foundational framework for their systems of plant
classification, herbal actions, tastes, pharmacology, organ, system and tissue affinities,
botany, as well as metaphysics. An important aspect of these ancient systems of
medicine is that they were directly tied into their cosmology, metaphysics, or
understanding of creation (spiritual vision). In this way, through the Elements the
ancients saw the plant’s connection to the energetic substrata of life- they directly
perceived their connection to the spirit world and how it influences and impacts the
physical world.
This pattern gave very tactical, tangible and practical information about how to use
plants within a healing context. The Elements were not just corresponded to the
plants, but they were connected to the people as well, giving their system of medicine a
universal language that corresponded Element, to plant, to person. They were utilized to
diagnose a persons constitution, or their own unique composition of the Elements, as
well as the constitution of a disease, an organ, a tissue, a pathology etc. It is this
weaving of the Elemental reflections in people and plants that makes herbalism come
to life.
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The Elements as they are used throughout herbalism thus have an etheric component
and a material component. This is one of the beautiful aspects of an energetic model is
that it is the direct link- the Mercury- bridging the invisible and visible worlds, the
spirit and material. Within practice, the Elements can therefore be used to understand
someone’s physiological imbalance, which then corresponds to particular psychological
and emotional states, which then correspond to an evolutionary process designed to
transform the soul. Thus we see plants impact all levels of our being, our own bodies
(Earth), feelings (Water), thoughts (Air), spirits (Fire), and souls (Ether).
When we understand our plants physiologically to spiritually through the Elemental

pattern, we can thus match the patterns within the plants and apply them to the same
patterns within the people. In this way our medicine is in alignment with the universal
forces operating through that person, establishing a greater level of coherence and self-
organization with those forces. We use plants to re-establish someones Elemental
homeodynamis, which translates onto all levels of being.
We see two quite different patterns within traditions in terms of how plants are applied
to bring someones constitution, or Elemental composition, back into balance: the first
is called the Doctrine of Sympathy (or Similars) and the second is the Doctrine of
Antipathy.
The Doctrine of Antipathy is more commonly used in the Ayurvedic, Chinese and
Galenic (Greek) models of medicine, using Earth plants to ground an excessive Air,
Water to put out excessive Fire and Fire to heat up stagnant Earth and Water etc.
Each of these traditions applied this principle universally, yet in their own unique ways
and methods based on their classification of herbs, evaluation and therapeutic
principles.
The Doctrine of Sympathy states that homeostasis is achieved by applying a remedy

with a similar energetic composition to the disease itself. This is the primary approach
taken in homeopathy- like treats like. But in the alchemical perspective, a plant is not
administered in a sympathetic manner just because in high dose it creates the
symptoms it treats in a low dose. Rather, we look at the energetic constitution of the
disease and apply a remedy with that same architecture- a Fire plant for a Fire disease,
or a Water plant for the Water organ systems.
These 2 doctrines are commonly applied throughout herbalism. Through the

Elemental model we are able to use both methods in our approaches to working with
people, as that enables us to see more deeply into the core nature of our remedies, and
the healing process they trigger.
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Here are a few ways this can occur. Say we have someone with a strong fiery nature,
they tend to have a lot of heat and inflammation, anger and frustration, stress and
tension, perhaps they have burning ulcers or adrenal fatigue. We could apply cooling,
moistening, and calming herbs to sedate this excess of Fire, which would be applying
antipathy. But we could also see that this excess of Fire ultimately impacts the heart, a
Fire ruled organ. We would utilize Fire ruled plants (sympathy) like Hawthorn berry
(Crataegus spp.) to help tonify and strengthen the organ which is strongly impacted by
this Element. Thus we see a reflection of the doctrine of sympathy.
The question isn’t necessarily whether treatment through sympathy is better or worse
than antipathy or visa versa. Neither is wrong, they are both right- both perspectives
work. The reason being is that they are working on different levels within our being,
and there is a time and place where an opposite should balance, and a time and place
where you would apply a sympathetic remedy.
Many people wonder when you would want to apply a Fire remedy for a Fire person
or Fire disease. Sympathetic Medicine is working within the realm of paradox and
thus within the sphere of the soul. To introduce a remedy that is in alignment with ones
own constitution is to imbibe a teacher within us, teaching us of our own nature. In
alchemy, this is the realm of initiatic medicine, where we work with certain plants,
minerals or metals to consciously expand our self-awareness and harmonize with the
principles of life.
The Doctrines of Sympathy and Antipathy lay a foundational understanding of how to

apply plants to people within a healing context, but in order to do so we must see more
deeply into how the Elements exist within people and plants.
The Elements in People

When seeing the impact of the Elements upon the human organism, we can observe
multiple layers of their influence. The most common and universal application of it is in
determining the constitution, which is an individuals own unique composition of the
Elements. These relationships will determine ones stature, appearance, eating habits,
general dispositions and tendencies, psychological and emotional patterns... basically
everything about us. To know our constitution is to have the key to how to properly
take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, intuitively, and spiritually.
The Greeks utilized a 4 Element model in their humoral understanding of human

