Earth + Air: A Mystic's Guide to the Edge of Two Elements
Channeling power and potential at the intersection of Earth + Air through The Edge Oracle
Context: The Edge Oracle
The Edge Oracle is a collection of original symbols, each representing a specific ‘edge’ or in-between place. The intention of The Edge Oracle is to provide tools and frameworks that integrate the wisdom and power held by the (often overlooked) liminal spaces of our world, into our everyday lives.
The first set of symbols within The Edge Oracle represents the 6 Edges that connect the 4 traditional Elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. For more background, check out my Introduction to The Edge Oracle post.
Symbol of Earth + Air: The Garden
On the breeze, pollen and seeds are carried through Air across Earth. When we choose what to uproot and what to let grow in the soil, we create a Garden. The Garden becomes a world of its own — a collective entity that reflects the attributes of all its inhabitants. Contact between different organisms can result in the formation of hybrids, making the Garden a space for new life to emerge. However, the Garden is a delicate ecosystem, and requires diligent tending in order to sustain. If left to itself, many organisms will die out, while others will run wild and dominate. In this way, the design and function of a Garden also reflects and embodies the spirit, qualities, and values of its creator as much as the beings within it.
Overview: Triangulating the Edge of Earth + Air
In this post, I approach The Air + Earth Edge as a source of power and possibility by exploring three topics:
1) Examples of the Air + Earth Edge in culture and ecology
2) Qualities that emerge at the Air + Earth Edge across the range of Examples
3) Prompts to connect the Edge of Air + Earth to your personal life
This framework — Edge Triangulation — is designed to provide ways to access, understand, and reflect the wisdom of any Edge. This is a foundational aspect of The Edge Oracle, and subscribers to DEEPER will receive first access to future posts where I’ll be sharing more tools and methods like this for engaging with wisdom from the Edges.
Accessing the Edge: Examples of Earth + Air
Below, I’ve collaged and listed some of my favorite Examples of the Earth + Air Edge in nature and culture. I chose these Examples because (to me) they represent a diverse and inspiring range of how the Edge of Air + Earth can manifest in physical and conceptual forms. As you view/read them, I encourage you to notice which ones spark the most curiosity or interest for you, and to take note of any Examples that come to mind which are not on this list.
Collage Examples of Air + Earth Edge: Libraries; Fermentation & Curing; Syncretism; Bats; Hybrids (Mule, Strawberry); Sculptures; Spiderwebs; Pollination
Additional Examples of Air + Earth Edge: Gardens; Laboratories; Birds; Insects; Seed dispersal; Seasonal migration; Migratory species (Salmon, Monarch Butterfly, Wildebeest, Goose, Sea Turtle); Hybrids (Plants [Peppermint, Grapefruit, Sweetcorn] & Animals [Narlugas, Ligers, Grolar Bears]); Nests; Tunnels; Hammocks; Buildings; Windows; Walls, Fences & Gates; Monuments; Windmills; Machetes; Travel; Pilgrimage; Bicycles; Airplanes; Tornados; Vacuums; Dust
Understanding the Edge: Qualities of Earth + Air
Reflecting on these Examples of where the Elements of Air and Earth meet in our world, we may start to notice some recurring conceptual Qualities that exist at this Edge. Based on my own observation, research, and reflection, here are three key Qualities that emerge consistently at the Edge of Earth + Air. I’d also encourage you to personally engage with the Examples of this Edge that resonate strongest with you, and see what other Qualities might emerge from them.
1) Migration
Across all species, migration exists in many forms — from seasonal to permanent relocation; from voluntary to forced movement. Whichever form it takes, Migration involves finding new places to thrive, and poses both opportunities and threats to the new inhabitants as well as the preexisting ones. There is potential for collective learning and growth — cross-pollination and biodiversity, linguistic and cultural exchange. There is also potential for oppression and exploitation. The possibilities that emerge will mirror the ways in which the inhabitants relate to each other.
2) Curation
Through Curation, we express our values and vision by choosing which individual elements to include/exclude within a larger collection. This calls for us to exercise both discernment and sensitivity. Discernment, because we must trust our own experience, perspective, and taste enough to make clear and aligned decisions. Sensitivity, because we must remain open, interested, and curious enough to witness the potential that exists within each possible choice. Curation also requires intention around how each piece relates to one another. How will each individual piece uniquely shine within the light of the collection, and what role will it play within the collective story?
3) Integration
1 + 1 = 3. When two entities come together and Integrate, they create a new, third possibility that combines elements from each of the two. Integration occurs under many circumstances — from intentional to accidental, experimental to procedural. But in any of these instances, it involves finding a common ground on which connection and exchange can occur. Some aspects of the Integration process can be understood and controlled, while others remain a mystery. As one of the most fundamental ways that life spreads, adapts, and evolves on earth, Integration reminds us that our individual nature can be most fruitful when it is in communion with another.
Other Qualities at the Edge of Earth + Air:
Discernment; Synthesis; Learning; Teaching; Translation; Respiration; Releasing; Receiving; Giving; Vision; Research; Curiosity; Observation; Patience; Experience; Collaboration; Interdependence; Jumping; Falling; Flying
Reflecting the Edge: Prompts for Personal Connection to Earth + Air
After reviewing the Examples of this Edge and some of their overarching Qualities, you may already be sensing some ways that the Edge of Earth + Air is reflected in your own life. To help us further access the power of this Edge, here are some Prompts to identify and strengthen your personal connection with the Edge of Earth + Air.
When you see [Quality] and [Example] — insert any of the aforementioned Edge Qualities / Examples that most interest you. I recommend using a journal to write, reflect, and see where it leads.
Edge “Example” Prompts:
What do I find beautiful, admirable, or unique about [Example]?
What don’t I understand about [Example]? Through research or having a direct experience with [Example], what becomes revealed to me?
After noticing what inspires and/or intrigues me about [Example] from the previous two questions — what do these attributes of [Example] reflect back to me about myself, my desires, or my current situation?
Edge “Quality” Prompts:
Where does [Quality] feel most present or most absent in my life right now? How do I feel about that, and what can I learn about myself or my situation based on the presence or absence of [Quality]?
What are my biggest priorities right now? For each of those priorities, what is my relationship to / the role of [Quality]? How could I try shifting my relationship to [Quality] as a way to better support this priority?
What are some things I have learned about [Quality] through personal experience and/or from observing it elsewhere? How might I apply these learnings to support me now?
Closing Thoughts & What’s Next:
Through The Edge Oracle, my intention is to create more awareness, understanding, and collaboration with the possibility and power that exists at the Edges of our world. Through DEEPER, I will continue to expand upon this with upcoming posts about:
-Each of the 5 other Elemental Edges, and their unique Examples & Qualities
-How to work with the Edges in a Question/Answer format (and combine it with other practices like Tarot & Astrology)
-The Edge Temple: How the 4 Elements and 6 Edges work together
…. and lots more!
Thanks for being here. With love,
Dante Deeper