Barleywine
In the Book of Thoth, under the section on the court cards titled "General Characteristics of the Four Dignitaries," Aleister Crowley made a few general observations about the elemental nature of the Knights (Fire) and their expression in each of the four elemental suits ( Fiery energy as Lightning flash; Rain and Springs; Wind and Mountains respectively). Then it seems like he got bored with it and went on his way with a dismissive wave of the hand: "It is very important as a mental exercise to work out for oneself these correspondences between the Symbols and the Natural Forces which they represent."
In pursuing an understanding of Elemental Dignities in combination, I began using a few metaphorical expressions similar to the above: Fire and Water can produce steam or evaporation, depending on the proportion of each; Fire and Earth can create drought and desertification; Water and Earth can yield arable soil or mud. I figured it would be an interesting project to work all the way through the combinations, which resulted in the attached table. Note also that this table has a Northern Hemisphere bias, before anyone brings it up.
This effort is presently far from comprehensive, and I would like to tap the fertile imaginations of AT members to help me round it out. Each of the entries gives a few examples of my train of thought. If some of the planetary correspondences seem odd, take a look at the notes; there is a reason for each of their attributions.
I'll post the final version of the table here. Thanks for any input you'd care to give.
ETA: I see at least one error. I'll fix and repost the attachment.
In pursuing an understanding of Elemental Dignities in combination, I began using a few metaphorical expressions similar to the above: Fire and Water can produce steam or evaporation, depending on the proportion of each; Fire and Earth can create drought and desertification; Water and Earth can yield arable soil or mud. I figured it would be an interesting project to work all the way through the combinations, which resulted in the attached table. Note also that this table has a Northern Hemisphere bias, before anyone brings it up.
This effort is presently far from comprehensive, and I would like to tap the fertile imaginations of AT members to help me round it out. Each of the entries gives a few examples of my train of thought. If some of the planetary correspondences seem odd, take a look at the notes; there is a reason for each of their attributions.
I'll post the final version of the table here. Thanks for any input you'd care to give.
ETA: I see at least one error. I'll fix and repost the attachment.