In the creation story of the Vedic tradition, the five elements— Ākāśa (Ether or Space), Vāyu (Air), Tejas (Fire), Āpas (Water), and Pṛthivī (Earth)—hold a significant role, not just in the formation of our physical reality but also in astrology. Their properties form the qualities and fundamental building blocks of the planets and zodiac signs. Everything derive from these elements. These qualities can be traced from their grosser, physical forms and evolve into subtler characteristics that transcend the physical. These characteristics are seen as energetic forces that influence the psyche, behavior, and health in distinct ways.

In this article, I will introduce on the properties of the elements and their connection with the planets and very briefly, the signs.

The assignment of planets to the elements is based on ancient philosophical and astrological principles. It reflects the deep connections between the cosmos, nature, and human consciousness. The planets are caused by the Pancha (five) Tattvas (true essences) as stated in the Surya Siddhanta: “Mars, etc. were produced in succession from Fire, Earth, Ether, Water and Wind.”

The Pancha Tattvas, or Pancha Mahabhutas (five great elements) in the order of their creation from the subtlest to the grossest, are:

Ākāśa (आकाश) – Ether or Space
Vāyu (वायु) – Air
Tejas (तेजस) – Fire
Āpas (आपस्) – Water
Pṛthivī (पृथ्वी) – Earth

In the following sections, we will examine each element more in detail:

Ākāśa (आकाश) – Ether or Space

Akasha means all- encompassing, all- pervading, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. This all-pervading ether serves as the common factor or home for all objects in the universe. In the development of matter, ether comes first. Ether is expansive, empty, and offers no resistance. It provides peace, love, the freedom to move and expansion of consciousness. Without Ether, there would be only separation, isolation, emptiness, insecurity, anxiety, and fear.

Within Ether, there exists a pure presence of spiritual energy that manifests as nuclear energy. It appears when pure, unmanifest consciousness begins to vibrate.

Attributes of Ether:

• Gunas (Qualities): Clear, light, subtle, soft, immeasurable
• Karmas (Actions): Vibration, expansion, non-resistance, freedom, love, descent of intelligence into the heart of the matter
• Jnanendriya (Sensory Faculty): Hearing – Acquires knowledge from sound
• Karmendriya (Faculty of Action): Primary power is in the vocal cords
• Tanmātra (Object of the Sense): Sound

Referring to the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Ernst Wilhelm explains in his book “Graha Sutras” the characteristics of individuals with a dominant element. These characteristics describe very well the specific notions of the element as it is existent in a more elevated manner.

Individuals with a dominant Ether element possess a natural wisdom in their use of language (remember, the Tanmātra of Ether is sound, and the corresponding sense is hearing). They listen and read attentively, learning much from words. (And they also know how to listen to the silence). This element fosters inner happiness, which nurtures confidence and assurance. Ether enables individuals to handle challenging tasks with ease and provides a sense of purpose and inspiration in life.

We need Ether or Space to live, move, grow and communicate.

Jupiter, the planet associated with Ether, is known as Jiva (life), as Ether provides room for life. Furthermore he is called Guru (teacher), as it is the heaviest planet in our solar system. This heaviness is attributed to its wisdom. Jupiter governs Gurus, teachers, teachings, religions, and spiritual wisdom, and it stands for prosperity and charity. It is also considered the Karaka (indicator) for offspring and the husband in a woman’s chart.

One of the reasons Jupiter plays such an outstanding role is because of its gravitational influence, which causes the Sun to orbit around a point called the “barycenter”.

Ernst Wilhelm states in “Graha Sutras” and the chapter of the “Planetary Kingdom” that Jupiter is full of wisdom and helps the Sun (the king) understand his duty and himself. Jupiter fosters our philosophical nature, which guides us toward a life of purpose, happiness, and virtue. If afflicted, however, individuals may find their lives lacking meaning and purpose, often leading them to despair or seek fulfillment in ways that do not align with their true nature. When the ether element is obstructed, space can become constricted. The ungrounded nature of ether leads to dispersion- a vastness without aim, where the individual may feel lost in an ocean of endless possibilities.