constitution, which they titled: melancholic (Earth), phlegmatic (Water), sanguine
(Air), and choleric (Fire). These 4 humors were the foundations of medicine for
thousands of years until Paracelsus came around in the 1500‘s to change the course of
medicine forever. The humors represented different states of the tissues, which in
excess formed a type of fluid which was meant to be discharged from the body through
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various purgative means: sweating, vomiting, bloodletting, etc. Least to say it grew out
of fashion eventually....
In the east we see not a 4 Element system, but rather a 5 Element model, which is
considered much more complete and all encompassing, for the 5th Element, the Ether
or Quintessence represents the spirit which constitutes the other 4 more material
Elements. While the Chinese use a slightly different 5 Elements in their constitutional
system (which they have as: Earth, Water, Fire, Wood, and Metal), the Ayurvedic
physicians chose rather to use a pattern of 3 for the system- which they call the 3 doshas
(Vata, Pitta, Kapha). While it is a fundamentally different dimension than the 5
Elements, it is worth noting that the cosmology of the 3 doshas is derived from the 5
Elements, thus we again see the Elements being central to their medical philosophy.
The 3 doshas and 5 Elements were the crux of their remedy classification, constitutional
models, and psychological understandings.
Astrology also uses the Elements quite extensively within their system, as each Sign of
the zodiac is composed of particular Element, along with one of the 3 Modes (which is
the exact same thing as the 3 doshas in Ayurveda). Thus, each Element has the capacity
to manifest through 3 Modes, called cardinal (pitta), mutable (vata), and fixed (kapha).
The beauty of astrology is its use of all layers of Energetic Architecture: 3 Principles, 5
Elements, and 7 Planets (plus 3 outer Planets, but the 7 fold pattern is important to
maintain distinct). This provides for us a very refined model of the human psyche,
physiology, and evolutionary potential, a highly useful tool for herbalists which is
detailed in other works.
By observing the number of Planets within certain signs, we can see which Elemental
energies we are most influenced by. This lends great insight into how we are to best
harmonize with these influences and thus negate any of their adverse effects (for any
Element is excess or deficiency can cause great harm). It is also recommended to see
which Element rules the rising sign, for this is a strong indicator of our physical
appearance and constitution, as well as the 6th house, which rules our overall health.
We can go down a level and observe the general relationships between the Elements
and the organ systems of the body. We can naturally see how the Water Element is
directly operating through the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as the lymphatic
system. The Earth rules the bones, teeth and minerals as they provide the solid
foundation upon which our tissues rest upon. The Fire in stomach warms up our body,
breaks down and digests our food, and circulates the blood via the heart. Our lungs
and respiratory tract bridge us to the Air Element and our minds and perception to the
Ether. This is the general Elemental anatomy of our body (see chart in Appendix).
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Clinically, we can go down another level and observe the way in which the Elements
are affecting certain organs, systems and tissues. This is an important point in terms
of proper diagnosis of an imbalance which will then lead to a proper choice of
remedies. If someone has a respiratory infection, it is highly useful to know if the state
of the tissues is hot and dry (Fire) or cold and moist (Water). It is not enough to just
know a list of expectorants or “lung herbs,” we have to get more specific as to what
differentiates the remedies. Licorice, Osha, and Mullein are all three classic expectorant
herbs with an affinity for the respiratory tract- but they are all very different herbs. If
you give Licorice to someone with a damp cough it will likely make them feel much
worse because Licorice itself is damp. In this case, Osha, which is hot and dry is a
much more suitable choice. This is a prime example of the Doctrine of Antipathy at
work- using remedies with an opposite energetic structure to that of the organ, tissue
or disease.
This application of energetics at the level of tissues is where we see a primary focus in
the western systems of herbalism developed in the 19th century. In this category we
find the Eclectics, the Homeopaths, and the Physiomedicalists (which was born out of
the Thomsonianism movement of medicine). A prime example of this is the 6 Tissue
States of the Physiomedicalists, which are classified as: heat/excitation (Fire), dry/
atrophy (Air), wind/tension (Ether), cold/depression (Earth), damp/stagnation
(Water), and damp/relaxation (Water).
They saw clinically that there were 2 primary expressions of Water: one that is
stagnant and one that is flowing excessively. This differentiation was important to
them, for they are treated quite differently- stagnation being treated with pungent
stimulant remedies (Fire) and relaxation being treated with astringents and tonics
(Earth) to bring more structure, form, and tone to the tissues. Here we see the Fire
plants moving “stuck” inner Waters, and Earth plants holding the overflowing Water
in place.
Lastly, we can look directly at the ways in which the Elements influence the mind. Carl
Jung’s model of our psychological structures was also derived from these primary
energetic forces. They were as follows: sensation (Earth), feeling (Water), thinking
(Air), and intuition (Fire). He categorized peoples psychological disposition based on
their relative concentration of energy within these 4 ways of perceiving and
understanding the world around us.
As we cultivate the perception of our own Elemental constitution, as well as that of

others, we immediately have a framework that lends us clues into a general course of
treatment, therapeutics, and lifestyle changes that will bring about a greater
equilibrium within ones life. We see specific organs, systems, and tissues that will be
more prone to health or illness, along with how those imbalances will potentially
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manifest, as well as which remedies will be rejuvenative and generally balancing for
that person. And of course, at the root of all of this comes the ways in which we
nourish ourselves through diet, and specific lifestyle choices. All of this can be guided
through applying this Elemental model.
The Elements in Plants

