Cerina Zielinski

In many traditions, especially in Indian philosophy and Ayurveda, the five elements are called Pancha Mahabhutas: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. These aren’t literal substances but rather symbolic forces that explain how the universe and life operate. For instance, Earth represents stability and structure, Water represents fluidity and adaptability, Fire is transformation and energy, Air is movement and breath, and Space is openness and consciousness. I personally think this framework helps explain both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. For example, our bones are Earth, our blood is Water, digestion is Fire, breathing is Air, and our consciousness operates in Space. It’s a poetic and holistic way to see ourselves.