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| − | [[File:6828.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
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| − | <poem>
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| − | [[Air]]/[[Wind]]: is about [[activity]], {{Wiki|movement}}, [[ideas]], and strategies. Too strong and it becomes move - ment for movement’s sake, tearing things apart in a whirlwind. Too weak, and it becomes lack of {{Wiki|movement}}, disconnection, loss of [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]], loss of meaning. In {{Wiki|reaction}}, it’s all over the place, move - ment without connection. In response, it is effective [[action]], just what is needed. Effective [[Wisdom]]
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| − | [[Air]] is often seen as a [[universal]] [[power]] or [[pure]] [[substance]]. Its supposed fundamental importance to [[life]] can be seen in words such as aspire, inspire, perspire and [[spirit]], all derived from the Latin spirare.
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| − | {{Wiki|Greek}} and {{Wiki|Roman}} [[tradition]]
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| − | [[Air]] is one of the four classical [[elements]] in {{Wiki|ancient Greek}} [[philosophy]] and [[science]]. According to {{Wiki|Plato}}, it is associated with the octahedron; [[air]] is considered to be both [[hot]] and wet. The {{Wiki|ancient Greeks}} used two words for [[air]]: aer meant the dim lower {{Wiki|atmosphere}}, and [[aether]] meant the bright upper {{Wiki|atmosphere}} above the clouds. {{Wiki|Plato}}, for instance writes that "So it is with [[air]]: there is the brightest variety which we call [[aether]], the muddiest which we call mist and darkness, and other kinds for which we have no [[name]]...." Among the early {{Wiki|Greek}} Pre-Socratic [[philosophers]], Anaximenes (mid-6th century BCE) named [[air]] as the arche. A similar [[belief]] was attributed by some {{Wiki|ancient}} sources to Diogenes Apolloniates (late 5th century BCE), who also linked [[air]] with {{Wiki|intelligence}} and [[soul]] ([[Wikipedia:Psyche (psychology)|psyche]]), but other sources claim that his arche was a [[substance]] between [[air]] and [[fire]]. Aristophanes parodied such teachings in his play The Clouds by putting a [[prayer]] to [[air]] in the {{Wiki|mouth}} of {{Wiki|Socrates}}.
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| − | [[Air]] was one of many archai proposed by the Pre-socratics, most of whom tried to reduce all things to a single [[substance]]. However, {{Wiki|Empedocles}} of {{Wiki|Acragas}} (c. 495-c. 435 BCE) selected four archai for his four [[roots]]: [[Air]], [[fire]], [[water]], and [[earth]]. {{Wiki|Ancient}} and {{Wiki|modern}} opinions differ as to whether he identified [[air]] by the [[divine]] [[name]] Hera, Aidoneus or even Zeus. {{Wiki|Empedocles}}’ [[roots]] became the four classical [[elements]] of {{Wiki|Greek}} [[philosophy]]. {{Wiki|Plato}} (427-347 BCE) took over the four [[elements]] of {{Wiki|Empedocles}}. In the Timaeus, his major [[cosmological]] dialogue, the Platonic solid associated with [[air]] is the octahedron which is formed from eight equilateral triangles. This places [[air]] between [[fire]] and [[water]] which {{Wiki|Plato}} regarded as appropriate because it is [[intermediate]] in its mobility, sharpness, and ability to penetrate. He also said of [[air]] that its minuscule components are so smooth that one can barely [[feel]] them.
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| − | {{Wiki|Plato}}'s student {{Wiki|Aristotle}} (384-322 BCE) developed a different explanation for the [[elements]] based on pairs of qualities. The four [[elements]] were arranged concentrically around the center of the [[universe]] to [[form]] the sublunary [[sphere]]. According to {{Wiki|Aristotle}}, [[air]] is both [[hot]] and wet and occupies a place between [[fire]] and [[water]] among the [[elemental]] spheres. {{Wiki|Aristotle}} definitively separated [[air]] from [[aether]]. For him, [[aether]] was an [[unchanging]], almost [[divine]] [[substance]] that was found only in the [[heavens]], where it formed [[celestial]] spheres.
