William Blake's philosophical system revolves around the idea of the Four Zoas, which represent the four fundamental aspects of human nature. Each Zoa is associated with a different element, a different psychological faculty, and a different stage in the development of human consciousness.
The Four Zoas are:
1. Urizen:
Urizen, also called God of Reason. Urizen represents the rational, logical, and intellectual aspect of human nature. They are the creator and ruler of the physical universe, and they are associated with the element of fire. Urizen is the embodiment of the "I" or the self.
2. Luvah:
Luvah, also called God of Love, embodies the emotional, passionate, and creative side of humanity. They are associated with love, beauty, and art, and they are ruled by the element of water. Luvah is the embodiment of the "Thou" or the other.
3. Tharmas:
Tharmas, also known as the God of Sensation. Tharmas represents the physical and sensory aspects of human nature. They are associated with the elements of earth and the senses of touch and taste. Tharmas is the embodiment of the "It" or the not-self.
4. Los:
Los, also called God of Prophecy. Los represents the imaginative and visionary side of humanity. Los is associated with the element of air and the senses of sight and hearing. Los is the embodiment of the "All" or the unity of the self, the other, and the not-self.
According to Blake, these four Zoas exist within each person and, through a process of development and integration, can lead to a state of perfection. This process involves balancing the rational, emotional, physical, and imaginative aspects of human nature and aligning them with the divine.
The Four Zoas are depicted in Blake's epic poem of the same name as well as in various other works, including his paintings and engravings.