Akasha: Fifth Element
Akashic Records: Past, Perhaps Future, Imprinted in Space
Akasha is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Mme. Helena P. Blavatsky incorporated this philosophy into Theosophy. Later in history, Akashan Pagans embraced the concept.
Akasha is the omnipresent incontrovertible transcendent eternal source of all energy, the realm of promise, potential, paths to be walked and the primal source that creates and nourishes the other four elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Akasha is all directions, East, South, West and North and all seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. It’s not limited to three dimensions, Length, Width, and Depth or Height, but is made up of infinite ones comprising all possibilities of movement, both material and spiritual.
Some believe it’s a mystical, spiritual substance where memories are stored since time’s beginning. Others believe Akashic Records containing all that has happened and all that will happen in the future exist. There are those who theorize that all in all worlds are composed of the ether of space and, as such, are linked as one.
Hindu and Buddhist Roots
In both Hinduism and Buddhism, Akasha is the all-pervasive life principle, a universal medium in which everything is contained. It fills all space and permeates all matter.
Akasha is derived from the Sanskrit word “kash” which means radiating or shining. It is one of the five elements in Hindu philosophy and is often described as a form of atmosphere or ether.
Hindu philosophy interprets Akasha as the ether, the fifth and subtlest element of the universe, the agent through which electromagnetic forces operate. The universe consists of two fundamental properties: motion and space or Akasha, through which motion takes place.
In Buddhism, Akasha is space, both surrounded by the material world, and the type of space that is infinite and indefinable, containing the material.
Akasha Introduced to Western Philosophy
Madame Helena P. Blavatsky incorporated the concept of Akasha into Theosophy, which she co-founded. According to this movement, Akasha forms Anima Mundi, the soul and animal spirit of humankind. She also theorized that Akashic Chronicles are historic records of all world occurrences and personal experiences including all thoughts and deeds that have, are and will happen on earth. Theosophists believe that psychically talented people can tap into Akasha by employing their astral senses to search for spiritual insights that have been saved for all eternity.
Akashan Paganism/Witchcraft
This is a new trend in these traditions based on respect and understanding for all living beings.
The Five Elements are worked with to create positive changes on earth. This is done through meditation to bring about beneficial changes in one’s life. Akashan spirituality is holistic.
Practitioners learn to maintain mental and physical health through meditation, exercise, ritual and diet. They are expected to have a profound commitment to their life path. Some refer to Akasha as Spirit.
The upward point of the pentacle, the pentagram or five pointed star within a circle, represents Akasha. The others represent Fire, Earth, Air and Water.
Related article:
Sources:
Earth, Air, Fire & Water, Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn, 1995)
Harper’s Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991)
Spiritual Unfoldment 2, White Eagle, (The White Eagle Publishing Trust, 1989)
