The Tattwa

The word tattwa is Hindustani and literally means "element". The symbols that make up the tattwas were discovered in India hundreds of years ago. They embody the elements, earth, air, fire and water. Also, they provide entry points into the elemental realms. Their use as a magickal tool moved throughout central and eastern Asia. Even today the ancient symbols can be seen adorning Tibetan temples.

The tattwas, over the past century, have been written about mostly by ceremonial magicians. To my knowledge, they utilize the tattwas frequently as astral gateways. Rather than meeting archangels or demons through the ancient symbols, is most likely apt to explore the elemental realms for devas, faeries, guides or numina (nature spirits).

There are 5 principal tattwas that represent the 4 elements and spirit. Every other tattwa is formed by combining the 5 core tattwas. The combinations are called "subsets". The element of earth is represented by a yellow square. Water appears as an upturned silver crescent. A red equilateral triangle represents the powerful element of fire. Air takes its shape as a blue circle. Finally, the spirit is a black oval.

Actually entering the elemental realms through the tattwa takes practice. Meditation and scrying (gazing to achieve divination) are good starting points. After achieving a productive level of focus on the tattwa, it is natural to see a colored hue, sometimes orange, around your symbol. Visualization takes its active roll here. Upon focusing on the hue around your tattwa, "see" it coming toward you, enlarging. Let it grow large enough for you to step inside of it. Use creative visualization to do exactly that - enter it.

You may be greeted at this time by beings residing in this realm. The entities here are quite real, as is the astral world. NEVER undersetimate or discount any entity you may encounter here. A benevolent spirit will greet you and share knowledge, guide you. A malevolent spirit may try to coax you. Do NOT follow any being that makes you nervous or uncomfortable. That is your intuition speaking to you!

While in the elemental realms, one can gather knowledge, explore and attune with elemental spirits. It is truly a wondrous experience. Returning home, to your conscious mind, should be done slowly. It is important not to leave hastily. The human mind requires logic and order to function properly. Too much, too fast may leave you confused rather than enlightened. Mentally retracing your steps back to your tattwa symbol is best for beginners.

Each individual entering the elemental world can expect the unexpected. Everyone experiences something different. Be prepared. Take comfort in knowing that you have the power to overcome, move on or leave whenever you choose.

There is duality in everything, all worlds have both negative and positive forces. For example, the earth realm is home to the gentle gnome but also to the jealous and baneful earth faeries (duendes).

So many wondrous, unseen forces and entities have knowledge to share with us. It is all just a creatively visualized "window" away ~ but that is just a pagans perspective.

- Heather Drolet