Five Element Theory and links with Celtic Traditions

Samhain

This journey into darkness and inner world – the barrier between the natural and supernatural world were lowered. There was a movement of darkness into light which was celebrated in the ritual of the winter solstice. Wells were also places of sacred rituals.

Imbolg

This was a fertility ritual – celebrating the fertility of the land and animal world. It was a time when the land was prepared for the sowing of the seeds.

Bealtaine

This was mainly a spring festival to honour the growth taking place and the creativity of people. Many high mountains were used to light bonfires i.e. on Tara, the seat of one of the high kings.

Lúnasa

This was when the Harvest Festivals took place, celebrating the fruitfulness and sacredness of the earth. They danced around in the stone circles and honoured the sun god, Lugh.

Winter

The Water (blackish blue) travels underground through the soil and caverns which eventually brings enrichment to the land.

Spring

In Shiatsu the Wood element’s power is to give birth which also refers to the energy rising in the sap of trees and plants.

Early Summer

This Celtic season is more difficult to compare exactly but it could be compared to the Fire element of early summer when the land is flourishing and people are more joyful.

Late Summer

This is time there is completion and maturing both in nature and in humans. It can also be a time of stillness which allows for change. We learned in our Shiatsu study that this element allows us to be “grounded”.