The Elemental Cycle – Overvie

w
What is the elemental cycle
?
The elemental cycle is a universal tool that can help you understand and connect to phenomen
on around and within you more deeply and effectively. For any given topic, it can help you clar
ify what it is actually like, flow with how it is changing, be open to its possibilities, and illuminat
e its inner meaning. You can think of the cycle as a key that fits almost any lock – all you need
to know is how to turn the key. Stated another way, the elemental cycle is a tool for structurin
g human consciousness according to objective patterns of manifestation.
What is the elemental cycle good
for?
Training in using the elemental cycle has a number of benefits. As the cycle is quite objective i
n nature, it has the ability to help us understand external phenomenon, such as those present i
n the natural world (the growth of plants, the constitution of our Earth, weather patterns, physi
ology, and so forth). On the other hand, the elemental cycle is just as potentially useful as a to
ol for personal illumination and is a living spiritual technology facilitating our own transformatio
n. Working with the elemental cycle can help you become a more effective learner, a smoothe
r communicator, a more open listener, and a more insightful ‘understander’.
To what types of situations can I apply the eleme
ntalelemental
The cycle? cycle works with the archetype of change, and can thus be instructive at some l
evel for any phenomenon that is transforming. Because essentially every situation is changing
, the cycle can be applied to any phenomenon you choose. What this means is that when you
encounter situations in life that are confusing, difficult, interesting, mysterious, or that simply p
resent to your soul the feeling of questioning, the elemental cycle can be used to help you skill
fully enter into the archetypal background that informs the unfolding of the phenomenon, allow
ing a deeper glimpse into its structure, relations, potential and its overall meaning. The eleme
ntal
How cycle
do Ihelps streamline
use the eleme your effort, and lets you know where your attention might be best c
oncentrated.
ntal cycle?
This document is designed to provide a practical introduction to the usage of the elemental cyc
le. Unlike training in a strictly scientific discipline, where terms and laws are formulated exactl
y so as to eliminate alternate interpretations, work with the elemental cycle is more like an art,
where analogy and metaphor are just as useful as “facts”. Luckily, it is an art that has at its co
re an objective set of principles – we could call them archetypes – which yield something intere
sting: the elemental cycle itself helps train you in how to use it! In fact, it would be possible fo
r you to arrive at the principles of the elemental cycle on your own simply by paying attention t
o the world around you, or your own physiology, or to music. Indeed, you already have a wealt
h of experiences which will help you understand the elemental cycle. Because the elemental c
ycle is a way of accessing the lawful patterns of change and transformation embedded within t
he processes of the world, paying attention to those processes – even ones that you are alread
y familiar with – provides potential feedback from the world that can tell you about the elemen
The point is that you don’t need to know everything about the elemental cycle to use it effectiv
tal cycle itself.
ely. Simply rhythmically paying attention according to the principles laid out below will serve t
o lead you towards a more complete understanding of how the cycle works and how you can u
se it. There are as many ways of using the cycle as there are individuals, and no way is necess
arily better or worse than any other. Like anything in life, you get out what you put into it. My
goal is to help you streamline what you ‘’put in” so that you maximize your potential return.
How long will it take?
Work with the cycle can be undertaken on almost any scale. It is possible to work through a ful
l cycle in a single sitting; alternately, fruitful work with the cycle can take years. Practically sp
eaking, you should expect to gain a basic theoretical understanding of the elemental cycle sim
ply by reading through this document. Allotting at least five minutes a day to actually try the e
xercises can give you a basic practical understanding in a week or so. I have been working wit
h the elemental cycle for over eight years and still continually find new aspects and layers of t
he cycle!
 How to Use the Elemental Cy
cle
First, in Brief:
Choose a phenomenon and express your phenomenon as a question. Write this question down.
Then use the questions appropriate to each element as described below, beginning with Earth,
to explore your phenomenon. Record your feelings, thoughts, and any insights or ‘answers’. R
epeat the asking of the questions from Earth to Fire in a rhythm that seems natural. Respond t
o the feedback questions.
Then, in More Detail:
1.
(Fire) Choose a particular phenomenon of any kind around which you have a question,
or with which you feel a need for transformation, or an area which you have identified as
needing your attention for one reason or another (see sample list of potential questions i
n Appendix 1 for ideas). Try to formulate this phenomenon or issue as a concise questio
n, which you should write down in a small journal designed for work with the elemental c
ycle. Don’t worry that you have the ‘right’ question – the elemental cycle includes helpi
2. ng you recognize when to shift your question.
(Earth) Concentrate on your chosen phenomenon. Try to notice as many of its details a
s you can. The idea is to get as clear as possible about the basic facts of the situation.
Spend about 5 minutes (and no more than 10) identifying as many facts about your phe
nomenon that you can, using the following questions.
Ask: What are the facts? What is different? What is unique? What could everyone else agree
upon? What stands out? What seems constant? What can I count on? What is irrefutable?
What are the pieces? What categories do the pieces fit into? What feels like a heavy weig
ht, like a solid stone, or like gravity with respect to this phenomenon?
Write down the facts that you notice. Also record how you felt as you did this exercise. Did yo
u feel stifled, sure, apprehensive, robust… etc.?
3.
(Water) Do not proceed directly to Water, but make sure you take at least a short break
where you are not thinking about your phenomenon at all. Then approach your phenom
enon again, this time with the purpose of seeing if there are any patterns to what you no
ticed in the Earth level. It can be helpful to try and remember as many of your Earth fac
ts as you can. Once you can’t remember any more facts, re‐read your written record. T
hen spend about 5 minutes (and no more than 10) working with the following questions.
Ask: What is changing? Do any of the facts connect to each other? Do the facts manifest in a
sequence? Are there parts which at first appear different but upon reflection have some si
milarity or are like each other? What is the immediate context of the facts? What patterns
do I notice? Are there any rhythms or cycles? What are the processes that give rise to the i
ndividual facts? Is there a specific context that makes the phenomenon more (or less) pron
ounced or apparent? How is one aspect turning into another, seemingly different aspect?
What about my phenomenon makes me feel like I am floating along, caught in the waves, d
rowning, or repeating the same thing over and over?
Describe in your journal the impressions, insights, feelings, and any images that arise when yo
u consider the Water level of your phenomenon.
4.
(Air) After a break of no less than 5 minutes and no more than a day, try to move to the
Air level. Your goal is to expand your awareness of the polarities of the situation, and to
lessen your reliance upon the overt facts or entrenched aspects of your phenomenon. B
riefly remember your Earth facts. Then recall their immediate context and movements.
Then spend
As Wh about 5 minutes
i reversin (and
Wher d no
I gmore than 10)thworking
i I extrapol moveme withI identifi
the following questions
i th W l
. tk: thei
at extreme
s g? Whe i o th o f ate
over rang o e nts
manifestat o edth m n e atero eve
aspec th
o r
phenomens? Th is at wh s ar
e italllimit e Wherf d
ion th phenomen
f e ajor
s ts
t ‘ f l eo
ou
on?
dissolv Wh at
part ,d at
I s e t sb s? unab te focuoes e on upon IeeI coul
o concentr o ru t’ th
imagi r
e? at s o ee o e le o s r ate ? fm d n
ne e
m
 opposi o on p o th whol phenomen wh woul i be Ho woul I fe i t revers
te f e art Wh
actual occurre r e ae ton, phenomen at md t ?fe wl dI a losin
m el fmhismoorin
al
ly d? l m knowi
complete at bout
r his lon ther i n akes
ou trut oe l elever
ik p mi equal
g yimporta
gs o
ly,
unimporta ik y ng uns t, ik e s o h, r ik y e art s ly nt r
nt?
Describe e
in your e
journal the impressions, e
insights, feelings, and any images that aris
e when you consider the Air level of your phenomenon.