Above are outlined some general ways the Elements operate through humans on the
physiological and psychological levels, let us now turn our attention to the plants. We
can see how the Elements influence and impress themselves upon the plants in multiple
ways- from their general morphological structure, preferred habitat, and seasonal
patterns, to their tastes, physiological and energetic actions, as well as organ, system,
and tissues affinities.
An important understanding in terms of the Elemental theory in general, is that in

order for anything in creation to exist, it must contain all of these Elemental forces. We
see these general correspondences within us as our bodies, emotions, thoughts,
intuition, and awareness. Within plants we see them as the roots (Earth), the stem
(Water), the leaves (Air), the flowers (Fire), and the fruits or seeds (Quintessence).
While all plants (and people) contain all of these Elemental forces, each individual will
have its varying ratios of them, and will embody some in greater levels and others in
lesser amounts. From the perspective of spiritual science, it could be said that certain
plants are in sympathetic resonance with a particular Elemental force. This same
principle applies to other areas of Energetic Architecture such as the Planets.
In this way, each plant is an embodiment of a particular energetic force, it is a channel

for a celestial pattern to make its way into the Earth. Thus, when we work with a plant
and the energetic forces it embodies consciously, we build a bridge between ourselves
and those influences, coming into a direct perception and relationship with them. In
this way we learn directly from not only nature herself, but the vast spectrum of
spiritual intelligence that exists behind it, especially in the form of plants.
To determine these correspondences within a plant, we must study everything about that
plant. As stated above, we want to observe all aspects of it, from environment and
habitat, to its structural characteristics and how it shifts our own Elemental
composition.
The necessity of implementing an energetic model such as the Elements in our

understanding of botanical medicine is of the utmost importance. For it not only
reconnects us with the ancient sciences of herbalism worldwide, it shows us how plants
are truly functioning within us in a holistic way.
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In the more modern evolution of “molecular herbalism,” plants are seen as merely
working because they have particular chemical constituents that change us on a
biochemical level. It is the application of the scientific, linear, and reductionistic
paradigm of thought that governs allopathic medicine and the entire pharmaceutical
industry. This encompasses most of the modern approach to herbal medicines within
the naturopathic community and represents a deep disconnect from tradition. Not to
say that model isn’t true or doesn’t hold value, it certainly does, yet we cannot abandon
thousands of years of practice in the dust of scientific progression.
When we see plants as not only functioning because of their constituents but also as an
energetic shift at the tissue level, everything changes. It is not necessarily that there is
a specific molecular change the plant as affecting on the body, but perhaps that the
body itself is having a response to the presence of the plant. We take a step back and
see that the plant isn’t just “killing a bacteria,” but shifting the entire ecology of the
body so that the bacteria cannot thrive in that environment. Through this lens of the
Elements, we are able to apply herbal medicines not to the disease itself, but to the
conditions of being that made the disease possible. This is the level where we see
curative results as opposed to mere palliation of symptoms. You can kill bacteria all
you want with herbs, but if the general habitat of the body is such that they will thrive,
thrive they will. We need to start seeing the body as an ecological system constantly
trying to maintain homeostasis, and when we get thrown too far off balance, nature
provides us with ecological medicines to restore us back to our original state.
It is worth mentioning here how I use the term “homeostasis” very loosely. It’s actually
a quite inaccurate word that should be shifted especially in relationship to healing. The
presence of the word “stasis” implies that once the state of balance is reach it will stay
there- it directly implies that it is permanent, or static. But reaching a balanced state of
health is much like riding a unicycle- once balance is reached you are immediately
rebalancing again. It is a constant process. The word “homeodynamis” is a much more
correct term to use, for it implies that balance is a dynamic process, always changing,
shifting, and evolving. The process of healing and transformation is reaching greater
and greater levels of homeodynamis, for it requires greater levels of awareness as we
reach greater levels of complexity and self-organization.
For a more in depth study on the Elemental correspondences between people and
plants, please see the Elemental Herbalism audio course, where deeper layers of this
pattern are revealed along with their practical applications in a healing and
transformational context.
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Part II- The Elemental Pattern

In order to effectively understand and integrate an Elemental model into our practice
of herbalism, it is useful to understand some basic correspondences associated with
them, especially the seasons, time of day, environmental dynamics, and cardinal
direction. With these 4 pieces of information we are able effectively align our
meditations and prayers while that Elemental influence is at its energetic peak as it
moves through time and space. The essence of this teaching is that our inner state of
being is deeply influenced by the energetic architecture of our external environment-
the outer and inner are merely reflections of one another. Thus, by aligning our work
with these external circumstances, we seek to embody that Elemental quality within
our bodies, hearts, and minds, as well as the medicine we prepare.
In order to effectively do this, we must be in direct contact with our spirit, or vital
force. Our spirit, called Mercury in the alchemical tradition, is the bridging point
between our hearts, minds, and bodies, as well as our internal reality and our external
reality. In order to effectively embody a particular Elemental influence, we must reside
in a state of pure awareness- we must be in spirit- only then will the outer and inner
dissolve into one.
It is this state of coherence and entrainment with the Elemental force that we are
seeking. As it enters the sinew and bones of our body, the subtle winds of the mind,
and the flutterings of the heart, each Element will teach us from the inside out. It will
build a bridge, connecting our innermost being to the foundations of Creation.
Basic Correspondences of the Elements

