HEALING HEDGEWITCH, June13, 2016

                                      THE ELEMENTS OF HEALING by Rowe Greentree

Aspects of the Healing Arts are associated with all the Elements, and the healer must be proficient in each area, and able to move between them. If we are to become our own healers, we need some basic skills in each area as well. As we learn in each area, we can apply it at once, and so gain valuable experience immediately.

The practical areas of our health relate to the Earth Element. Earthly energies relate to the food we eat, to our environment and daily activities, to exercise and fitness and to practical strategies of self-care. Herbal remedies, aerobics and natural home products are ways we can apply the Earth Element to our benefit. Most of our efforts to protect or improve our well-being will naturally be centered in this area. Everything we can do to surround ourselves with the beauty and harmony of nature, to enjoy fresh, wholesome food, balance exercise with relaxation and create a healthful, enjoyable living space will enhance the influences of the Earth Element in our life.

Breath is the healing power of the Air Element.  Breathing is exceptional in that it is both an automatic and a voluntary capacity of our bodies; it connects the conscious and the unconscious. Breathing methods are of unique value in healing and can do more for truly deep healing than most people ever imagine. 

Through the Water Element we can learn about and use subtle energies. Subtle energies bathe our bodies all the time; they infuse the environment wherever we are and we can learn to use that. They flow, refresh and sparkle like bubbling streams. If the energies around us are dulled by industrial materials and chemical outgassing, the Water Element can help us cleanse and renew them.

The Fire Element, in healing, is the light of our mind. Conscious awareness and intent are always a part of every healing practice. Our wishes, our invocations, our visualizations and blessings are the link that connects us to the Fifth Element of the Pentacle, Spirit. With body, breath, energy, directed awareness and spiritual power we can coordinate and direct an integrated and truly holistic experience of healing.