Elemental: Difference between revisions
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== General description == | == General description == | ||
In the [[Theosophy|Theosophical]] literature there is mention to [[Kingdoms of Life#Three elemental kingdoms|three elemental kingdoms]], which are evolving in the direction of humanity. Mme. Blavatsky wrote that "the inferior, semi-intelligent and non-intelligent Elementals—are all future men".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''The Secret Doctrine'' vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 277.</ref></blockquote> However, in [[Isis Unveiled (book)|''Isis Unveiled'']] she wrote that "such beings never become men".<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Isis Unveiled'' vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), xxix.</ref> The discrepancy may be explained if we interpret this last quote only in terms of the present [[manvantara]]. | |||
Elementals are devoid of any sense of morality: | |||
Elementals are devoid of | |||
<blockquote>As to the moral character of elementals, they have none: they are colourless in themselves—except some classes—and merely assume the tint, so to speak, of the person using them.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 113.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>As to the moral character of elementals, they have none: they are colourless in themselves—except some classes—and merely assume the tint, so to speak, of the person using them.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Collected Writings'' vol. IX (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 113.</ref></blockquote> | ||
Revision as of 20:06, 4 October 2012
An Elemental is a spirit embodying one of the elements of antiquity (earth, water, air, and fire). Anthropological records of indigenous beliefs and practices throughout the world show that the belief in Elementals predates all the major religions.
Mme. Blavatsky defined them as follows:
Elementals. Spirits of the Elements. The creatures evolved in the four Kingdoms or Elements—earth, air, fire, and water. They are called by the Kabbalists, Gnomes (of the earth), Sylphs (of the air), Salamanders (of the fire), and Undines (of the water). Except a few of the higher kinds, and their rulers, they are rather forces of nature than ethereal men and women. These forces, as the servile agents of the Occultists, may produce various effects; but if employed by ”Elementaries” (q.v.) in which case they enslave the mediums—they will deceive the credulous. All the lower invisible beings generated on the 5th, 6th, and 7th planes of our terrestrial atmosphere, are called Elementals: Peris, Devs, Djins, Sylvans, Satyrs, Fauns, Elves, Dwarfs, Trolls, Kobolds, Brownies, Nixies, Goblins, Pinkies, Banshees, Moss People, White Ladies, Spooks, Fairies, etc., etc., etc.[1]
General description
In the Theosophical literature there is mention to three elemental kingdoms, which are evolving in the direction of humanity. Mme. Blavatsky wrote that "the inferior, semi-intelligent and non-intelligent Elementals—are all future men".[2] However, in Isis Unveiled she wrote that "such beings never become men".[3] The discrepancy may be explained if we interpret this last quote only in terms of the present manvantara.
Elementals are devoid of any sense of morality:
As to the moral character of elementals, they have none: they are colourless in themselves—except some classes—and merely assume the tint, so to speak, of the person using them.[4]
The elementals are formless, but may assume different shapes:
The shape given to or assumed by any elemental is always subjective in its origin. It is produced by the person who sees, and who, in order to be more sensible of the elemental’s presence, has unconsciously given it a form. Or it may be due to a collective impression on many individuals, resulting in the assumption of a definite shape which is the result of the combined impressions.[5]
Elementals may be employed "by living adepts of magic and sorcery, to produce desired phenomenal results".[6]
Nature Spirits
An early modern reference to this class of elementals appears in the 16th century alchemical works of Paracelsus. His works grouped the Elementals into four of the elements as follows:
- Gnome: Earth Elemental.
- Undines (also known as Nymph): Water Elemental.
- Sylph: Air Elemental.
- Salamander: Fire Elemental.
Notes
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary (Krotona, CA: Theosophical Publishing House, 1973), 111-112.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, The Secret Doctrine vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1993), 277.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), xxix.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. IX (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 113.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Collected Writings vol. IX (Adyar, Madras: Theosophical Publishing House, 1974), 400-A.
- ↑ Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled vol. I, (Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972), xxix.
Further reading
- Elementals at Theosopedia