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| − | In {{Wiki|ancient Greek}} [[medicine]], each of the four humours became associated with an [[element]]. {{Wiki|Blood}} was the humor identified with [[air]], since both were [[hot]] and wet. Other things associated with [[air]] and {{Wiki|blood}} in {{Wiki|ancient}} and {{Wiki|medieval}} [[medicine]] included the season of spring, since it increased the qualities of heat and {{Wiki|moisture}}; the sanguine {{Wiki|temperament}} (of a [[person]] dominated by the {{Wiki|blood}} [[humour]]); {{Wiki|hermaphrodite}} (combining the {{Wiki|masculine}} quality of heat with the {{Wiki|feminine}} quality of {{Wiki|moisture}}); and the northern point of the {{Wiki|compass}}.
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| − | [[File:5XiC1.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
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| − | The [[alchemical]] [[symbol]] for [[air]] is an upward-pointing triangle, bisected by a horizontal line.
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| − | [[Indian]] [[tradition]]
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| − | In [[Hinduism]], [[Vayu]] ([[Sanskrit]] [[वायु]] ), also known as [[Vāta]] वात, [[Pavana]] [[पवन]] (meaning the [[Purifier]]),or [[Prāna]], is a [[primary]] [[deity]], who is the father of {{Wiki|Bhima}} and the [[spiritual]] father of [[Lord]] {{Wiki|Hanuman}}. As the words for [[air]] ([[Vāyu]]) or [[wind]] ([[Pavana]]) it is one of the [[Panchamahābhuta]] the "[[five great elements]]" in [[Hinduism]]. The [[Sanskrit]] [[word]] '[[Vāta]]' literally means "[[blown]]", '[[Vāyu]]' "[[blower]]", and '[[Prāna]]' "{{Wiki|breathing}}" (viz. the [[breath]] of [[life]], cf. the *an- in 'animate').
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| − | {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[tradition]]
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| − | [[Air]] is not one of the [[traditional]] five {{Wiki|Chinese}} classical [[elements]]. Nevertheless, the {{Wiki|ancient}} {{Wiki|Chinese}} {{Wiki|concept}} of Qi or [[chi]] is believed to be close to that of [[air]]. Qi ([[Wikipedia:Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] pronunciation: [tɕʰî]; spelled qì in Pinyin romanization and [[ch'i]] in [[Wade-Giles]]) or [[ki]] (in {{Wiki|Japanese}} romanization), is a fundamental {{Wiki|concept}} of [[traditional]] {{Wiki|Chinese}} {{Wiki|culture}}. Qi is believed to be part of every [[living thing]] that [[exists]], as a kind of "{{Wiki|life force}}" or "[[spiritual]] [[energy]]". It is frequently translated as "[[energy]] flow", or literally as "[[air]]" or "[[breath]]". (For example, "tiānqì", literally "sky [[breath]]", is the ordinary {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[word]] for "weather"). In [[Wikipedia:Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]] {{Wiki|Chinese}} it is pronounced something like "chee" in English, but the {{Wiki|tongue}} position is different. The {{Wiki|concept}} of qi is often reified, however no [[scientific]] {{Wiki|evidence}} supports its [[existence]].
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| − | [[File:508db.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
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| − | The [[element]] [[air]] also appears as a {{Wiki|concept}} in the [[Buddhist]] [[religion]] which has an {{Wiki|ancient}} history in [[China]].
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| − | Some {{Wiki|Western}} {{Wiki|modern}} [[occultists]] equate the {{Wiki|Chinese}} classical [[element]] of metal with [[air]], others with wood due to the [[elemental]] association of [[wind]] and wood in the bagua.
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| − | [[Astrological]] personalities
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| − | [[People]] born under the [[astrological]] [[signs]] of [[Gemini]], [[Libra]] and [[Aquarius]] are [[thought]] to have dominant [[air]] personalities. [[Air]] personalities tend to be kind, [[intellectual]], communicative and {{Wiki|social}}; however, they can also be [[selfish]], [[superficial]], vicious and very insensitive to other [[people]]'s [[emotions]].
