Women’s Circle Newsletter
awomenscircle@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 110998  Aurora, CO. 80042

303-343-4114
Reaching out each month in joy and
sisterhood to keep us connected as we circle together as women

Andrea Lord
President, Alpha Institute
Women’s Circle Facilitator
Reiki Practitioner

Rachel Lord RN, CMT
Women’s Circle Facilitator
Master Herbalist

July 2008

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ON THE ELEMENTS…

Introduction: A SUMMARY OF THE METAPHYSCIAL USE OF THE ELEMENTS

The spiritual use of “elements” or energies or substances have been incorporated into cultures around the world since day one.  These are not the “elements” you learned about in chemistry class on the Periodic Table that represent the atoms which make up our world. Instead, they are forces of nature and/or physical substances that have been important in our survival and lives since ancient times.  They are so basic that cultures and religions have gods and goddesses dedicated to them.  They are used ceremonially in all major world religions today. In a word, they are ELEMENTAL. For instance, the Chinese use wood, fire, earth, metal and water  in their Five Element Table of Correspondences which connects all parts of our lives including health and healing in a holistic way.  Native Americans use the Medicine Wheel and the four directions and incorporate their version into sacred ceremony—usually air, water, earth and fire.  Other cultures have used different combinations. What is important is that even in this modern world, we connect to these basic forces and substances.  Connection with the “elements” simplifies our complicated lives and brings us back to our roots. 

WOOD - Provides us with the sense of renewal, reawakening and rebirth.

Wood gives us the sense of flexibility and ability to change necessarily for survival. The Wood element within us governs our sense of vision. The Wood provides the connection between yin and yang. As we develop, the Wood provides the coordination for successful and orderly growth and expansion, the orderly procession through time into the future.



RENEW

Wood is also associated with beginning of new life.
The Wood element is in the position of the East, which relates to the morning and the sunrise. The rising sun bursts upon the day and reveals through its light, the truth. The change from darkness to light is the birth of Yang and reflects the essence of the Wood.

REGENERATE

Wood regenerates each spring when the trees and plants send out new growth. Wood has the  ability to mature and age appropriately, in a well rooted manner.
Wood is also associated with Wind, which can burst through and overcome obstacles. The wind can be sudden and violent, unpredictable and destructive. At the same time, wind carries the seeds of life and engenders new life and structure. The wind penetrates and overwhelms or gently massages with the breeze.
Evolution, adaptability, balance and order are integral to Wood. Resilience and the ability to move with the wind are Wood.

FORMING ROOTS

There will also be other Women’s Activities and Circles throughout the year.  Stay posted.
If you have stories, information and would like to share bits of your journey with us,
we want to hear from you. If you get an idea send it out to awomenscircle@yahoo.com