The signs of Jupiter

In Vedic astrology, the signs of Jupiter are Sagittarius and Pisces. Sagittarius adds a fiery component to the Ether quality of Jupiter, fostering focused visions and idealism. The watery sign Pisces, on the other hand, emphasizes emotional depth, devotion, and compassion. As last sign in the zodiac, Pisces holds a unique place, representing liberation from the Ego and therefore symbolizing the highest spiritual goal.

Ether faculties are the only ones not found in the zodiac signs themselves. In astrology it exists only in reference to the planet Jupiter, as it is from Ether that the other elements emerge. From the consciousness of the planets, the Self expresses itself through the grosser, yet more varied elemental nuances of the zodiac signs.

Vāyu (वायु) – Air

Attributes of Air:

• Gunas (Qualities): Mobile, dry, light, cold, rough, subtle
• Karmas (Actions): Movement in a particular direction
• Jnanendriya (Sensory Faculty): Acquires knowledge from tactile perception
• Karmendriya (Faculty of Action): Primary power is in the hands/ Giving and Receiving
• Tanmātra (Object of the Sense): Touch

As the second manifestation of consciousness, the Air element moves freely through space and represents electrical energy, setting electrons in motion. Though formless, air is perceived through touch, the sense to which it is most closely connected.

Air governs the flow of thoughts, desires, and willpower. It brings sensations of happiness, joy, and excitement, but also fear, anxiety, and nervousness.

In Ernst Wilhelm’s “Graha Sutras” it is characterized by constant change and movement, thriving on transformation and adaptability. He states furthermore:

Individuals influenced by the air element are known for their resilience and mental toughness, both in facing physical challenges and overcoming obstacles in life. They possess an innate ability to bounce back quickly from difficulties and have a strong resistance to illness. Their sharp intellect and analytical skills make them quick thinkers, capable of navigating complex situations with ease. Emotionally, although they may experience bursts of anger, this is often channeled productively, fueling their ambition and determination to achieve their goals. Their natural adaptability allows them to thrive in changing circumstances, making them effective problem-solvers.

However, their fast-moving energy can also lead to fatigue if not properly managed. Nonetheless, their ability to adapt and persevere often results in significant achievements, both personally and professionally, as they continuously overcome challenges and accomplish great feats.

Perhaps we could consider the Air element as the connecting force of elements and things- the part of creation that enables change and evolution through movement, adaptability, connection, trial and error, and ingenious behavior.

Saturn, which derives from the Air element, represents challenges and growth through mental discipline. Saturn encourages us to transcend intellectual limitations, prompting deep thinking and reflection. Its influence brings structure and organization, qualities that align with the air element. Saturn’s effects can cause isolation or emotional distance, leading to self-sufficiency and a more focused, detached approach to life-mirroring the cool and detached nature of air.

Saturn reminds me of the Tarot card “The Hermit” a perfect embodiment of detachment from worldly affairs, combined with a simple, minimalist, and solitary lifestyle that also reflects a quest for deeper wisdom and understanding. This attitude is marked by a humble and quiet humility. While it may appear cold on the surface, there is an undeniable warmth that emanates from the inner wisdom and the pursuit of self-awareness.

The signs of Saturn

Saturn governs the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Capricorn, being an Earth sign, combines the detached nature of air with diligence, persistence and tenacity. Aquarius, also air-based, reflects communication, independence, and unconventional thinking.

In Part II of this article we will take a closer look to the elements Fire, Water and Earth.

Sources:

Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda. Fundamental Principles. 2002. The Ayurvedic Press.

Wilhelm, Ernst. Graha Sutras. 2016. Create Space Independent Publishing Platform.

Bhattacharya, Pratyush. Decoding Zodiac. 2022. Transmundane Publications.

Khan, Hazrat Inayat. Music and Cosmic Harmony. 1990. Verlag Heilbronn.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Bhaktivedanta Vedabase. https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/. March 2025.