5.
(Fire) After a break of no less than 5 minutes but no more than a day, return to your phe
nomenon. After very briefly recalling the facts, feeling their embeddedness in flowing pr
ocesses, and their simultaneous polarities, place yourself in a mood of open questioning,
where you do not expect any answers. You cannot make yourself see the Fire level, but c
an only increase the likelihood of its appearing to you by getting yourself out of the way
of its manifesting. Rhythmically moving from Earth to Air will prepare you for the Fire lev
el, and the entrance into the Fire level may occur at any time or while doing any of the ot
her exercises. Your goal at this stage is to silence yourself inwardly after working from E
arth to Air in an open, listening, ready state of quiet enthusiasm for your phenomenon wi
thout expectation, need, or fear. The following questions will help you recognize when a
Fire moment occurs or has the potential to occur.
Ask: What is the whole? What lies within or behind the phenomenon that allows the seemingly
conflicting aspects of the Air level to coexist in a harmony, in a way that is not mutually dest
ructive, but rather is mutually enhancing? Do I have a new insight that makes better sense
of all the previous levels? Is there some subtle aspect of the phenomenon that once seeme
d insignificant but now seems like the key to the whole thing? Do I have the feeling of partic
ipating in something larger than myself? Do I suddenly notice how this phenomenon shows
up in places I never expected or noticed before? Do I have the experience that the phenom
enon is speaking to me through other, seemingly unrelated aspects of my life and experienc
e? Do I feel transformed in some way?
a Fire moment does not seem to occur, do not worry – this is expected; it will occur when you
are ready. To become ready, you must establish a rhythm of working from Earth to Water to
Air. This is best if done every day for about a week. In the mean time, describe in your jour
nal any impressions, insights, feelings, and images that arise when considering the Fire ques
tions above. This is the place where you may be led to a new question. In fact, your Fire m
oment may consist of the realization that you need to ask a different question. Pay particul
ar attention to this possibility by asking your original question again at the end of the Air ex
ercise. Then let your question go and return to daily life.
a Fire moment does occur, describe in your journal any insights, feelings, images, and experi
ences. Try to encapsulate your experience or insight into a statement. Sit with your insight
for a while. Then try to formulate a new question about your phenomenon based on your Fir
e experience. This becomes the seed – the new Earth – for a higher level of working with yo
6.
ur phenomenon. You can begin the elemental cycle again from the newfound vantage point
After working with the cycle, please make sure you respond to the feedback questions b
of your modified question.
elow and return them to me via email (spiritself@gmail.com) or snail mail: Seth Miller, 1
0500 SW 11th Dr., Portland, OR 97219. Also, please remember to return the JFK Universit
y Consent Form as well. Thank you!
 Feedback Questions

