Much of the Northern hemisphere experiences four seasons and many healing traditions incorporate four healing principles into practice: the four directions, the four seasons, or the four elements. The four elements are Air, Water, Fire & Earth. Herbs and other healing substances such as clay and salt are categorized according to the elements. The organs, tissues, and conditions of the human body are also categorized this way. The Four Seasons and the Fifth Element section of Northways Herbalism begins the discussion of applying elemental patterns to the body to determine which herbs and how they should be used. February is when we see a shift in the angle of the sunlight in the trees, a time to start looking forward and outward after the shortest days of winter.