In earlier chapters, several important events were described: in Article 103, Guru tested Narendra and, through the grace of Jagadamba and Lord Dattatreya, granted him permission to continue the Nath tradition. Article 104 explained Narendra’s inner state after the Mahasamadhi of Sadguru Yogabhyanand Vyankatnath Maharaj, and how the next phase of his mission began during *Karka Sankranti*. Article 105 described the extraordinary Vedic–scientific work that began at Nath Shaktipeeth through the blessings of saints, sages, and Himalayan masters. Articles 106 and 107 showed how, through the principles of Earth and Sun, powerful spiritual work can be performed remotely from any place, especially within the ancient Nāga lineage. Article 108 discussed the importance of Guru Gita and the Guru principle, revealing that true inner transformation is possible only through the Guru. Articles 109 and 110 described how miraculous events occur only through Guru’s grace. Article 111 explained the types of devotees, how devotion matures and how a common seeker eventually evolves to the Guru-state through service, practice and compassion.
This chapter begins a new series explaining how every ordinary human being is shaped by the universe and how one can transform oneself until arriving under the grace of a Sadguru. Before a seeker receives direct instruction from the Guru, he must know how to practice, how to worship and how to purify himself through natural means. We begin with the foundation: every being born in the universe is influenced by the Five Great Elements — Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
Every living being continuously experiences the effects of the five elements. Their influence shapes the physical body, individual tendencies (*gunas*), opportunities (*yoga*) and challenges (*bhoga*). Just as time is divided into Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali Yuga, these ages influence the mental and spiritual condition of all beings.
Among the five elements, ākāśa (space) affects all beings and all ages equally. The remaining four — Earth, Water, Fire and Air — interact with time to shape each individual’s nature and destiny. At birth, the child’s time and lunar constellation (*nakshatra*) are recorded, and the first syllable of the name is chosen from it. According to the planetary positions, the horoscope (*janma-kundali*) is prepared.
All humans fall into twelve zodiac signs, grouped by their ruling elements: Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) and Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius). The Space element acts separately and universally.
Satya Yuga — Earth element People were truthful, steady and grounded. Earth-sign qualities predominated, and Goddess Bhagavati was central.
Treta Yuga — Fire element People honoured purity, discipline and duty. Sita’s fire ordeal symbolised the age. Rama and Dattatreya were principal deities. Fire-sign qualities prevailed.
Dvapara Yuga — Water element Wisdom and discrimination were valued. The Mahabharata arose from the need for *viveka*. Vishnu and Ganesha were honoured. Water-sign qualities shaped society.
Kali Yuga — Air element Compassion and equality dominate, but these can lead to diluted dharma and moral weakness. Self-interest grows quickly. Shiva and Hanuman are the guiding deities. Air-sign qualities are prevalent.
India preserves the elemental principles through the five elemental Shiva-lingas: Earth at Kanchipuram, Water at Thiruvanaikaval, Fire at Tiruvannamalai, Air at Kalahasti and Space at Chidambaram. This shows how deeply the five elements are woven into spiritual life.
Twelve zodiac signs express the innate qualities of their ruling element. People of the same sign share emotional patterns, yet their life events differ due to past karma. Future chapters will explain how Space and the nine planets influence life, how tendencies form at birth, how the zodiac groups practise spiritual discipline and how this knowledge supports self-growth.
Although the elements and the yugas shape a person from birth, one can still reshape destiny through right karma. As the ancient verse declares: “Disease is removed by karma. Fear is removed by karma. Anxiety is removed by karma. May auspicious karma prevail.”