Origin of the Elements

Everything Begins with Prana

Gnosis teaches that everything begins with Prana which is that great cosmic energy that is life itself. That Prana is then later transformed into a substance called Akash, which happens to fill all of space, and when the substance Akash is modified it becomes the Ether. When the Ether vibrates, these vibrations become what are called the Tattwas, which are known to be the different vibrations of the Ether. When the Tattwas condense or crystallize the four physical elements of air, fire, water and earth are born.

Tattwas

The different Tattwas which are really the closest origin of the four physical elements are the various states of the Ether. It seems that the Ether can be in several states, though what is of interest to us here are the states of the Ether that produce the physical elements.

Master Samael answers this question quite concisely saying: “The Ether exists in an igneous state, (Tejas). The Ether exists in a gaseous fluidic sate, as the principle of air, (Vayu). The Ether exists in an aqueous state as the principle of water, (Apas). The Ether exists in a petrous state as the principle of minerals, (Prithvi).”.

Here is a story from the Upanishads that that supports what we have outlined above:

“Once all the deities that reside in the body - air, fire, water, earth, ether, speech and mind - had an argument. Each claimed that it was superior to all others, declaring, "I sustain this perishable body." Prana was listening to this debate, and ultimately said to them, "Do not delude yourself. It is I, having divided myself into five parts, who supports and sustains this body." The deities did not believe him. Indignantly, Prana began to withdraw from the body. Instantly, all the other deities found themselves withdrawing too. When Prana again settled in the body, the deities found that they had assumed their respective places. Convinced of Prana's superiority, all now paid obeisance to Prana.”

Reading these lines may be very interesting, but at the same time a bit confusing or vague. For the reason being, that none of these terms have been clearly described. So for a clearer understanding, we have in the following sections provided descriptions of the latter terms.

The following sections describe what Prana, Akash, the Tattwas and the Ether are, and how they differ from one another. For a more in-depth description of each of these terms please refer to subsequent posts.