The only way to escape the power of nature, is to become like the element. I believe that the fear of these powers, is what created the beliefs in making them godly. Each element became a god. What we nowadays can do, is be inspired to see the natural forces flow and interact for us to become better in balance. Both Hawaiian, Native American and Chinese Medicine takes this into account. I like to use the natural elements as symbols of this holistic view:

Fire – Heart (passion) – East

Air – Spirit (peace) – North

Water – Soul (purpose) – Center

Earth – Body (prevention) – South

Metal – Mind (power) – West

Each element affects another in an endless dynamics, just like life. And becomes a medicine wheel.