Please try to respond to the following questions, which will help me immensely with my thesis.
Alternatively, or in addition, you could write any feedback that you feel is appropriate. All your
feedback is kept strictly anonymous and your real name will not be used in the thesis. You can
skip any questions you wish. Feel free to use an additional sheet of paper if the space provide
d below is not sufficient.
Please return your feedback to me via mail, email, or phone appoi
ntment:
10500 SW 11th Dr. spiritself@gmail.com
Portland, OR 97219 510‐691‐1089

1. What is your name (for identification purposes only – will be kept strictly private and wil
l not be included in the thesis)?

What i
sy
1. Whatour
is your occupation?
age
1. What? is the highest level of education that you have com
pleted?
1. Describe any previous familiarity you have with the elements Earth, Water, Air, and Fir
e, from any context.

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, rate how easy was it to understand this document overall, whe
re 10 is ‘completely understandable’, and 1 is ‘completely confusing’.

Which
par
ts o
f th
ed
ocuparts of the document need to be refined or made more unders
1. Which
me
tandable?
nt
wer
ev
ery
cle
ar a
nd
und
erst
and
abl
e?
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate how useful the elemental cycle was in helping you understand
and work with your chosen phenomenon, where 10 is extremely useful and 1 is not usef
ul at all.
1. With which element did the asking of the questions yield the most useful insight or
information?
1. Did you feel you were able to complete a full cycle from Earth to Fire?

