Cicero - Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition_Part 01

42 SELF-INITIATION IN10 ras GoLDEN DAWN TRAOmON
The most physical expression of Fire is the visible, active phase of combustion
manifesting in heat and light. The Element of Fire was seen by the
Alchemists as an Element which operates at the center of all things, as well as the
"agent of transmutation" because all things are derived from and return to Fire.
This Element is seen as the great Supernal Father energy-the "seed" force of the
universe. It is an Element with two purposes: (1) it is an expression of spiritual
energy and the determination of the Spirit, (2) it purifies, bums, and destroys the
old so that the new may emerge. Thus it is a symbol of transformation and regeneration.
There is a direct parallel between the concepts of Fire and Life. Fire is an
image of energy found at the level of animal passions as well as on the plane of
spiritual fortitude. Its action is quick and unpredictable. To pass through Fire is
symbolic of transcending the human condition. The direction or cardinal point
assigned to Fire is South.
The Element ofWater
(Egyptian-Mu, Hebrew-Maim, Latin-Aqua, Greek-Hydor.) Qualities of
Water: passive, feminine, receptive, sustaining, subconscious, creative, fluidic,
and generative.
In a mundane physical sense, water is a liquid compound of hydrogen and
oxygen molecules. In an esoteric sense, the concept of Water implies all liquid
materials. Furthermore, the primeval Waters, the image of all primal matter, contain
all solid bodies before they obtain rigidity and form. The so-called "fluid
body" of man is translated by modem psychology as a symbol of the unconscious
or the archetypal feminine side of the personality. Water is seen as a symbol of the
Maternal, the Great Mother, as well as the great unfathomable and mysterious
well of Wisdom contained within the subconscious mind. In short, Water symbolizes
the infinite realm of possibilities, which precede all form and all creation. It is
limitless and immortal-the Waters of Creation. Submersion in Water alludes to a
return to the pre-formed state. Like the Element of Fire, Water also symbolizes the
ideas of transfiguration and regeneration. The direction or cardinal point assigned
to Water is West.
The Element ofAir
(Egyptian-NeJ, Hebrew-Ruach, Latin-Aer, Greek-Aer.) Qualities ofAir:active,
masculine, intellectual, ethereal, abstract, and communicative.
The physical expression of Air is that of a mixture of gases which forms the
atmosphere of the Earth. Symbolically,Air is related to the creative breath of Life,
and, therefore, speech. Light, flight, and weightlessness, as well as scent and smell
are all related to the Element of Air. It is connected in many mythologies with the
idea of creation and as a medium for movement and the emergence of life
processes. Air is a volatile Element which is considered by the Qabalists to be the
offspring of the Parental Elements of Fire and Water (thus creating steam). It is the
Reconciler between the rival Elements of Fire (male) and Water (female)-balancing
and equilibrating these two parental opposites. Air also alludes to the human