Introduction: The Edge Oracle
Channeling power and possibility from the 6 Edges of the 4 Elements
Welcome to the very first post on DEEPER: Introduction to The Edge Oracle. For more background on me and this publication, check out my about page or subscribe (it’s free)!
The Edge Oracle
The Edge Oracle is a collection of original symbols — each one representing a specific ‘edge’ or liminal space. The first 6 symbols, pictured above, represent the 6 edges/intersections between the 4 traditional elements of air, water, earth, and fire. In the following posts I’ll be sharing more details about each one individually (make sure to subscribe if you want to receive them) and how to work with them — but first, some background on why The Edge Oracle exists.
What is an ‘oracle’ and how is it used?
An ‘oracle’ usually refers to a deck of cards that contains illustrations & symbols intended to evoke some form of message or response from the reader. It’s similar to tarot, but each deck features its own unique combination of cards that, as a collection, form a particular framework of meanings, possibilities, and purpose.
For example, some oracles might focus on messages of affirmation with different angelic figures on each card. Another might focus on deepening our understanding and connection to plants through a series of botanical illustrations (shoutout to Dirt Gems!). My intention with The Edge Oracle is to provide ways to observe, integrate, and reflect the wisdom and power that exists within the (often overlooked) liminal spaces of our world.
Why make an oracle of Edges?
Edges inherently hold power and potential because they indicate the end of one thing and the beginning of another. They are transitional and transformative spaces. For example, in nature, the transitional space between ecosystems is called an ecotone. These zones are known for containing a larger amount of biodiversity within them than their surrounding zones, as well as promoting an increased rate of adaptation and evolution among the species who spend time there. For those of us who regard ourselves as constantly evolving and transforming, there is much to be learned by paying attention to how life operates at the edges.
Viewed from another perspective, the existence of an ‘edge’ also implies that there is a ‘center’. If we are trying to locate or understand the center of something, one way we can do that is by tracing and understanding its edges. Following this logic, if we wanted to change the ‘center’, we could also do this by intervening at the edges. The Edge Oracle brings the edges to the center, and suggests that the edges do not have to represent the limits of where we allow ourselves to grow. Rather, they can be used as portals or thresholds to lead us into a new realm of possibility and power.
Why start with the 6 Edges of the 4 Elements?
I like to work with the four elements — air, fire, earth, water — because they provide a relatively simple, accessible, and well-known way to conceptualize and interpret the world both around us and within us. We can directly observe and encounter the four elements on a daily basis, and they each play a clear and vital role in collaborating to create life on earth.
However, the four elements in our day-to-day reality often show up as a blending of the elements rather than an isolated experience of just one or the other (e.g, would you say a cloud is ‘air’ or ‘water’? is the campfire made of ‘fire’ or ‘earth’?). I became curious about these elemental overlaps. As I observed them in their physical form, I also reflected on what useful, metaphorical meanings they could provide for our inner world. Through my explorations and studies, the symbols for the 6 Elemental Edges and their associated meanings emerged.
Now what?
Subscribe and you’ll receive future posts where I share about:
-Each of the 6 Elemental Edges: the unique combination of power and potential that exists at each edge
-The Edge Temple: how the 4 elements and 6 edges work together
-The Edge Talismans: tools for integrating these symbols into practice
…. and much more to come!
Thanks for joining me here at DEEPER,
Dante Deeper