What Does the Earth Element Symbolize?

Earth is one of the four classical elements, along with air, fire, and water. Like each of the elements, earth has its own symbolic meanings, and it plays an important role in many different spiritual and philosophical traditions. If you’re interested in learning more about the symbolism of the earth element, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll explain what the earth element represents in general, and we’ll also go over its meaning in astrology, tarot, ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy, and more. We’ll also go over deities associated with the earth element, so keep reading!

Earth Element Symbolism

The earth element has different meanings across religions and philosophical traditions, but in general, it represents stability, groundedness, and having a solid foundation. The earth element is also associated with femininity, fertility, and motherhood.

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What does the earth element symbolize?

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The earth element represents stability, fertility, and motherhood. Since this element is literally associated with the ground we live on, it represents groundedness and having a solid foundation in life. This symbolism is clear in astrology, as the earth signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are known for being responsible and dependable.^{[1]
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Research source} Due to its blooming plant life, the Earth also symbolizes fertility and motherhood, and earth deities across many religions fit the feminine archetype of “the Great Mother.”^{[2]
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- Since fertility is basically the creation of new things, the earth element is sometimes associated with creativity and artistry, as well.
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There are a few different shapes and symbols that represent the earth. As the third planet in our solar system, the earth is represented by a circle split with a cross inside (⊕), which splits the circle into four quarters.^{[3]
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Research source} A triangle pointing downward with a horizontal line running through it (🜃) represents earth as one of the four classical elements, and a trigram of three broken lines (☷) represents the earth element in Chinese mysticism.
- Colors: The earth element is often associated with the colors yellow, brown, black, and green.^{[4]
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- Crystals: Crystals associated with earth include moss agate, moldavite, black onyx, and halite.^{[5]
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Earth Element in Astrology

In astrology, earth represents groundedness, practicality, and sensuality. Earth signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are known for being incredibly responsible and hard working.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Donna Stellhorn
Consulting Astrologer and Author

Expert Interview} They have their feet firmly planted on the ground, and they tend to be logical, realistic thinkers, rather than dreamers.^{[7]
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Research source} While earth signs are known for their practicality, they also have a taste for the material pleasures that come with success, such as delicious food, fine wine, and luxurious homes.^{[8]
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- Earth signs are also considered the “builders” of the zodiac, meaning that they care deeply about building solid foundations in all areas of their lives, including their careers and personal relationships.^{[9]
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- They want to feel safe and secure, so they’re committed to being dependable and reliable, and they seek others out who share these traits.^{[10]
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Earth Element in Tarot

Each suit in the tarot deck is associated with one of the four elements (swords = air, cups = water, and wands = fire). Since the suit of pentacles corresponds to the earth element, it deals with the themes of nature, the body, the material world, and practicality.^{[11]
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Research source} When these cards come up in a tarot reading, they’re usually offering some type of insight into tangible, earthly things, like your financial situation, career, or home life.^{[12]
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Earth Element in Ancient Greek Philosophy

Earth is one of the 4 classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy. The Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with identifying earth, air, water, and fire as the elements that made up the universe. He believed each element was hot or cold and wet or dry. Earth was considered cold and dry, and it was associated with heaviness and physical matter, as opposed to lightness and the heavens.^{[13]
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- Alchemists in the Middle Ages expanded upon Aristotle’s 4 classical elements, adding mercury, sulfur, and salt to the list.
- The classical elements eventually became important to pagan and occult practices, as well, although a 5th element (spirit) is often included in this context.^{[14]
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Earth Element in Ancient Chinese Philosophy

The principle of yin-yang suggests that the world is made up of contradictory opposites.^{[15]
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Research source} Yin is associated with the earth, femininity, passivity, and darkness, while yang is associated with heaven, maleness, activity, and light.^{[16]
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Research source} According to this philosophy, these opposites attract and complement each other, and together they create harmony.
According to the theory of wuxing, the five phases are earth, wood, metal, fire, and water, and they explain change in the universe.^{[17]
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Research source} These phases also play a role in feng shui, which is the ancient Chinese art of arranging spaces to create harmony.^{[18]
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Research source} In feng shui, the earth element brings a supportive, stabilizing, and grounding energy, and it’s associated with yellows, oranges, and soft browns.^{[19]
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Earth Element Deities

There are several deities associated with earth. These deities are found in different religions and worldviews, and they each have their own unique characteristics. However, many of them are seen as gods of motherhood, femininity, fertility and nature.^{[20]
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Research source} Here are a few common earth deities:
- Gaea: Greek goddess and personification of the Earth^{[21]
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- Demeter: Greek goddess of the harvest, agriculture, fertility, and the earth^{[22]
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- Pachamama: Andean goddess of the earth, seen as an earth-mother figure^{[23]
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- Ki: Sumerian goddess and personification of the Earth^{[24]
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- Jord: Norse goddess of the Earth, associated with fertility and the wilderness^{[25]
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- Pan: Greek god of fertility with the horns, legs, and ears of a goat^{[26]
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- Cernunnos: Celtic deity and “lord of wild things,” known to wear stag antlers^{[27]
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Earth Element in Dreams

If you have a dream about the Earth falling or opening up, your subconscious may be pointing out some emotional instability or loss of control in your life.^{[28]
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Research source} Your dream may be an encouragement to regain security by embodying some of the traits of the earth element, like reliability, practicality, and diligence.

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Chakras Associated with the Earth Element

The earth element is connected to the root chakra. The 7 chakras are energy centers in your body that help you live a balanced life. The chakra most closely associated with the earth element is the root chakra, also known as Muladhara. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra deals with your sense of security, familial relationships, and home. When it’s balanced, you feel firmly grounded and secure in these areas.^{[29]
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- When your root chakra is unbalanced or blocked, on the other hand, you may experience a lack of ambition or direction, isolation, or anxiety about money and material possessions.^{[30]
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How to Connect with the Earth Element

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Spend time in nature. In a spiritual context, spending time outdoors is thought to balance your root chakra and therefore help you feel more connected with the earth element.^{[31]
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Research source} Connecting with nature also has a positive effect on your physical and mental wellbeing It can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve sleep, and decrease depression and anxiety.^{[32]
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- All-in-all, it’s definitely a good idea to spend more time in the great outdoors! Here are some ideas you can try:
  - Bring a book to a local park and read outside
  - Have a picnic with family or friends
  - Go on a hike or a walk in your neighborhood
  - Ride your bike to the store instead of driving
  - Play a sport outside with friends
  - Visit the beach if you live near one
  - Play fetch outside with your dog
  - Do some gardening or yard work
  - Take an outdoor workout class
There are several yoga poses that are believed to open and balance your root chakra, which can in turn help you reconnect with the earth element. These include sun salutations, child’s pose, half bridge pose, garland pose, warrior pose, tree pose, and mountain pose.^{[33]
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Positive affirmations focused on feelings of security and safety can also be helpful to rebalance your root chakra and get you more in tune with the earth element. Try repeating a mantra like “I am safe and secure,” “I feel grounded,” or “I have deep roots and abundance in my life” several times a day.^{[34]
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