Elements
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
The seven main chakras work along with the five elements, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth which flow in continual orbits around the body. Ether is the pranic force of the universe, a neutral element which flows through the top of the head through the core of the body. It rules communication and the emotions. Plasma is the fluid ruled by ether. Self-actualization is the result of a balanced ether element. Air describes movement in the body. Heartbeat, peristalsis and movement of the atoms are ruled by air, as are the nervous system and the mind. Air rules motivation. Fire governs action and the ability or inability to act and take our natural place in the world. Vision, the muscles, blood and organs are all ruled by fire. Water governs feelings and elimination. Water governs the lips and hips. Here we take nourishment and fulfill our bodily needs. Earth controls boundaries and form. It expresses its healthy state with good boundaries, faith in the future and level-headedness.