This leads us to the next element, earth or late summer. The high point of the summer has been reached and the energy settles down to gather. The direction of the movement is downward and consolidating. After the fire has reached its peak it starts to lose its brightness, and ashes fall down and gather. Think of the nourishment we receive from mother earth-it supports all of life.

The time of day is afternoon, the energy of the sun is sinking. It is the time of day that encourages slowing down. The time of day related to our maturity, our settling down into the truth of who we discovered ourselves to be at the fire stage.

Earth energy is about nurturing, receiving, balance, stability, and feeling total support from the universe and our choices. It is about boundaries.