Earth represents Thinking style

The Earth element is a metaphor representing thinking style. If we consider our own planet, the Earth element is the physical substance of rock, sand, stones, soil, minerals and so on. Just as our thinking is sometimes orderly and structured, so the physical structure of the Earth may appear to be organised into coherent layers. 

The outward expression of our thinking is refined and selective compared with the more chaotic sphere of thinking that exists inwardly. If we delve deeply enough into the nature of our thinking, there exists a volatile and unconscious core that, for the most part, is not expressed outwardly in its raw form. Similarly, the seasoned beauty of the Earth's surface belies that raging inferno at its core. Nevertheless, the Earth's volatile centre is generally contained and is only expressed in its raw form in event of a volcanic eruption.

Although, on the surface, the Earth element may feel reassuringly grounded and orderly, we also know that great voids or canyons exist that leave us disarmed by their awesome magnitude. We are equally aware that our thinking sometimes features substantial voids which we may or may not seek to bridge.

Order and structure have their own beauty and significance. But the creation of tree covered mountains and valleys has required a dynamic interaction between the furnace within and the outer crust. When the facets of human thinking (from the passion of the unconscious, to the creative of the subconscious, right through to the reasoned control of the conscious) dynamically interact, there may result disruptions to our ordered tranquility, but these disruptions are what we pay for the most beautiful and honest of human creations.