If you
had
a Fi
re e
xpe
rien
ce,
can
you
brie
fly
des
crib
ew
hat
1. Whichit wsection of this document did you find to be the most useful,
andas why?
l
Is ther
ike,
ea
alo
nyt
ng
hin
wit
gy
ha
ou
1. Whichny section
i of this document did you find to be the least useful,
can
nsi
andnot why?
ght
ea
sy
bou
ou
t th
ma
e pr
yh
oce
ave
1. Whichss o
hadelement was the easiest to apply to your chosen pheno
fw
menon?
abo
1. Whichorkielement was the most difficult to apply to your chosen phen
ut y
ng
omenon?
our
1. Withwitwhich element did the asking of the questions feel most comfortab
phe
le toh you?
th
no
e
1. Withme el
which element did the asking of the questions feel least comfortable to you?
em
non
ent
?
al c of 1 to 10, rate how likely you would be to try using the elemental cycle agai
On a scale
n inyclyour own life, where 10 is ‘would definitely use it again’ and 1 is ‘would definitel
y note thuse it again’.
at
On a scale s of 1 to 10, rate how easy it was to actually apply the elemental cycle to your ch
osen eephenomenon, where 10 is ‘extremely easy’ and 1 is ‘very difficult’.
ms
imp
ort
ant
to i
ndi
cat
e?
 When If you
rec “get s
orditexists
ng are de
youmight l Appendix 1: Helpful Tips, Hints, Caveats, an
r imead yit d Secrets
pre is too s
1. Your initial question can be about anything – there are no wrong questions. However, yo
ssiouffoan
u may find a list of potential areas to which one might apply the elemental cycle helpful.
Thensfollowing
d Wate is a tiny sample of valid ‘research questions’:
after eplac
r eae, why
ch tunder
exestandi
rcisnelem
e, aent, an
nytdmovi
hin ng, an
g isd tuck
ga ” in E
me.arthet
Doails. T
1. The notquestions
his cou for each element are just guides designed to connect your consciousness t
o the archetype
feelto feel behind the element. Do not feel that you must answer every question.
Feelthafree to
ovocat make up your own questions at each level. Once you get the ‘mood’ of each
element,
t yoing.you If might dispense with the verbal aspect of the questions and simply approac
h your phenomenon in the mood of each element, where your consciousness embodies
u mthiele
eachustelemental
ments. mode in its structure and function according to your will.
rest Ththe
rictpheno
youmeng;
rselthe Wa
f toted will
thoshow
1. Everyone willymove through the elemental cycle in a way that is unique. There is no ‘ri
ugh that
ght’ or ‘wrong’ th way.
ts oings d
1. As you become more familiar with each elemental stage, feel free to spend more or less t
r feh, you
ime with each elemental stage as appropriate, or as guided by your intuition. Pay partic
elinmay fe
ular attention to any feelings that may occur when considering how long to stay with a g
gs tan ma
iven element, or when considering the question “Am I done with this element?” This will
hatke you
7. help inform you about which elements you have a tendency to ‘live’ in by default. The g
seeerwhel
oal is
You willto likely
be able to build the capacity to work from any element according to the needs o
m omed, ti find a particular element in which you feel like you “don’t get” or alternativ
fely
thethatsituation at
you just “get hand. stuck”. This is an important realization and working through the ar
ver s occur
ea to
1. Try that findyou
tly s, youe a can’t
rhythm get
ofinto,
movingor that you can’t
through let go of,that
the elements can is
often
rightprovide
for you.the key
You to the
may try res
on
te of the
element process,
wellFire ele every as
daywell
or as
so, to
or your
you own
may transformation.
try to move from The
Earthmost
to common
Air in one difficulties
sitting, ar
repea
e of two
ted‐over types: firstly, you can have
a period of a few days or a week.
meeno difficulty moving into an element after feeling like y
ou successfully
conn inter and completely engaging with the previous one, as if you just “don’t get”
thenecnew element.
ester e You try to ask the questions but feel like you have no idea about what
youtedarelement
looking for or what an appropriate response might look like. Secondly, you can h
aveto difficulty
twyou bgetting out of an element to move into the next one, as if you “got stuck” i
n the
he oth tha and can’t move beyond it, even though you may ‘get’ the next element.
element
Whenpheyou ton’t“geth stuck” in an element you may find that you feel very comfortable asking
theno questions
ave to associated with that level, and that you have plenty of responses to those
questions,
me eel like but just feel like you can’t leave the element when the time comes to try the
next one.
noneveryu
1. .If Alyou
feel“don’details,
lik try tphenomenonjust asking ymay help tophenomenonWater ele
meplaces
lowe thetr to loot get” Earth to consult a n. Such resouour friends o leave the pn fro
m
you aapped,
newent, as familiak for facts. and have trresource thurces may incor family abop
henomenon
rselor liu w angle, literaarity with therouble engagat can give clude Wikipedut the
phenofor
f tomay w the day lly and metape process leveing with it, oyou help idedia, encyclopo
menon
be ant toe can hand come bphorically. It el of your phor feel like yentifying diffpedias, or
othhelp.
aw nt will Alternaback to it fremay also be enomenon wou are noticferent elemeer exp
ert souatively,
are help yt or adsh. Try to lhelpful to wowill naturally sing too few ents of your urc
es – even
of ts you, ditionally, it ook at your ork with the suggest new
“Why do I have difficulty communicating with _____ “How do I learn this computer program?
