The four elements

The journal sets are all designed with the four elements very much in mind:

• Earth – the materials for the papers grew from the ground, & the crystals or stones included are very much of the earth – a part of it to carry with us, to help us ground ourselves & draw on their strength & endurance.
• Air – the feathers used for the ‘quill’ pen are light, they have floated on the air. These feathers have finished their time for literal flight, & in their retirement are now ready to help ideas to soar.
• Fire – the taper enables us to bring the beautiful light of a flame to our meditation or journaling practice; representing purification & transformation. Watch the shadows dance, feel the gentle warmth.
• Water – the seaglass has changed from a piece of broken glass into the beautiful softened form in the journal set because of the time it was of the water. Like fire it is purifying & transformative.

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The element of EARTH

Earth is often considered to be receptive, nurturing, stabilising. It is yielding, supportive.

The crystal or stone in the journal set is there to help focus the mind on the grounding connection we have to the Earth & the strength within it. Hold it, feel it, carry it with you a while – let it absorb your warmth & share its textures.

You could write about the crystal in your set as a way to get started – or, if you have a collection (or find yourself beginning one) then your journal could be a wonderful place to record the items within it. There is a separate part of this site with a little more about them & some ideas about how they may potentially be a good thing to bring into your life & share with those who you care about.

For those of you who are gifted with the ability to garden the pages of a journal could be a wonderful place to plan & write about your garden, allotment or house plants.

The element of earth links with late Summer, & all of the wonderful bounty that nature provides for us. It is said to connect with the North & grounding.

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The element of AIR

Air is imbued with flexibility, persistence, gentle or subtle influence. It is about quietly, tenaciously adapting.

The feather is used as a ‘quill’ pen in the journal sets – but its uses can go much further. The purifying smoke of incense or certain woods can be wafted with a feather – clearing a space or objects of any negative energy or even of all energy to begin again with a clean slate.

Many believe that feathers are often divine signs, connecting us to another plane of existence. You might choose to keep a feather diary, or record their appearances within your journal.

I have even read of people who keep a cloud journal – & it is often said that ‘cloud gazing’ can be very good for creativity & relaxation.

The element of Air is often associated with Springtime, & the renewal & movement that part of the year brings. It is said to represent the East & new beginnings.

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The element of FIRE

As you would expect, fire can be said to correspond with illumination & clarity but also with dependence & interconnections (fire must have heat, fuel & oxygen). It is transformative, it is the sun.

It is so important to be careful when using candles in your practice & essential to be mindful of their power & potential for danger. When talking about journaling – especially about the tough stuff – with a friend recently we joked that a whole journal could be offered up (safely of course) to a fire – surrendered to the flames at a point of ending or for cathartic release. It could also be a place to gather together smaller scraps of paper or bark (silver birch works well) to write down things to let go – there is something very satisfying about watching these small curls of bark quickly burn & turn to ash; it really reinforces release. As an alternative (& looking back to the element of Earth), burying similar birch bark notes for slower letting go or to plant hopes & wishes can feel very powerful.

Fire links with the wonderful everyday alchemy of cooking – journals of recipes, restaurant visits & experiences with trying different foods can be a lovely way to deepen your passion.

Unsurprisingly Fire is linked to Summer – its intenseness of heat & light. It is the South & energy.

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The element of WATER

The symbolism of water can be of danger or opportunity, fluidity & movement. Resilience & integrity. Coolness & the moon.

Within the journal sets it didn’t feel right to include something that was actually liquid (the reasons why are legion). But these beautiful mermaid’s tears have been shaped & transported by water – they have known its touch & existed within it long enough for it to totally redefine what they are. There is mystery within them also – their story feels unknowable. We have all known times in our lives when things are jagged, sharp, cutting – words themself can be so… seaglass reminds us of the smoothing that life & time, that tumbles & knocks can bring about – the changes that difficulties can bring.

Thinking of literal liquid, it can be helpful to make a cup of tea & sip it gently when crafting or writing – a little reminder to take some time, & let things find their way.

If there is a certain drink you enjoy – teas or wines maybe – then keeping a tasting diary can be a lovely way to expand your enjoyment of the flavours, colours & aromas you experience.

Winter is often signified by water – as water will freeze, the winter is a stiller, slower part of the year – a place for taking stock, for reflection & rest. It is often associated with West.

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The four elements, the four seasons, the four directions

These wonderful parts of our everyday life are an excellent reminder of the cyclical nature & interconnectedness of the world in which we live… & of the need for balance & cooperation.

Incorporating the four elements into your practice of journaling – even if simply by gentle awareness, reflection or mindful observation – could be a lovely way to bring balance to the journal you create & the memories held within it.

Some may decide that having a new journal (or a new section within their journal) for each new season – a new chapter of sorts for each – works well, & helps to emphasise the cycles & the patterns of our lives & those of the natural world around us. Just think of how different the colours are for each season… these beautiful phases that move into one another over & over again.