The Elements of Vedic Astrology
- Vikram Devatha
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Life often feels out of balance, we have our day to day struggles at work, in our relationships, with money and with health. But these generally do not arise in the world outside of us, they arise because we lose sight of who we are, and what is active in us.
We search for clarity outside ourselves, and overlook the role of the Elements within us, that shape our bodies, thoughts and emotions. In the Vedic worldview, these Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether) are the fundamental principles that govern how life flows through us.
When we learn to observe these Elements within ourselves without judgment, when we just observe them, we start noticing patterns that no one else, no other modality, could explain, in whatever form or manner. But how does one observe the Elements within them?
Understanding the Elements
Most people think of the Elements as abstract philosophy, but they are much more than that. I'm rarely interested in abstract philosophical concepts that I cannot apply to my day to day life. Each Element corresponds to a direct experience that we feel every day:
Earth represents steadiness and grounding. It is the solid foundation beneath our feet and the sense of stability on which we can build anything
Water symbolises emotions and fluidity. It flows through us in moments of joy, sadness, or overwhelm.
Fire stands for clarity and transformation. It is the conviction we have in someone or something, and the drive to act.
Air embodies movement and restlessness. It governs our thoughts and ideas, our vision and intellect.
Ether is the space, the silence, the pause, where deeper listening and awareness arise.
This is in brief, the Elements are much more than this. If we an learn to understand, and more importantly experience these elements, we can use them to our advantage.. they need not be our enemies or obstacles. They are our natural tendencies, that can shape how we respond to life.
How we lose balance
When we forget these Elements, we start chasing goals outside ourselves. We look for quick fixes or external validation, we look for remedies and solutions in the external world, instead of tuning into what is out of balance inside us. This disconnect creates friction in our external environment, and we are rarely pleased with what life brings us.
The Elements are parts of our nature that we can understand and work with. Recognising these patterns helps us stop blaming others, or blaming life for our circumstances, and helps us take control of our lives.
The birth chart provides important clues to how the Elements are distributed in us, which Elements are active at any point in time, and which need to be addressed. But for many of us, learning to read the birth chart is a project in itself, let alone try to act on it. Is there another way to become aware of the Elements in us?
A powerful way is through embodied experience (rather than intellectual study). Using modalities such as self work, yoga, pranayama, art, movement, group processes, reflection and creative explorations, it is possible to become aware of all five Elements, activate them and use them for our needs. It is not about fixing ourselves, but becoming aware, and recognising what is already present and often not in balance.
How this changes everything
When we become aware oF, and understand the Elements in us, we begin to see how they influence our career, our relationships, our hobbies and interests, our addictions and self defeating thought patterns. For example:
A partner grounded in Earth may seek stability, while another influenced by Air may crave change and variety.
Water can create emotional tension if not acknowledged and held with care.
Fire can inspire or intimidate, depending on how it is expressed.
Ether allows for empathy and deeper connection beyond words.
By observing these dynamics without judgment, we start to replace blame with responsibility. We begin to communicate where we are, and our needs more clearly, and can respond with empathy and compassion.
Taking control
The Elements describe tendencies, or vasanas, but they do not define our future or our destiny. I believe we have the free will to shape how these forces are expressed in our lives. Some of these vasanas are stronger than others. To take control, and start implementing changes, awareness is always the first step. When we bring attention to these patterns through embodied experience, we can consciously align with what supports us and gently shift what is not working for us.
For instance, the shadow side of Air is about being restless and scattered. If this is predominant in us, then we can invoke the Earth Element to counter balance it. If Fire is causing impulsive decisions, we can cultivate patience by creating mindful pauses. It is not easy to address our vasanas, and needs to be done with care. There are ways to identify which Element is out of balance, and how to bring them back to balance.
I have conducted numerous retreats on these Elements, in sacred locations connected with ancient temples for each Element. We take the participants through a variety of practices to become aware, understand and embody the Element in question. There is no rush to gain insights or to achieve anything. A slow and mindful approach allows the Elements to reveal themselves in their own time and manner of choosing. We create space for this to happen, and this in turn shifts our perspective, from confusion to clarity, from blame to responsibility.
Outside of a retreat setting, you can start noticing the five elements in your life. For instance:
Observe your body: Notice when you feel grounded or scattered
Track your emotions: Identify moments when feelings flow freely or feel stuck
Notice your energy: Pay attention to bursts of motivation or fatigue
Watch your thoughts: See when your mind races or quiets down
Create space: Build moments of silence into your day to listen deeply
By tuning into these experiences, you reconnect with the Elements, and can learn to find balance within. In case you wish to go deeper, in a structured format, along with others, my next in-person retreat is in Austria, from 14-19 May 2026. If this interests you, fill out this form, and I'll get in touch with you
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