?”
“Why do I feel fearful when the topic of _____ arises ”
“How does the weather affect mood?”
?”
“What should I eat?” “Where should I live?”
“How can I reduce the stress in my life? “Should I change jobs?”
”“How can I change my habit of _____ ?” “What are the effects of watching television?
“What is my purpose in life?” ”
“How can I find something sacred in my life
“How can I communicate more effectively? ?”
“Am I investing my money wisely?
”
“How should I plan a presentation about _____ for _____ “What school is best for my child?”
?”
“What is the nature of cell division?” “Why do I have this health problem?”
“How is granite formed?” “How can I find time to _____ ?”
“How does a lily grow?” “What is the nature of the elemental cycle?
”
 If you
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ld happverse
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 It very
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ereate.
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consciouFire
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whymon
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ling ofRatourself that cs suffering – the phenomeou may feel thnever get it”.to som
ething,
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Earth
en anger
sionat –This is the mother, you muscan Witness ycleans out thenon. hat when you
Tiwi
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tho
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a clear the unknow– at the exeoment in whist learn how tyour life withhe part of yo
ut
uu eare workingel like sometbe obvious.ond what is aem to yield a he Fire level be sou
sefeat
ntir
l. This
uressof application wn, and the arcises, the pch the will mto surrender out judgmen
ely
urself
ytothat
the acg with the Firthing importa As a result lready appareconnection tbecome
em
s appis
Earthactually anof your will abrasion this phenomenon,must become your will to a
otio
nt. with
This yhighects like a screre element yoant is passing of this you ment to you. Tto
nph
theourFirepat
leparent is frustn indication tto the exerccauses resul, or yourselfeven more p
eno
a higher
tentive part oer surrender, en between ou feel like a you by, like may feel like There
mp
canto bewhe
evel. In any tration, as if that you are cises that is ts in a fiery f for feeling res
hen
entre – but
youof yourself – or we could you and the
omlnmore
ongof its E
er ocult to
con“get s
scioThe na
uexture o
periHowev
enoer, ifn,
ftenor if th
acpe band
: T import
o b anbout
egi your p
n alhense
1. Let the
so forquestionyour conBe willincycle itself bning mood asnsciousness tng to let go. Bbe
wh
your guids
expeyour you feel incto your choseBe creative. de. Continueclined. Do nen phenomen
e toerie
rhythminot expect panon and leadcally place yarticular resud you to the nyour atten
pheno
tionlts, but allownext phase. n on each ew the processBe detailed. lement in a s to conn
of ameele
ect jud
Be flexible.
ment a
gmndphe
en inomen
n y on.the
ouractual
jou phnee
me d to let
nongoarth
wit aspect
hous stuc
me k” in
nonFirf th
be e Fire
anyelef yo
occu find t
ur thbulk
o y of your
ouutnce, y
sneou ma
ss iy heno
n “ menon
winthere t
ce. o focus
1. fo th ne eleme i th cycl ma h y transitio I yo “don g a eleme briefl scanni th
rcolue xtfo tnt s neleme
e e ma y h elppuour
yo n.
i th r f fram
u ’to m et”fonworki
nt, w y t ng eleme e
mn r hat am nt y elp t u n e igh e f ind r ng ith hat nt.
1. Working with the e elemental cycle is working with t an archetype of change. Although the
elemental cycle can be used simply for external research, if worked with rhythmically, it
will naturally lead one towards self‐transformation, and can be quite instructive and illu
minative with respect to the training of the inner life. In other words, do not be surprise
d if, when working with the elemental cycle in any context, insights about your own inne
r life occur. This is a gift of the well known principle: “As above, so below; as below, so a
bove.” the elemental cycle stems from very objective principles of change, its own nat
1. Because
ure helps correct any personal interpretations, misconceptions, or blind spots that we m
ay have with regards to how the process works in a given situation. It is, in this sense, s
elf‐correcting, and can therefore be relied upon as a guide in a way that we could call hy
gienic.
1. The effectiveness of the elemental cycle relies in large part upon how you use it. It work
s best when your will is applied to it with calm enthusiasm in a rhythmic way. The qualit
y and rhythm of your attention is more important than any theoretical understanding or
skillful manipulation.
1. The most useful outcome of working with the elemental cycle is not to obtain an answer t
o any specific question. More important is the way that such work changes our sensitivit
y to the subtleties of the whole range of potential manifestations of phenomena in gener
al. In other words, working with the elemental cycle develops our capacity to understan
d and work with phenomena in a robust, integral, and healthy way. It objectifies our cons
ciousness, smoothes out our tendencies to approach things from a one‐sided or entrench
ed perspective, opens up possibilities for change on any number of scales and levels, all
ows deeper entry into otherwise complex, subtle, and confusing phenomena, and provid
es continuous feedback about our own evolution.

