Invoking Spirit Element

When you feel you are sufficiently adept at
using the other Elements, you may begin to use
spirit – the fifth Element. This has no special
space but is everywhere. It should never ever
be used negatively because, particularly when
you are weak and tired, it can rebound on you.
You may well find that you instinctively link
strongly with the life force as spirit, in which
case you are probably succeeding in bringing
all the Elements together within yourself. There
is no particular colour associated with spirit –
perception is all-important. If you choose to
represent spirit on the altar, you may do so
however you wish. You are free to use your
intuition and you must have a very strong
awareness of your reason for choosing that
particular symbol.

Invoking Water Element

Water is the Element of the west and is
represented by a bowl of water or a goblet of
wine or fruit juice. Its colour is blue and,
because it represents the giving of life, it is
associated with the Elements of sea, rain, snow
and rivers.
When you need cleansing, revitalizing, the
removal of curses or hexes or change of any
sort, you will call upon Water. It is to do with
emotions, right through from the most basic
passions to the most elevated forms of belief. It
is predominantly feminine. It is the fourth and
final quarter that you invoke in any magical
circle.
The undines are the Elemental beings
connected with Water and are beautiful and
very graceful. The nymph is frequently found in
a fountain and the mythical mermaid belongs to
the ocean. Some undines inhabit waterfalls,
others live in rivers and lakes. Smaller undines
are often seen as winged beings that people
have mistakenly called fairies.

Invoking Fire


Fire is the Element of the south and is usually
represented by a candle or a cauldron with a
fire inside. Its colour is red and its associations
are to do with power, determination and
passionate energy.
You would call upon this Element for
protection from evil forces, cleansing and
creativity. The quality associated with Fire is
‘doing’ and it is a male principle. It is the third
quarter or cardinal point on which you call for
protection when working in a magical circle.
Without salamanders, the spirit of Fire, it is
said that physical fire cannot exist. They have
been seen as sparks or small balls of light, but

most often they are perceived as being lizardlike in shape and about 30 cm or more in length.
They are considered the strongest and most
powerful of all the Elementals. As nature spirits
they are greatly affected by the way that
mankind thinks. Out of control, salamanders
can be considered dangerous.

Invoking Air

 


The direction of this Element is east and the colour usually associated with it is yellow.

Incense is often used to represent Air, since the movement of the air can be seen in the incense smoke.

When you are looking for inspiration, need new ideas or perhaps to break free from the past or undesired situations, you would use this Element.

The quality associated with it is that of thinking or the use of the intellect.

When working in a magical circle, Air is the second quarter on which you call for protection.

The sylphs are the Air spirits; their Element has the most subtle energy of the four.

They are said to live on the tops of mountains and are volatile and changeable.

They are usually perceived with wings and look like cherubs or fairies.

One of their tasks is said to be to help humans receive inspiration

Invoking Earth


Traditionally the direction of this Element is
north and the colour normally associated with
Earth is green. It is represented on the altar
usually by salt or sand. Crystals, because they
are totally natural substances, can also be used.

When invoking Earth and the powers of the
north, you are looking for recovery and healing
and perhaps trying to find answers to questions.
These powers deal with gaining knowledge,
blessing, creating and shielding. When working
within a magical circle, this is the first corner or
quarter on which you call for protection.

The principal nature spirits of the Earth are
called gnomes. They are said to live
underground and guard the earth’s treasures.
Other groups within the earth’s nature spirits
ruled by the god Pan are brownies, dryads,
Earth spirits, elves and satyrs.

The Fifth Element – Spirit

There is a fifth element that most of us the in the Craft recognize. This is the element of Spirit, known as Ether or Akasha. This is the element that transcends, yet is a part of, all the other elements. It takes the name of Akasha from that place on the astral where the akashic records are held, the accounting of all that has happened in the past, present, and future of the universe and beyond. Akasha is actually an East Indian word meaning inner-space, reflecting our belief that the universe is both within and without ourselves.

The Ethereal element has no direction, yet encompasses all directions. It is the Center, the circumference, above and below. It is beyond seasons and time, yet is all seasons and time.

It is the purely spiritual element, the realm of the All. It is protection and justice, movement and mastery, life and death and rebirth. It is often symbolized by the turning wheel, or the sign of Infinity.