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| − | {{Wiki|Ceremonial}} [[magic]]
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| − | The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, founded in 1888, incorporates [[air]] and the other {{Wiki|Greek}} classical [[elements]] into its teachings. The [[elemental]] weapon of [[air]] is the dagger which must be painted yellow with [[magical]] names and sigils written upon it in violet Each of the [[elements]] has several associated [[spiritual]] [[beings]]. The archangel of [[air]] is Raphael, the {{Wiki|angel}} is Chassan, the [[ruler]] is Aral, the [[king]] is Paralda, and the [[air]] [[elementals]] (following {{Wiki|Paracelsus}}) are called sylphs. [[Air]] is considerable and it is referred to the upper left point of the pentagram in the Supreme Invoking [[Ritual]] of the {{Wiki|Pentagram}}. Many of these associations have since spread throughout the [[occult]] {{Wiki|community}}.
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| − | [[File:5054AiIs.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
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| − | In the Golden Dawn and many other [[magical]] systems, each [[element]] is associated with one of the [[cardinal points]] and is placed under the care of guardian Watchtowers. The Watchtowers derive from the {{Wiki|Enochian}} system of [[magic]] founded by Dee. In the Golden Dawn, they are represented by the {{Wiki|Enochian}} [[elemental]] tablets. [[Air]] is associated with the {{Wiki|east}}, which is guarded by the First Watchtower.
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| − | {{Wiki|Modern}} witchcraft
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| − | [[Air]] is one of the [[five elements]] that appear in most {{Wiki|Wiccan}} and {{Wiki|Pagan}} [[traditions]]. {{Wiki|Wicca}} in particular was influenced by the {{Wiki|Golden Dawn}} system of [[magic]], and {{Wiki|Aleister Crowley}}'s [[mysticism]]. Common {{Wiki|Wiccan}} attributions include:
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| − | [[Cardinal direction]]: {{Wiki|East}}
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| − | Season: Spring
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| − | [[Time]] of [[life]]: Childhood
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| − | [[Time]] of day: Sunrise
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| − | Regent {{Wiki|Planet}}: {{Wiki|Mercury}}
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| − | [[Elemental]] [[being]]: Sylph
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| − | Colors: [[Light]] blue, white, bright yellow
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| − | [[Magical]] tools: Sword
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| − | {{Wiki|Tarot}} reading: Wands or Swords in the Minor Arcana. Swords are [[traditionally]] associated with [[air]] and still are in most {{Wiki|tarot}} decks, however, increasingly decks are [[being]] published with the Wands association. This is still a [[matter]] of [[debate]] within the [[esoteric]] and Wiccan {{Wiki|community}}.
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| − | [[Altar]] tool: [[Incense]]
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| − | {{Wiki|Masculine}} [[energy]]
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| − | Other: Correspondences include [[mind]], {{Wiki|intellect}}, study, [[consciousness]] and communications.
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| − | Other [[traditions]]
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| − | {{Wiki|Enlil}} was the [[god]] of [[air]] in {{Wiki|ancient}} {{Wiki|Sumer}}. Shu was the {{Wiki|ancient}} Egyptian [[god]] of [[air]] and the husband of {{Wiki|Tefnut}}, [[goddess]] of {{Wiki|moisture}}. He became an emblem of strength by [[virtue]] of his role in separating Nut from Geb. He played a [[primary]] role in the Coffin Texts, which were {{Wiki|spells}} intended to help the deceased reach the [[realm]] of the [[afterlife]] safely. On the way to the sky, the [[spirit]] had to travel through the [[air]] as one spell indicates: "I have gone up in Shu, I have climbed on the sunbeams."
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| − | In [[East]] {{Wiki|Asia}}, [[air]] is seen as the {{Wiki|equivalent}} of wood. [[Air]] is represented in the Aztec [[religion]] by a [[snake]] to the {{Wiki|Scythians}}, a yoke to the [[Hindus]] and for [[Greeks]] as a sword and in {{Wiki|Christian}} {{Wiki|iconography}} as mankind.
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| − | </poem>
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| − | {{W}}
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| − | [[Category:Air element]]
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