Central to understanding the various correspondences between the Elements and their
reflections in nature, is to perceive their relative levels of density and subtlety. In
alchemy, these are called the “volatile” and “fixed” paths, with Fire and Air being
considered volatile, or subtle energies, and Earth and Water being fixed, or more dense
energies. The first move up and out, the latter move down and in.
Fire is said to be the most subtle or spiritual Element, being connected to the Sun and
the center of Creation. Air is considered more “dense” than Fire, being the creation of
space and the movement from the Source that is Fire. From Air, comes Water, the first
of the fixed Elements, which then flows and condenses into Earth, considered the most
dense and fixed of the Elements.
Through observing the Elemental correspondences with time and space, we begin to
see how these forces function on the macrocosmic scale. The entire premise of alchemy
and many spiritual medical traditions is to harmonize the macrocosm with the
microcosm by circulating various forces throughout either our energy body within, or
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in the external laboratory of the furnace and the still. In life, we move through cycles
of the Elements, knowing these cycles enables us to live more harmoniously with them,
and thus with nature as a whole. The following table summarizes the correspondences
between the seasons, times of day, cardinal direction, and environmental qualities with
the Elements.
Earth Water Air Fire Ether
State of Solid Liquid Gaseous Radiant/ Ethereal

Matter Combustion
Dual nature Yin/Fixed Yin/Fixed Yang/ Yang/ Unity

Volatile Volatile
Direction North West East South Center
Time of Day Night Evening Morning Noon

(dusk) (dawn)
Environment Deep forests, Rivers, lakes, Cliffs, Flames, riding in an

al Quality caves, stone, oceans, rain, mountaintop direct sun, airplane,
rocky areas, snow, s, windy, deserts, high parachuting,
dry rainforests, cold/dry noon, space travel
cold/damp
Season Winter (Dec Autumn Spring Summer Transitions

21- March (Sept 21- (March 21- (June-21- between
20) Dec 20) June 20) Sept 20) seasons, the
wind.
Signs of the Taurus Scorpio Gemini Aries

Zodiac Virgo Cancer Aquarius Sagittarius
Capricorn Pisces Libra Leo
It is suggested that while working with a particular Elemental influence, to use the
above table to align the meditation and prayer with sacred time. It is important to note
that there are many ways to structure ones meditations. You could choose to strictly
work with the Fire Element for the entire summer, at noon, facing the south and
working with Fire plants. Or during that summer, you could work with Fire at noon
facing the south for a week, then move to the Water at sunset facing west for a week,
etc. We will go into more depth on certain protocols and suggestions later on, but first
we will explore the philosophy behind this work in order to fully grasp its potency.
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The Quintessence and Circulation of the Vital Force

As we come into deeper states of communion with these Elemental forces, we begin to
connect with the Quintessence, the Ether, or the 5th Element. This is the purely
ethereal, non-tangible Element, which is discovered through the perfect harmony and
equilibrium of the other 4 Elements. Coming into a Quintessential state of
consciousness is to become Mercurial, for it is to bridge the inner and outer worlds, the
above and the below, into the center- which is our hearts.
The Quintessence is the synergy of the Elements, Earth, Water, Air and Fire in perfect
balance. In order for us to effectively perceive the Elemental forces, we must be able to
rest within our essential nature, so we may see their essential nature. When we work
with the Elements directly, we must be conscious, attentive, aware and sensitive.
Embodying each Element involves purification and rejuvenation of the corresponding

organs, systems, tissues of the physical body, as well as the psychological and
emotional patterns, which are energetically imprinted into our astral body. This pattern
is then translated into and imprints the physical body. This cleansing and enhanced
inner awareness of the Element enables us to better align ourselves, or become
sympathetic with, that particular energetic force externally. Through harmonization with
the Elements, we are aligning our entire being with that energetic quality, and through
that state of coherence we are healed and transformed in a powerful way. The Element
moves through the organs of the body, the airs of the mind, the feelings of the heart,
and intuitions from the spirit.
Thus as we progressively work through each Element, we work through every organ,
system and tissue of the body, the crevices of our minds and our suppressed emotions.
It brings our stuff up so we can deal with it, process it, and move forward with our
lives. Ultimately it can reveal to us where we are going, what we are doing, and what
our purpose and contribution is to the Earth.
This process brings about a greater level of health and vitality, as well as self
understanding. As we come to understand these universal forces, we start to see how
they are directly imprinting and affecting ourselves. We are all excessive or deficient in
certain Elemental qualities, which we see express within our physical constitution and
psychological temperament. By understanding where our vital force is active and
where it is inactive, we are better able to achieve balance in our lives through
modifying our diet and lifestyle to match our unique and individual constitution. This
is also the guiding force for understanding how to apply herbal medicines in alignment
with each unique individual.
As each Element initiates us onto higher levels of vitality, wisdom and understanding,
their unique reflection of the vital force circulates throughout our physical and
15
energetic bodies, purifying us. They will access our memories, our deepest emotions,
repressed fears and ancestral patterns, as well as our life purpose, our dreams, goals,
aspirations, inspirations, and visions for our life. They will bless us and test us- such is
the nature of initiation. This circulation of the vital force calcines and dissolves all of
those things that are not true to our essential nature, and recombines us back together
into a more evolved state of being. The inner spagyric.
Below is a table outlining some of the correspondences between the Elements and the
human, moving from the macrocosmic level of the total constitution, to the smaller
layers of systems, organs, tissues, and the subtle aspects of the mind and
consciousness. These correspondences assist in drawing correspondences between the
plants and people, as well as what to be aware of within ourselves as we come to
harmonization with the Elements. This lends clues as to which Elements may be
aggravating to our excesses, and which ones may balance our deficiencies. It is
important to remember that each Element has sympathetic (similar) and anti-pathetic
correspondences and functions with us. To work with an Element even into excess can
provide valuable information as to how we are to uniquely remain in balance.
Sometimes you have to cross the line to know where it rests.
Humor Melancholic Phlegmatic Sanguine Choleric
Dosha Kapha Kapha/Pitta Vata Pitta Vata
Organ Musculoskelet Genito- Respiratory, Circulatory, Nervous,

