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The elements teach us of the interconnectedness and integration to be found in nature. For example, plants need the elements working in harmony and balance to be healthy. The plant needs healthy soil, water to carry the nutrients from the soil to be absorbed by the root hairs of plants, carbon dioxide from the air, and the sunlight to provide energy for the process of photosynthesis to take place.
Each element is powerful in its' own right, as witnessed by the power of earthquakes (earth) floods (water), hurricanes/tornado's (air) and the detrimental effects of the sun (fire) (caused by) the hole in the ozone layer. When they are integrated and in balance, we will be more likely to have a healthy environment.
East - Earth/Soil:
Earth - the dry land surface of the globe. Soil: finely divided rock, mixed with vegetable or animal matter, constituting that portion of the surface of the earth in which plants grow.Soil life is composed of microorganisms such as earthworms, beetles, sow bugs, centipedes, millipedes etc., and microorganisms (mold, mites, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) which contribute to the breaking down, or digestive process of organic matter.
South - Fire/Sun:
The star that is the main source of radiant energy in the solar system.The sun provides energy to the plant. Photosynthesis means 'put together with light'. We eat the plant and derive energy from it. Plants are the first level in the food chain.
West - Water:
A tasteless, odorless liquid compound of hydrogen and oxygen.The element of water carries the nutrients from the soil which is absorbed by the root hairs of plants. Water acts as the bloodstream of the earth carrying nutrients through the rivers (much like the arteries) streams (veins/capillaries etc.,) to nourish the earth.
North - Air:
Mixture of gases that form the atmosphere of the earth, consisting chiefly of oxygen and nitrogen. Oxygen combines with water to support combustion and is essential in the respiration of plants and animals.The plant takes carbon dioxide from the air, and in turn releases oxygen. In this respect, the plant and animal world balance each other.