Qualities and Descriptors, one transforming from left to right:

Th Li t o Descri or
o an Qu litie (belo ) i a usef wa t ge a hand o th elem ts t an thei
e s rmatio
trans f pt
rExion s d ath scolum
amini w ( ns fo ule
EARTH yeleme
o t shhole g n yo
y e aen d‐aroun
dece t al r
fo
impre n. o th in ng
ndividu e me
el mns whil o eworki
rWATER
ach
wi hnt)
th r s uld ive
shoul h yu gena f el
yo e l dfo th
sstranrmati
r f ec cit
cal o th ee ement
e nts, ecy e.
engI yoAIR t stuc
“g e owsi a delemeelpbr efl
eu tscanni
e in r e
th colu
sfo ve apa y f e l al cl f u FIRE
et k” n n nt, i y ng g
e mn
Facts
Relations
Polarities
Wholes
Solid
Liquid
 Opposing
Complementing
Reciprocating
Enantiodromiating
Gravity
Movement
Appendix 2: List Levity
of Qualities and Desc
Space
riptors
Impacting
Pulsing
Turbulent
Resonating
Being
Shifting
Involuting
Creating
Singularities
Comparisons
Simultaneities
Paradoxes
Isolated
Connected
Interpenetrating
Unitive
Self-contained
Contextual
Unbounded
Integral
Uncompromising
Compromising
Indefinite
Facilitating
Stubborn
Conforming
Waffling
Being
Unchanging
Changing
Chaotic
Evolving
Apparent
Subtle
Hermetic
Esoteric
Divisatory
Connecting
Hyperbolizing
Harmonizing
Actual
Relational
Potential
Capacity
Separating
Joining
Complementing
Communing
Objects
Processes
Inversions
Holons
Distinguishing
Relating
Reversing
Unifying
Contrasting
Comparing
Polarizing
Gestalting
Still
Flowing
Involuting
Exploding
Waiting
Emerging
Reversing
Completing
Information
Qualities and behaviors linked to the physical manifestation of the elements, but also meant metaphorical
 Dialogue
EARTH
Identifying
WATER
Trying
Waiting AIR(Consciously)
FIRE
Surrendering
Analyzing
Definite
Processing
Relational
Brainstorming
Chaotic, Invisible
Creating
Supersensible
Reserved
Polite
Shaped
Gregarious
No intrinsic shape (shape of container’s ‘bottom’ and ‘sides’), or spherical
Luminous
No intrinsic shape whatsoever, fills all space of a container
Informative
Dynamic shape dependentOrienting upon the activity of its medium
Located
Expanding
Transformative
Shifts location, dependent on balance between outside and inside forces
Structural
Attempts to fill all space, actively Fluid
moves to periphery, Dispersive
Constantly in motion, andInverting
constantly moving other things
Inertial (strongly
Dynamicresists change)
Constant change (inner movement), easy to move, changes transmitted via waves to whole medium
Moves expansively, quickly, constant connects/disconnects, supremely sensitive
Actively transforms other objects (warming, burning, melting, vaporizing, etc.)
All surface, all border, all ‘outside’
Border operates differently than insides, inside vs. outside (surface tension)
Borderless, diffuse, all internal boundaries, pressure differentials
Activity only, no borders but with location, inside=outside, boundarylessness
Differences, Unconnected
Self-connecting, continuity with immediate environment
Self-disconnecting, Self-negating, self-dissociation
Integrating, Connected to self and others
Indifference
Mixes w/ other liquids and gases, connects to solid surfaces (capillary action)
Makes way for all other substances, tendency to interpenetrate but not truly mix
Contact necessitates change, transformative
Rigid
Flowing
Expansive, Clear
Illuminating
Structured
Dependent, flexible
Amorphous, reciprocating
Dynamic
Centric, Gravity
Lateral, planar, spreading
Peripheral
Levity
No obvious self-movement
Rhythmic forms (waves)
Vortexial forms, spirals
Dynamic forms - infinite possibilities
Cold
Wet
Dry
Warm
Formed
Unformed
Formlessness
Forming
Settling
Spreading, Covering
Encompassing
Pleromic
Existing
Dissolving
Diffusing
 Frozen
Melted
Vaporized
Combusted