Systems al, Hepatic, Urinary, Digestive Digestive Reproductive
Digestive Lymphatic,
Digestive
Organs Liver, Bones, Kidneys, Lungs, Heart, Blood, Perception/

Large Intestine Lymph, Bronchiole Small Energy Body,
Reproductive Tree Intestine, Nerves, Brain
Stomach
Tissue State of Cold/ Damp/ Dry/Atrophy Heat/ Wind/Tension

the Depression Relaxation, Excitation
Physiomedicali Damp/
sts Stagnation
Carl Jung’s Sensation Feeling Thinking Intuition Awareness

Psychic
Function
Sense Touch Taste Smell Sight Hearing
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Rudolph Physical Body Etheric Body Astral Body I-

Steiner’s Consciousness
Elements
Botanical Embodiments of the Elemental Forces

It is one thing to access the power of the Elements through meditation, prayer and the
alignment of time (season, time of day etc.), and it is quite another to actually ingest
these Elemental forces in physical form. This is the power of potency of the Botanical
Kingdom. They are a true gift of Creation, bestowed upon us to help us heal ourselves
and learn the ways of the Earth below and the Sky above. As embodiments of the
Elements, plants provide a very accessible and safe means to activate these forces
within us so that we may heal and grow in a good way.
As stated earlier, everything in nature is created from the potencies of the Elements.
Plant medicines are unique in that they have a direct relationship with the human
organism that has been in existence since the dawn of time. We have been co-evolving
with one another throughout the ages- though the plants have always been a step
ahead of us. They are much older in the evolutionary timeframe. In this way, we have
much to learn from the them by entering conscious states of communication and
communion with them. Oftentimes, these communications with plant consciousness
are mediated by the Elements.
Though each plant is composed of the Elements, each one has its own particular
composition of them- its own unique constitution. When a plant is communicating to
us either physiologically through ingestion, or spiritually by simply meditating with it,
there is a direct shift in our entire organism’s bioenergetic structure to come into
resonance with it. It affects us physically, mentally and most importantly, emotionally.
We can understand these non-linear communications on a much deeper level when we

understand the correspondences the plant has to the Elements, and how it is impacting
us on the various levels of our being. When we introduce an Air plant into our life, it
begins to activate that corresponding influence in our lives- internally and externally
we come into resonance with it. Depending on our own energetic architecture, or
constitution of the Elements, we will have a particular response to that influence. For
those with an excessive Air it may just balance it out by re-entraining our Element
with its natural state of harmony. In others it may drive them out of balance.
You see we live in such a disconnected culture- many of us live in the world and not
the Earth- thus we have forgotten our natural state of being, our harmony with the
cycles and rhythms of life. In this way, our Elemental bodies become adulterated,
conditioned, and patterned in a way that is discordant with our true nature. As we
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work with the Elements and plants in this way, we re-pattern our Elemental bodies
back into harmony with nature- like an energetic tune up.
The plant provides an incredible access point to the Elements because we can directly
ingest them, feel their impact on our physiology and consciousness. In a way, each
plant is a channel, or conduit for a very particular expression of each Elemental force.
As we work with these various plants, each one teaches us of a different quality of that
Element, bringing about healing and transformation to different layers of our
Elemental self. Through these purifications and recombinations, we ourselves learn to
become conduits for the Elemental powers to affect positive change on this planet.
Having an understanding of the Elemental Correspondences within plants is the first

step in learning to directly perceive and work with Energetic Architecture in plants. It
is the foundational pattern of Evolutionary Herbalism, grounding us in ancient
tradition, natural philosophy, and modern application. It is the key to understanding
the human constitution as well as the therapeutic actions of plants on all levels of
being. When we use plants to connect us with the Energetic Architecture of nature, we
are able to experience and perceive the interweaving between the above and below, the
inner and outer, and the microcosm and macrocosm. This achieves the minor
circulations of alchemy and spagyrics.
Here are some simple correspondences between the Elements and various aspects of
plants:
Energetics Cold/Dry Cold/Wet Hot/Wet Hot/Dry Balance
Herbal Action Tonic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Diaphoretic, Entheogenic,

Alterative, Lymphatic, Nervine, anti- Stimulant, Nervine
Adaptogen Demulcent spasmodic Adaptogen,
Carminative
Plant Part Root Stem Leaf Flower Fruit and Seed
Morphology Solid, thick, growing in or Thin, spindly, Sharp, thorny, Similar

large, dry large around water, light, fluffy, pointed, qualities as Air.
taproot moist, soft, purple, white, serrated, White, spirals,
medicines, red. delicate, indigo, blue, intense, vortexes, star
Down and in feminine aromatic. Up orange, yellow, tetrahedrons
“stemmy,” and out. red. Radiating.
blue.
Taste Sweet, Sweet, Salty, Pungent, Sour, Salty, Bitter

Astringent mucilaginous Bitter, Pungent
Astringent
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Examples Burdock, Red Horsetail, Mullein, Cayenne, Guayusa, Gotu

Root, Cleavers, Lemon Balm, Prickly Ash, Kola, Brahmi,
Ashwaganda, Willow, Nettle, Peppermint, Ginger, Calamus,
Red Cedar Blue Vervain Hawthorn Skullcap,
Lotus
Part III- Quinta Essentia: The Practice

