Air Element
Now let's get a clear picture of the air element!
Air is one of the more subtle elements. You can feel it, but can't see it. What we see is the effect of air… the movement of leaves, the swaying of trees, a waving flag. We can sometimes hear it, but the sound of wind is caused by the turbulence air creates as it flows past objects and the resultant vibrations that our ears perceive as sound.
We can see smoky or smoggy air, but it's not the air we are seeing, but the particles suspended in the air. These particles are large enough to scatter light – making air visible.
As subtle as air is, it's EVERYWHERE! Thank goodness, because there would be no life without it!
Qualities of Air element are communicative, social, pioneering, mental, observant, clever, enthusiastic, reflective, structured, diffuse (flowing outward), organized, and cyclical (think of the cycle of inhale/exhale).
Aries is the sign associated with Lung function energy. To breathe is the very first action a newborn makes. Any new beginning has this same Aries energy!
The planet associated with Air element is Venus, which is all about our personal values, beauty, and idealism; themes that are all very important to Air personalities.
In JSJ, The Right and Left Supervisor flows represent Air element. If Fire element is OUR DESIRE TO BE then air element is OUR DESIRE TO BE WHAT? Air element has to do with our thinking, intellect, and how we communicate.
The season of this element is Fall. The leaves fall from the trees – the trees are Letting Go. The cycle is now complete: milestones attained.
Large Intestine function is partnered with Lung function energy and both represent the essence of Air element, which is Letting Go.
We have to Exhale before we can receive the Inhale. We eat food and then we need to eliminate what we don't use. In a larger way, this is the essence of JSJ!
In the pulse, the texture of Air element is hard and crisp, like high heels going “click clack” on the floor.
In the personality, Air manifests as someone who sets very high standards for themselves and others. They are practical, calm, cool, collected, and don't do drama. They are conflict avoidant. In balance, Air personalities are innovators, quick thinkers, witty, and love new ideas and thoughtful conversation.
“Out of harmony, the attitude of Air is sadness and grief. In balance, Air personalities are innovators, quick thinkers, witty, and love new ideas and thoughtful conversation.”
Out of balance, they can become detached and even lack perspective and compassion. They may have learning difficulties and poor communication skills. One with too much Air element can be scattered, aloof, and ungrounded – an "air-head”.
Out of harmony, the attitude of Air is sadness and grief. Different than the sadness of a Water, though, whose sadness is very obvious, Air sadness is kind of hidden… this person can function in the world and hide their sorrow behind a personality that is already austere. In fact, Air is able to make sense out of loss and grief and see the bigger picture. They know how to let go.
Mary Burmeister said that sadness is born of possessiveness and attachment to our life and our thoughts.
The question of Air is, "Why won't my dreams come true?" A very simple self help tool for grief and sadness is to hold your ring finger. In addition, applying Lung and Large Intestine flows can also be helpful in shifting sadness towards joy and happiness.
Read the Entire 5-Part Series on the Elements:
