Elemental Scavenger Hunt: Earth

Turkey Feather: Where I live, wild turkeys roam the parks. Called the “Earth Eagle” by Native Americans, the turkey does live close to Mother Earth, rarely flying. Moreover, the feathers of these feisty birds glisten like the jewels of the Earth. Turkeys bring us close to the earth.

White Oak Acorn: This acorn was one that a squirrel partially buried for future food. Each acorn is a miniature of the earth in fertility. Within every acorn are the beginnings of oak trees, mighty trees that are rooted in the earth.

Hickory Nut: Nearby any hickory tree are many large round balls of nuts. When these nuts fall, they make a loud thud reminding everyone of gravity. Moreover, hickory nuts are solid resembling the earth that they fall to.

Gravel: Often underfoot, these ordinary stones subtly remind us of the earth. They quietly service our needs by lining paths, and providing materials for parking lots and drive ways. Often neglected, these small stones are much like the earth, which is usually taken for granted by us.

Dirt: The essence of the earth is dirt. Dirt nourishes life through providing crops, trees, and grass for all of us all. In addition, the soil provides homes for many creatures such as moles and worms, who care for the earth. Without dirt, there would be no earth to speak of.

The Elements (1)

Writing about the elements and what they mean for our survival is a bit daunting. So much has been written over the centuries, that I feel I have nothing new to add. In addition, much of what has been written has probably been discussed already. Since each contributes directly to the well-being of all, they (air, fire, earth, water, and spirit) are essential for all life. Without one or more of the basic elements, there would be no life. That is why early Greek philosophers and others focused on learning as much about the elements as they could.



Water

Without water, people plants, and animals could not live for very long. Because our bodies are made mostly of water, we need it to sustain us. Places without water are dry and lifeless for only water provides life for the barren land to become fertile. Since water is so important, animals and plants devise strategies to catch and store water in arid regions. For example, the sandgrouse has a net of filaments on his upper body. After he returns from soaking at the water hole, his chicks drink from the water stored in his net.

Earth

With its bounty, the land sustains life. The plants and trees that grow on the earth nourish us and replenish our air. The earth provides the structure by giving us a firm foundation for our lives. The rocks are the bones that we build our homes on. Moreover, we use the earth’s ores to fashion our civilizations. In addition, our bodies also contain minerals which enhance our well-being. Without them, we would sicken and die.



Fire

Heat in the form of our sun warms Earth, and allows life to flourish there. Cold tends to retard the growth of needed plants for animals to feed on. Moreover, the animals that live in the Polar region are fewer and more dependent on the seas than the land. During the summer’s thaw, only does life explode in profusion.
For humans, fire has made us what we are today. By converting raw food into cooked food expeditiously with fire enabled humans to expend little energy. People could now use their excess energy to develop language and culture. Since fire provided humans with heat, it also enabled them to move beyond hot Africa into colder regions.

Nature Spirituality

My belief system is nature spirituality or what is known these days as “Eco-spirituality” (a movement that started in the 1980s). Nature spirituality is one of the oldest of the religions, and also one of the newest. In eco-spirituality, to experience nature is to experience the Divine.

In a nutshell, nature spirituality is about having an intimate relationship with nature. In this earth-based spirituality, people gain inner wisdom, balance, and healing through their personal experiences with the natural world. The goal of nature spirituality is to revere the interconnectedness of all. We live in a Sacred Circle of Life. We do not consider ourselves above others but instead regard the animals, plants, and rocks as our relations. We all share the same Mother Earth and Father Sky.

In their respective belief systems, many indigenous people honor nature. The people care for the earth, which cares for them. The earth offers her wisdom to those who are willing to receive it. The concept of interconnectedness is expressed as a circle also commonly known as a “medicine wheel”. All life exists in an interrelated system of harmony and balance that reflects the continuous flow of the Great Mystery between each being.

The salmon best symbolizes this interconnectedness. Salmon spawns in the clear inland pools. Growing, they swim to the seas where they live their adult lives.Then, the salmon return to their original spawning grounds to procreate and die. The dying salmon provides food for other animals. Or their bodies sink to the bottom to provide nutrients to the next generation of salmon.

Included in nature spirituality is the sense of “natural justice”. Since we are all related, what harm I do, will return to me. Also the concept of reciprocity is a part of the Sacred Circle. As we give, we receive; as we receive, we give. The circle ebbs and flows as in the Wheel of the Seasons. Life is never static, but always dynamic, always returning to the beginning.

“Mending the Sacred Hoop” is a Native American concept. It means to heal the broken places of the earth and all her children. This includes ridding the landscape of toxic waste, preserving natural places, and helping people to connect with their ancestral roots. To mend the Sacred Hoop means to restore respect for the Mother Earth and all things in the Universe.



Resources:

"Spirit Animals & The Wheel of Life: Earth-Centered Practices for Daily Living", by Hal Zina Bennett

"Earth Medicine", by Jamie Sams

Spirit Wolf’s Pagan Path: “Wheel of Life” http://www.paganspath.com/magik/wheel.htm

“Understanding Death from A Nature-Spirituality Perceptive”

Prayer to the Mother Earth

Earth Mother
Our Mother
Your child offers to You,
My labors
My fruits,
My love,
Receive my offerings.