The fifth largest planet of the solar system and the third in order from the sun about which it moves in an elliptical orbit of mean radius c. 93 million miles, completing one revolution in 365.26 days.  The earth has a polar radius of c. 3,950 miles and is almost spherical, being flattened slightly at the poles.  It rotates with a 24-hour period on an axis that is tilted slightly with respect to the plane of its orbit.  The composition of the earth varies from a dense molten core (thought to consist of nickel and iron and to explain the magnetic field surrounding it) to a light thin, frangible mantle.     Since we are born on the Earth the influences are different than those of a planet that shares an orbit with us around a common sun.  We see the Earth as the great mother since it bears as a woman bears in season and in certain times.  We see the heavens above as the All Father that gives us the other side of our personality profile.   The earth is what we are grounded on and it establishes our physical reality.  It is that part of our selves that deals with mundane life and actual physical existence.  We gather sustenance from the earth and almost all of our senses are rooted in the reality of this earth that we live upon. The earth has outlasted every form of life that has evolved from it and it will survive even us at our worst.  We need to fear what we do to this earth as it relates to our life form and we need to do this with all seriousness.  As I said this sphere can survive and rebuild itself no matter what we do to it, we are the fragile part, and it behooves us to take great care with this place of wonder that supports us so well.  Very much like our physical bodies this earth tries very hard to maker our lives bearable.   Even if you do not follow pagan philosophy it is imperative that we are all cognizant of the need to be good stewards of this place that gives us all that we need to survive.  Air, water, and ground to grow crops in; there is nothing more to ask.