In Part 1 and 2, we outlined some of major correspondences the plants have to people,
plants, and nature as a whole. This provides us with an intellectual framework, or
blueprint, with which we can understand life on a deeper level. But if it merely remains
in the mind, it is simply knowledge. To truly touch the power of the Elements, we must
bring our knowledge from the mind down into the heart, where it becomes a living
experience and transforms into wisdom. Thus the necessity for direct perception of
Elemental intelligence.
This is to be done through the alignment of vision, intention, and feeling. We must be
congruent in our hearts, our minds and our spirits, so that the entire force and focus of
our being is on the Element we are connecting with. Thus we develop the inner to
harmonize with the outer. When we do this in accordance with particular the times of
day, seasons, and directions, we further stack the energetics in our favor for direct
connection.
Utilizing these principles along with ingesting plants that embody these Elemental
qualities activates and aligns our whole energetic and physiological organism with that
force of nature. This leads us through a transformational process physiologically,
emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.
To truly come to a place of wisdom and understanding of life and nature, we must be
initiated through the domain of direct experience. Intellectual speculation and linear
thinking only get us so far- thinking about something doesn’t change us, but
experiencing that same thing touches the core of our being. Our understanding never
exceeds our experience.
Here we are going to get into the actual practice of Quinta Essentia. We will cover in a
bit more detail the state of consciousness to enter in order to effectively access the
intelligence of the Elements. We will then go over a simple process for how you can
connect to each Elemental force.
The goal of this work is not to merely share information about the Elements, but rather
paint a picture of how we can learn directly from them ourselves. Plant medicine yields
a highly accessible means for making direct contact with these Elemental forces in a
19
healing manner, meaning that we are not simply learning directly from them, but
allowing them to transform us into who we truly are. We bring that Element into our
body, heart and minds, and enter a state of communion with it.
Intention Infused Imagination

If we are to learn directly from the Elements, we must learn to shift our perspective, to
adjust our consciousness so we are able to see more deeply into the invisible world. To
learn from the Elements, we must train ourselves to see beyond the physical, to extend
our hearts into the forces behind the forms. We are reaching into what Stephen Harrod
Buhner calls the “imaginal realm,” or what the aboriginals called the “dreamtime.” We
learn to dream while we are awake, through the symbolic language that is
communicated to us, we translate from the invisible to the visible.
This would be considered a more non-linear means of gathering information from the
world. It doesn’t speak in words to the mind, rather it speaks through feelings to the
heart, visions to the spirit, and sensations to the body. There are 3 primary ways
people receive non-linear information: clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing),
and clairsentience (feeling/sensation). It is the same with standard learning- some of us
are more visual, others need to hear it, and yet others need to experience it, do it, touch
and feel it.
To access these transcendent states of perception, we must learn to focus our minds,
our hearts, and bodies into a singularity. I call this intention infused imagination. Many
people regard visionary states of consciousness as being mere fantasy or daydreaming.
Fantasy is the imagination wandering, with no focus, direction, guidance, or intension.
But when we infuse the imagination with intention, our heart is then directing and
guiding what we perceive, connecting it to the greater forces of nature (especially
when the heart is consciously connected to say, a plant). This is not a mere fantasy, but
rather, a vision.
A vision is not something we simply see. It is an experience, it is something that we

feel- it moves us. Many people think of “vision” is just an elaborate fantasy, day dream,
or fleeting idea. But the true mark of a vision is that it is infused with a greater
meaning existing outside of the self. It is a gift from the beyond, we have emptied our
cup so that it can be filled. The goal in our work with the Elements is exactly this. To
empty ourselves so that we can be filled with the visions of the Earth, Water, Air, Fire,
and Quintessence.
We must learn to resacralize our innate imaginal capacities, to harness the power of
our dreaming mind and direct it in a way that opens us to receive the vast wisdom of
nature. Nothing is ever “just a dream” anymore, for when our hearts and mind align
20
with our perception life is filled with meaning and substance. Everything is
communicating to us, all of life is a language, it just doesn’t always use words.
Framework for Practice

Here i’d like to outline a general framework for how we can work with direct
perception of the Elements. Essentially we want to look out creating the external and
internal space necessary to engage in communication and communion with each of the
Elements.
In order to create the external space for a certain Elemental meditation, we want to
observe the seasonal correspondence, time of day, direction we are facing, as well as
the environmental or ecosystem qualities. Our goal is to have a sit spot (ideally in
nature), where we can connect with that particular force. Each Element will be
outlined in detail for this below.
Creating the internal space to connect with the Elements is relatively simple, yet
requires some focus and mental discipline. I always like to open with a simple prayer,
facing the specific direction and the specific time of day for that particular Element.
This is usually a simple acknowledgement of the Elemental force and a heartfelt intent
to connect to it directly in order to heal, learn and evolve. We are summoning or
calling upon the spiritual forces of Earth, Water, Air and Fire to enter our hearts,
minds, bodies, and the external space we are in so that we may understand them more
deeply.
After this it is good to sit in a comfortable position (though not too comfortable so you
don’t fall asleep!) facing the correct direction and begin to settle the mind through
attuning to the breath. It can be highly effective to do some sort of yoga, qi-gong, or
exercise beforehand to help dispel excessive energy and activate the physical body.
The more we anchor our vital force into our bodies, the more we are able to
perceive the subtle communications of the Elements or a plant. It’s easy to think of
a vision as being way up and out there, but we are only able to reach as far up and out
as our roots sink down and in.
After 5-10 minutes of gentle breathwork (I like alternate nostril breathing to activate
the parasympathetic nervous system), and relaxing into the body, we want to engage
with the heart as if it is a radar, and reach out into the space around us to connect with
the Elemental force. We can open our eyes and observe the physical environment and
habitat, as well as the unique direction we are facing.
Breath the Elemental force into the corresponding organs and systems of the body,
visualizing and feeling it within us. We can also work with the 4 lower chakras to work
with the Elements, with the Earth at the base of the spine, Water in the lower
21
abdomen, Fire in the solar plexus, and Air in the heart. By becoming aware of and
activating these energetic centers and physical organ systems, we feel the impact of
that Element within the astral and physical bodies. This type of sensitivity is what is
ultimately cultivated through conscious preparation and ingestion of spagyric
medicines.
At this point we can ingest certain plants or formulas which relate to the Elemental
forces to further activate the areas of the body as well as psychological and emotional
dynamics.
It is suggested to spend at least 30 minutes (ideally an hour) sitting and meditating

