The Element of Earth

"It is easier to conquer than to manage. Using the appropriate lever one can shake the world with one finger, but to maintain it the shoulders of Hercules are needed"
Jean-Jacques Rousseau


The Earth

The element of Earth tends to clear structuring of living space and maintenance of order on the particular territory. The main attribute of the element of Earth is the material construction by means of which the "crystallization" of the material energy takes place, i.e. transforming this energy in regulated and controlled state. A ruler, a public official, a director, a foreman - all of them direct and control their "construction" plot. A whole state, a city hall, a housing maintenance company, an industrial enterprise and ordinary construction site may be such plot.

To achieve the goals, as a rule, the Earth uses a particular hierarchical model, where the typical actors are the chief and his subordinates. Material unification is often used in such cases, that is, the use of identical material constructions at different levels of the hierarchy. For example, civil law and tax system contribute to the realization of material and property relations in all layers of the society united by the law.

The characteristic features of an effective earth manager or "builder" one can try to find by following the chakra directions this element indicates to.

The Earth opposes to the infinite variety of chaotic forces and influences the stability and permanence, i.e. the quality of the Black Sun. A person working with this element becomes the center of crystallization, the cornerstone placed to the fundament of the structure. The term of its existence largely depends on the stability of the center. "One can conquer the universe sitting on a horse, but it is impossible to manage it staying in the saddle" (Yelü Chucai, Genghis Khan’s advisor).

Often the activity of such person reminds the labor of Atlas, forced to hold the heavens on his shoulders. As a rule, the protection of stability and existing order requires continuous efforts and investments. The element of Earth includes the energy of the White Moon which is constantly ready to put these efforts and to invest in the construction and the support of the long-term material structures. "The king, who fills his treasury with the property of the subordinates is like the one who daubes the roof of the house with clay taken from the foundation" (al-Samarqandi).

To work with the Earth one inevitably needs the ability to structure the organizational processes and relationships with the subordinates. Give directions, stimulate, set the rules and monitor their implementation - this is a list of functions of any manager. Therefore, the element of Earth is based on the properties of the Black Mercury. "A good ruler is fairly compared to the coacher" (Kozma Prutkov).

The Black Venus emphasizes a special and detached position of a chief or an administrator, making him more solid and visible in the eyes of surrounding people. One usually has to look up to such people because their position becomes a "pedestal" raising them above the crowd. "The Emperor does not have to possess all the virtues, but there is a direct need to look like he possesses them" (Niccolo Machiavelli).

A thoroughly elaborated plan is not just one of the stages, but the key to success for the material construction. One needs to see the ultimate goal and consistently realize it, step by step. The element of Earth in its activities usually uses standard and well-tried methods which ensure perfect result. The White Mars manifests its peculiarities in this case.

The desire to push the matter through is peculiar to the White Jupiter. It is an integral quality, which allows efficiently implement the tasks of the element of Earth. In addition, it is very important that the words coincide with the deeds. The authority of the superiors will depend on it. "The sovereign's words should be consistent with the case. If the Emperor says one thing and does another, people can also double-deal. In this case, friends will be divided and enemies united" (Ahmad Makh dum bin Nosir Donish).

Together with the set of responsibilities and the authority, the official in a varying degree acquires the power which gives the relative integrity and makes other people to keep a respectful distance. However, the protective function of the power is designed to ensure not only the individual’s safety, but also the safety of the whole system. For example, the director has the right to dismiss an employee who, in his opinion, constitutes a threat to the set functioning of the institutions entrusted to him. Thus, thanks to the energy of the Black Saturn, the Earth protects and strengthens its position. "Management of the state is a savage occupation. Good nature is only a hindrance in such case" (George Savile Halifax).

One of the brightest representatives of the element of Earth in the world’s history is Akbar I the Great (the element of Earth), who was ruling the Mughal Empire (India) for almost half of a century - from 1556 to 1605. In Arabic “Akbar” means "the Great" and his life is the best proof for this. "According to the actions and movements he was not like people of this world. The greatness of God was manifested in him" - wrote his heir, Jahangir.

The conquests were not an end in itself for Akbar, but rather the fierce necessity, a means of creating a monolithic and powerful state. The state which he was able to put together became the largest in the medieval world. The emperor himself said that "the ruler should always strive to the conquest otherwise his neighbors will raise arms against him".

Akbar’s military art was so great that he did not lose a single battle. He personally controlled the casting of the main guns and developed new military equipment. Generally, Akbar was an ideal ruler of the time: having great physical strength, he was courageous, intelligent and very careful. He prevented several palace conspiracies common for the époque and surrounded himself with loyal and trusted courtiers.

In 1574, having mainly completed the territorial formation of the state, Akbar launched the inner reforms, like a wise builder, who having lifted up the walls and roof calmly settles the inside. The aim of the reforms was to create a powerful centralized state. Akbar divided his state into 16 areas where the local hierarchical authority subordinated to a well-run capital administration. This new at that time structure was so stable that the state created by Akbar, despite the repeated wars and strives among the heirs of the throne, took heat under the pressure of the time and lasted for many centuries. He stopped giving the land to his generals and soldiers and began to pay salaries. He organized the courts and the police, which kept the order in cities. He also established a unified system of taxation. The tax reform was based on the strictest accounting, which did not allow the officials to withhold and plunder significant parts of fees. At the same time people did not pay any taxes if there was crop failure and famine. He also provided granting the loans of money and grain. A unified system of weights and measures, as well as a single solar calendar was introduced throughout the whole empire.

During the regiment of Akbar, thanks to the constant care of the ruler, the huge empire reached such prosperity that no one could ever repeat it. He fairly remained in centuries under the name of Akbar the Great - a wise ruler and unifier of people.

Key words and phrases characterizing the element of Earth:
The state is me. The ruler may be compared with the boat and the people with the water: water can carry the boat and overturn it. Family is a state in miniature. My home is my castle. It is impossible to have two hosts in one house. Any woman who understands the problems arising in the management of the house can understand the problems arising in the management of the country. Like master, like man. Fish stinks from the head. Good shepherd removes wool from the sheep but not skin. Bureaucracy is the inevitable element of any state. Centralization of state power. Royal dynasty. Autarchy. Absolute rule. Monarchy. Absolutism. Authoritarian regime. Autocracy. Dictatorship. Totalitarianism. King. Sovereign. Lord. King. Ruler. Master. Tiran. Despot. Territorial borders. Estate. Fortress. State. Director. Head. Manager. Chief. Build. Put something in order. Hierarchy. Vertical of power. Tax system. Police. Army. Defense of the homeland. State security. Territorial integrity. Bureaucracy. Natural economy. Corruption. Bribery. Mafia. Clan. Industrialization. Cornerstone. Monumental construction. Egyptian pyramids. Anthill. Hive. Home tyrant. Patriarchal way of life.

Famous people representing the element of Earth:
Eleanor Roosevelt, Fidel Castro, Akbar I the Great, George Bernard Shaw, Stephen Bechtel, Nikolai Gogol, Emanuel Lasker.