An Introduction to Elemental Mythology
When I first moved to Savannah I started working at a metaphysical shop called Cosmic Corner. My very good friend Sebastian was working with me and I was explaining to him all of the million thoughts that were running around my head as I was developing and refining my practice. A customer had apparently overheard me because I was eventually cut off by a targeted scoff and insult before the front door to our shop slammed shut. The man had called me a, “crazy new-age spiritualist” and I’ll tell you reasonable folks what I wish I had told that man.
First of all, judgment is a useless emotion. We gain nothing of substance in ourselves when we deem people inferior to us. Everything to be gained is within mutual respect and understanding.
Second of all, there is absolutely nothing ‘new’ about what I am discussing. You see I have spent a significant amount of time looking directly at the past. Before we systematically closed ourselves off from nature and community. What answers did our ancestors hold that we have let wither and dissolve over time?
Let’s ask the Greeks shall we? They are, after all, the creators of democracy and western civilization, surely they had valuable insight. Where did they look to find power and guidance?
Prometheus by Heinrich Fueger (1817)
The God of fire was not actually a god, but rather something older, more archaic– a Titan. His name was Prometheus, and in his time, fire was reserved solely for the divine. That was until he stole it and gave the knowledge to humanity, and along with it technology and all of civilization. This action was so integral in the life of man that in some myths he is considered the deity that sculpted humankind out of clay.
Poseidon of Melos (2nd Century B.C.)
As the Olympian Gods usurped their elders and took the universe three brothers divided their superior powers by ground, sea, and sky. Poseidon claimed the seas as his realm and ruled with great influence. His wrath manifested in hurricanes and earthquakes. His kindness was seen safe sailing, horses, and new islands.
Le Jupiter Olympien by Quatremère de Quincy (1815)
The air and heavens above were Zeus’ territory. Considered the leader of the Gods, Zeus, held awe-inspiring power. His words and thunderbolt alike dictated order and destruction with ease. Across the ancient world you will find references to the sky god, Zeus.
Relief on the eastern side of Ara Pacis (9 B.C.)
The earth however, she is older, much older. The only life before Gaea was Chaos. Gaea is mother to the sky, the titans, the sea, the mountains, and love. She is grandmother to the Olympians and the giver of all life. Held within her is Hades (Both the god and the afterlife. Thus all is born from Gaea and all will eventually return to her.
Each element in their mythology is treated with reverence and deep respect. They understood how they were the foundation of human life. However, this is the succinct story. With each element comes deities, monsters, and stories. And that’s just the Greeks. Now consider how every human civilization developed their own mythologies. Our ancestors felt the influence of the elements and knew that they needed to build a relationship of respect and reverence.
So no, angry stranger, this is not new. This is quite literally ancient.
If you’d like to continue exploring our ancestors perspective on the divinity of the elements in your continent consider:
Europe: Norwegian or Slavic Mythology
Africa: Yoruba or Ancient Egyptian Mythology
Asia: Hindu or Japanese Mythology
Oceania: Maōri or Aboriginal Mythology
North America: Inuit or Aztec Mythology
South America: Incan or Kayapó Mythology