with the Elements in this way. Through engaging with it in our bodies, hearts, and
minds we are able to enter a direct experience of these forces and thus understand how
they impact and influence our own lives, the dynamics of plants, and the pattern of
nature as a whole.
Through this dynamic process of being aware of the inner and outer realities, the
Elements will communicate to us through various means. It can be through songs,
symbols, images, feelings, ideas, inspirations, memories, or intuitive pulses. It is thus
our job to decipher these communications and what their specific meaning is. This is
where understanding symbolic language is highly beneficial and is one of the great
contributions of the western esoteric traditions such as astrology, qabalah, alchemy,
and the tarot. For they provide greater levels of correspondence within each Element,
showing how they specifically relate to different areas of life experience and the
archetypal realm.
After we have completed our sit, it is good to close that space with a final prayer of
gratitude. This is highly important. We are establishing and building relationships with
very intelligent forces of nature and if they share anything with us we must
acknowledge it and express our gratitude. It is so easy for people when working with
invisibles to think it is a one way relationship, with us opening up and receiving from
the Elements. It is a communication, therefore we must end that space in a good way
with our words.
From more of a magical or “shamanic” perspective, these spaces are literally akin to
opening up a doorway into the other world in which we are in communication with the
spiritual powers of nature. If you open the door, you should close it when you are
done, otherwise your life can get confusing, disorienting, and challenging. Leaving
offerings, prayers, incense or other means of gifting is an excellent practice to have
when working with plants and these energetic forces as well.
22
Afterwards, it is nice to take some time to journal, self-reflect, and integrate our
experiences with the Elements. It is typically recommended to do this after you’ve said
your closing words (many find it distracting to have a pen and paper while sitting in
this way). Here you can take a look at the symbolism that was presented to you, any
ideas, images, feelings, sensations or memories that arise are important to note. At the
end of each Element in the details to follow, there will be a few integration questions,
thoughts for contemplation, and areas of life to meditate upon in order to ground our
experiences and understand them more deeply as they reflect in our immediate lives.
This makes our work very real, practical, and implementable in a tangible way.
Use the table of correspondence below to guide your own Elemental meditations.
These are some of the basic correspondences worth observing, outlined by outer
factors and inner factors. The vital force denotes the general movement of energy with
that Elemental quality, it is essentially a yin and yang dynamic. Tissues show the
energetic quality in the body generated by that Element. The chakra and felt
sensations/visualization can be used to facilitate the process if necessary and bring in
more of a multi faceted sensorial experience. By stacking these factors, we enhance
our capacities to directly experience the Elemental forces.
Outer Factors Earth Water Air Fire
Direction North West East South
Season Winter Autumn Spring Summer
Time of Day Night Dusk Dawn Noon
Environment cave, forest, rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, deserts, high heat,
mountains, cold streams, ocean, deserts, windy strong solar energy
and dark rain, snow environments, sky
Inner Factors
Vital Force Down and in Down and in Up and out Up and out
Tissues Energetic Cold Damp Dry Hot
Organs bones kidneys, bladder lungs, respiration heart, digestive fire
Chakra 1st- Muladhara. 2nd- Svadhisthana. 4th- Anahata. 3rd- Manipura.

Base of spine/ Below the naval Heart. Solar plexus
tailbone
23
Outer Factors Earth Water Air Fire
Felt sensation/ brown, green, deep blue, turquoise light blue, silver, red, orange, yellow.
Visualization earthen colors. colors. flowing wisps of smoke, power and strength
roots. solidity, movement and lightness, levity, in the core.
density, heaviness. deep feelings/ freedom, expansion vibrancy and
emotions, flexibility of mind energy. warmth
Integration home, family, relationships, inspiration, spiritual growth,

Reflections foundation, Gaia feelings, intimacy, intellectual growth, heart, intuition,
conscious, diet, life sexuality. water & sleep, visioning, contribution path,
cycles, rhythms, oil hydration, respiration, psych. purpose, intent,
and patterns emotional health health exercise
Closure: On Elemental Perception