Apppendix 3: Useer‐friendly Quues

tions List
Eartth
– WWhat are the facts?
– WWhat is differennt?
– WWhat is unique??
– WWhat could everyone else agree upon
?
– WWhat stands out?
– WWhat seems connstant?
– WWhat can I counnt on?
– WWhat is irrefutable?
– WWhat are the pieces?
– WWhat categoriess do the piecess fit in
to?
– WWhat feels like aa heavy weightt, like a solid sttone, or like grravity with resppect to
this pheenomenon?
Water
– WWhat is changinng?
– Doo any of the faacts connect too each ot
her?
– Doo the facts manifest in a sequuenc
e?
– Arre there differeent parts or areas which are self‐
similar?
– WWhat is the immmediate contexxt of the f
acts?
– WWhat patterns ddo I notice?
– Arre there any rhhythms or cyclee
s?
– WWhat are the prrocesses that ggive rise to the individu
–alIsfactts?
there a speciffic context thatt makes the phhenomenon moore apparent
–oor realized?
How is one aspeect turning intoo another, seemmingly differen
–ntWthWhat
aspect? about my hing over and ophenomenon over? makes me feeel like I am floating along, ca
uught in the wavves, drowning, or repeating tthe same

Air
– WWhat is reversinng?
– WWhere do I go iff I extrapolate the movementts I identified in the Water leevel to t
–heir WWhatextremes?
is the overall range of mmanifestation oof the major aspects of the
phhenomenon?
– Thhat is, what aree its limits?
– WWhere does thee phenomenonn seem to ‘run out’ or di
ssolve?
– WWhat parts do I seem to be unnable to focus oor concentra
–tee If Iupon?
could imagine the oppositee of one part or the whole phhenomenon, wwhat
–would
How it be? I feeel if this actuallly happene
would
d?
– WkWhat about thisnowing runs os phenomenonut, like there isn makes me f
ees no truth, or lel like I am losiike every part ng my moorinis equally impogs
completely,ortant or uni, like my
F
– WWhat is the whle?
– WWhat lies withinn or b
e AmDoAir level to coexmutually enhano I have a newxist in a harmonci
ng? w insight ony, in a way thhat is not mutuually destructivve, but r
ather is
– Is there some suubtle aspect off the phenomeenon that once seem
ed insignnific
liDoke the key to to I have
the fethe whole thingeling
– of
Doo particig?
I suddenlyipati
nootice how this phenomenon shows up in places
I never
bDoefore e
? o I hav
eexperience?
th Doo I feel transformed in some w
ay?
 JJohn F. Keennedy Unniversity
School of fHolistic SStudies

Thesis CConsent FForm

I, SSeth Miller, ggraduate stuudent in the CConsciousneess Studies MMA programm, am conduccting a
stuudy entitled: The Spiral oof Becoming: The Four EElements as an Archetyppe of Transfoormation

Yoour participattion involvess:

Subbmitting wriitten records of your expperience usinng the elemental cycle.

Allthel informationesis, but yourn received wr name will rwill be kept inremain anonn strict confinymous.
fidence. Porttions of submmissions maay be publishhed in the

I, (TheJohprint name)_e Spiral of Bhn F. Kenned__________Becoming: Thdy Universit___________The Four

Elemty. __________ments as an ___________Archetype o_____ conseof Transforment to participmation
condupate in this sucted by Sethstudy on h Miller of

I unnderstand thhat my confiddentiality wiill be protectted.

Parrticipant’s Siignature: ________________________________________ Daate: 01/31/008

Ressearcher’s Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ______________

CCC: Particippant
Thesis Advisor
Thesis Coordinatoor (Vernice Solimar, PhhD)