Yoga is … being in your element.

One of the things I love about yoga is that the more you learn, the more there is to know. The journey of discovery never ends.

Consider the four primal elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. These elements appear across time and around the globe—from ancient India and Ayurvedic practice to Bhuddism, as well as traditional Chinese medicine. They’re present in African cultures in Angola and Mali, throughout the Andes, and virtually everywhere in between. They emerge in Western astrology with zodiac signs linked to the four elements, and in Western medicine as the four humours.

Throughout history, many cultures have recognized the significance of these four elements to the Earth’s cycles, and to the health and spiritual wellbeing of all who inhabit Her.

So lets dive in, and take a deeper look at each of these elements in turn.

Air

If your Sun or rising signs are Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius, then you know what it means to be connected to air. Air signs are known for their intellect, excellent communication skills, and love of company.

In Ayurveda, the elements of air and space create Vata energy. Vata is connected to movement and is clear, creative, and flexible. This energy is strongest in the afternoon and overnight—perhaps explaining why writers and artists often find their best ideas in the small hours!

In yoga, we also talk about the vayus, the movement of energy (prana) around the body. Vayu translates from Sanskrit as “wind.” A whole limb of yoga, Pranayama, is dedicated to controlling the flow of energy in the body, helping to settle or energise the mind. Air is also connected to anahata, the heart chakra. In Traditional Chinese medicine, this energy is known as Chi.

Many gods and goddesses represent the moving, creative and forceful energy of air. Mehet-Weret was the ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky, while Enlil appears in Mesopotamian tradition. The Greeks designated several gods to represent each of the four winds and Aether as the god of space. In European mythology, Njord represents the wind in the celestial pantheon.

Getting in touch with your Air energy

Practice morning pages. When you wake up, put pen to paper and let the words flow freely—without judgment or censorship. Don’t worry about spelling or punctuation. Simply observe what emerges.

Venture outside on a windy day and allow the energy of the wind to move through you.

Try yoga poses like Eagle or Crow to catch a little lightness and lift. Alternatively, practice breath retention after inhaling to notice the subtle energy in your body.

Use affirmations such as “Lift me up. Let me see.”

Earth

Anyone whose birth chart includes Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn can relate to the importance of Earth and grounding. Earth energy is strong, stable, loyal and resilient.

In Ayurveda, kapha energy is created from Earth and Water. It is described as nourishing, compassionate, and empathetic. If you have a penchant for looking after others—people, plants, or animals—or are driven by environmental concerns, you’re probably in touch with your kapha or Earth energy. This energy also governs morning and evening, times when we transition between rest and activity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Earth is linked to the stomach and spleen meridians (energetic lines for health) and to the season of late summer. If you’re feeling anxious or worried, it may be time to give attention to your Earth energy.

Of course, there are many personifications of the Earth Goddess. Bhumi Ma is the Hindu personification of Mother Earth and her compassionate nature. Gaia is the Greek goddess of Earth, the great mother of all creation. In Norse mythology she is called Sif and in Celtic mythology, Anu. She appears in South America as Pachamama. They all embody the qualities of regeneration and rebirth, responsibility for the cycles of Nature and for creation itself.

Getting in touch with your Earth energy

Take your shoes off and walk barefoot on the grass. Hug a tree and say thank you for our wonderful world.

Get out your spade and do a little gardening. Better still, get your hands into the soil. If you don’t have a garden, why not re-pot the houseplants?

Practice grounding yoga shapes like mountain or goddess. Try any of the warrior poses, child’s pose, or cobra.

Use affirmations like “I am here, I am safe, I am grounded.”

Fire

Aries, Leo, and Scorpio are the fire signs of the zodiac. Passionate, enthusiastic, and energetic, they are adventurous and creative. They thrive on shining brightly.

In Ayurveda, fire manifests as pitta energy—the force behind digestion, thoughts, emotions, and transformation. When you feel strong and courageous, you’re channeling your pitta energy. Think of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”—that’s pure pitta! This dynamic energy powers our work and ambition. No surprises then that pitta peaks from mid morning through toearly afternoon.

In yoga, fire is connected to your manipura chakra (solar plexus). Twisting poses stimulate your digestive organs, while vigorous breathing techniques like kapalabhati and bhastrika probide oxygen to stoke your inner flames.

Agni is the Hindu God of all things fiery, including the Sun and digestive fire. Pele, beyond her namesake footballer, is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, known for creating new land and her fierce temperament. Svarog, the Slavic deity, embodies fire and blacksmithing, while Brigit, the Celtic Goddess, weaves together fire, healing, and poetry.

Getting in touch with your Fire energy

Gaze softly at flames—whether in your hearth, a candle, or fire pit—and observe their mesmerizing dance.

Wear fiery colors: red, orange, yellow.

Practice twisting yoga poses like twisted lunge, seated twists, and revolved triangle.

Use affirmations like “I am strong and powerful. I am aligned with my dreams.”

Water

Water is the most powerful of the elements. After all it can carve through the Earth, quench fire and absorb air. It can be a raging torrent or as still as the proverbial mill pond. No wonder that the water signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces embody emotional depth, intuition and sensitivity.

In Ayurveda, water connects to both kapha and pitta energies. Like pitta, it flows and spreads, supporting cleansing and transformation. Like kapha, it nurtures and hydrates, embodying love and compassion.

In traditional Chinese medicine, water is linked to the kidney and bladder meridians, where kidneys hold and store jing—the essential energy we’re born with. In yoga, water is associated with the sacral chakra, swadhisthana, representing cleansing and flow. Like a mirror, it offers us moments to pause and reflect on our true nature. Whether transforming from ice to steam or back again, water always maintains its essence.

Poseidon rules as the Greek god of sea, earthquakes, storms, floods, and horses. The Romans revered him as Neptune. Tethys, a Titan goddess, watches over fresh water sources, while Ganga, the Hindu deity, presides over the sacred river Ganges. In Norse mythology, Njord appears again, commanding both sea and wind.

Getting in touch with your water energy

Sit by the sea, a lake, or a pond. Take a relaxing bath or shower. Simply being near water can be transformative.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day—since our bodies are about 70% water, maintaining proper hydration is essential.

Practice flowing yoga poses that embody water’s qualities, such as bridge pose, legs up the wall, and sleeping swan.

Use affirmations like “I choose to be present. I am loved and loving.”