The purpose of this work is to outline some of the basic principles in regards to the
Elemental model as it applies to herbalism and plant medicine, as well as our own
capacities to build direct relationships with the Elemental forces of nature. It is
important that we do not merely keep this pattern within the Ethers of our minds, but
rather put it into our hearts, our eyes, and our hands, so that we may do something
good with it. It is when we integrate the Elements into our mode of perception that
we truly harness their powers to heal and transform.
It becomes how we see a plant growing in the wild. Making note of its appearance, it’s
shape and structure, texture and color. How it tastes and feels in the body, how it
influences the mind and shifts the feelings within the heart. The Element shows us how
all of these aspects of a plant come together into its Elemental pattern.
We begin to perceive this in people as well. No longer do we see symptoms, but rather
dynamic living systems guided by the intelligence of the vital force. We see the
patterns behind the symptoms, the energetics behind the physiology. People are
treated based on their unique constitutional and temperamental individuality. Our
medicine reaches beyond the body and into the mind and the spirit- for the Elements
reflect on all levels of our being and of plants as well.
When we perceive plants and people through the Elements, we have a natural
language, a universal system that synergizes them. We trace patterns of relationship
between 2 forms of life which are generated from the same Elemental constituents.
This enables us to apply our herbal medicine at a deeper, more transformational level
of healing, especially when combined with spagyric methods of extraction which
enables the Elemental and Planetary qualities to be harnessed with the medicines in
powerful way.
24
So we must integrate this model into how we see things. It is then, and only then, will
we operate at an evolutionary level of practicing herbalism. It anchors our
understanding and classification of plants and people into the most ancient and
universal pattern of natural medicine that we see worldwide. The Elements give us a
truly holistic model of practicing herbalism in accordance with the laws of nature. We
see the wholeness of the person, and the wholeness of the plant, and weave them
together in a way that strengthens the constitution of the body, purifies the mind,
opens the heart, and serves in the evolution of the soul.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Quinta Essentia. I want to honor and
congratulate your for making it to the end- not everyone gets to the end of even a short
book!! Please feel free to share your comments, feedback and questions on the
comments sections below the videos and i’ll respond to as many as I can personally!!
Be sure to check out that 3-part video series that goes along with this e-book by
visiting www.elementalherbalism.com where you get access to hours of classes, with
additional handouts and resources for how to determine Elemental correspondences in
plants and people.
For more in depth training, checkout the Elemental Herbalism audio course, which
goes into deep dive training on this pattern of plant medicine. With over 17 hours of
audio lectures, 100 pages of notes and workbook materials, as well as over 5 hours of
additional bonus lectures, the Elemental model is covered in great detail. Watch your
inbox with links for more information.
For lots of other free content, be sure to visit the Evolutionary Herbalism blog at
www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/blog, where you’ll have access to other videos, audio
downloads, and articles on various subjects like alchemy, astrology, herbalism, and
natural medicine.
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Quinta Essentia- On the Elements and Plant Medicine

Part I- The 5 Elements

The Elements of Life

The Elements Throughout Tradition

The Elements in People

The Elements in Plants

Part II- The Elemental Pattern

Basic Correspondences of the Elements

The Quintessence and Circulation of the Vital Force

Botanical Embodiments of the Elemental Forces

Part III- Quinta Essentia: The Practice

Intention Infused Imagination

Framework for Practice

Closure: On Elemental Perception

Part I- The 5 Elements

To merely intellectualize the correspondences, qualities, and general nature of each of

The Elements of Life

The Elements Throughout Tradition

When we understand our plants physiologically to spiritually through the Elemental

The Doctrine of Sympathy states that homeostasis is achieved by applying a remedy

These 2 doctrines are commonly applied throughout herbalism. Through the

The Doctrines of Sympathy and Antipathy lay a foundational understanding of how to

The Elements in People

The Greeks utilized a 4 Element model in their humoral understanding of human

As we cultivate the perception of our own Elemental constitution, as well as that of

The Elements in Plants

An important understanding in terms of the Elemental theory in general, is that in

In this way, each plant is an embodiment of a particular energetic force, it is a channel

The necessity of implementing an energetic model such as the Elements in our

Part II- The Elemental Pattern

Basic Correspondences of the Elements

Earth Water Air Fire Ether

State of Solid Liquid Gaseous Radiant/ Ethereal

Dual nature Yin/Fixed Yin/Fixed Yang/ Yang/ Unity

Direction North West East South Center

Time of Day Night Evening Morning Noon

Environment Deep forests, Rivers, lakes, Cliffs, Flames, riding in an

Season Winter (Dec Autumn Spring Summer Transitions

Signs of the Taurus Scorpio Gemini Aries

The Quintessence and Circulation of the Vital Force

Embodying each Element involves purification and rejuvenation of the corresponding

Earth Water Air Fire Ether

Humor Melancholic Phlegmatic Sanguine Choleric

Dosha Kapha Kapha/Pitta Vata Pitta Vata

Organ Musculoskelet Genito- Respiratory, Circulatory, Nervous,

Organs Liver, Bones, Kidneys, Lungs, Heart, Blood, Perception/

Tissue State of Cold/ Damp/ Dry/Atrophy Heat/ Wind/Tension

Carl Jung’s Sensation Feeling Thinking Intuition Awareness

Sense Touch Taste Smell Sight Hearing

Earth Water Air Fire Ether

Rudolph Physical Body Etheric Body Astral Body I-

Botanical Embodiments of the Elemental Forces

We can understand these non-linear communications on a much deeper level when we

Having an understanding of the Elemental Correspondences within plants is the first

Earth Water Air Fire Ether

Energetics Cold/Dry Cold/Wet Hot/Wet Hot/Dry Balance

Herbal Action Tonic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Diaphoretic, Entheogenic,

Plant Part Root Stem Leaf Flower Fruit and Seed

Morphology Solid, thick, growing in or Thin, spindly, Sharp, thorny, Similar

Taste Sweet, Sweet, Salty, Pungent, Sour, Salty, Bitter

Earth Water Air Fire Ether

Examples Burdock, Red Horsetail, Mullein, Cayenne, Guayusa, Gotu

Part III- Quinta Essentia: The Practice