The ‘Vaisesika Philosophy,’ Fundamentals of Indian Philosophy, by R. Puligandla says of Akasha: “The fifth material substance, namely, akasa (ether), not to be confused with space, is the substratum of the quality of sound. Like atoms, akasa is indivisible, eternal and imperceivable; but, unlike them, it is infinite and all-pervading. Akasa is inferred from the sensed quality of sound.

Characteristics of the Elements

There is a vaporous, subtle and invisible quality to each of these things which we called the physical elements. The ancients have told us that all of creation was brought into being when the Spirit drew the four elements unto itself. These elements are called Earth, Air, Fire and Water. And they are controlled by Spirit.

Each of these elements possesses an etheric double. It is this essence which gives vitality, or fertility to the physical object. Just as the physical realms of matter contain their own forms of life, so too do the etheric realms. These entities have been personified as the many spirits and creatures of myth and legend. It is their activity which creates and maintains the vital essence within all matter.

The etheric powers of the lements also give potency to spells and works of Magic. It is within their realms that Magical powers ebb and flow. Thus are the spirits of the elements summoned to assist us.

The element of Fire

The element of Fire is both creative and destructive, its qualities are Brightness, Thinness and Motion and its mode is Active. It is fire that we and our ancestors used to warm our homes, we use it to cook our food, we sit around it to ward of the darkness of night, and it fuels our passions. Fire, unlike the other elements, does not exist in a natural state. Its physical form can only take place by consuming some other element. Fire is the transformer, converting the energy of other objects into other forms: heat, light, ash, and smoke.

To feel the manifestations of this power, go out on sunny day and feel the warmth and light of the Sun, hear the crackling of logs and smell of smoke from a burning fire. As you gaze into the transformational flame of a candle, immerse yourself in the energy of Fire. Fire is the natural element of animals and mankind, and they “have, in their natures, a most fiery force, and also spring from celestial sources.”

In order to gain benefit from the energy of this element, we need to control Fire’s destructive aspect. When we light a candle, we are not only calling upon the energy of Fire, we are also limiting its power. This destructive aspect should not be seen as negative, forest fires, actually help, clearing away underbrush and encouraging seeds lying dormant within the Earth to burst forth into new life.

Fire is a masculine element, its aspects being change, passion, creativity, motivation, will power, drive and sensuality. It is sexuality, both physical and spiritual. Fire is used in spells, rituals and candle magic for healing, purification, sex, breaking bad habits or destroying illness and disease. Fire is the element of authority and leadership.

The properties of Fire, Heat, Making things fruitful, Celestial light, Giving Life to all things. Its opposite the Infernal Fire are a parching heat, consuming all things and darkness, making all things barren.

The Element Fire and its Natural Qualities

The Eement of Fire is a light, active element and is contrary to Water. It is associated with the qualities of brightness, thinness and motion.

Correspondences

DIRECTION: South – the place of heat.
TYPE OF ENERGY: Projective.
BASIC NATURE: Purifying, destructive, cleansing, energetic, sexual, forceful. Heat is a manifestation of this element.
COLOUR: Red – from the colour of flames.
PLACES: Deserts, hot springs, volcanoes, ovens, fireplaces, bedrooms (for sex), weight rooms, locker rooms, saunas, athletic fields.
RITUALS: Protection, courage, sex, energy, strength, authority, banishing negativity.
RITUAL FORMS: Burning or smouldering; heating.
HERBS: Stinging, thorny or hot, as thistles, chilli peppers and bouganvillia; desert-dwelling, as cacti; stimulating, as coffee beans; generally seeds.
STONES: Red or fiery, as in jasper; volcanic, as in lava; clear, as in quartz crystal.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Guitar, all stringed instruments.
CREATURES: Snake, cricket, lizard, praying mantis, ladybug, bee, scorpion, shark.
SEASON: Summer – the time of heat.
TIME: Noon.
MAGICKAL TOOL: Knife/Athame.
SENSE: Sight.
NATURAL SYMBOLS: Flame, lava, a heated object.
TYPES OF MAGICK RULES: Candle, storm, time and star.
GODDESSES: Brigit, Pele, Vesta.
GODS: Agni, Hepaetus, Horus, Promtheus, Vulcan.

The Path Of The Water Witch

Water Witches are sometimes called Sea Witches, but many of them find a calling with inland creeks, rivers, and lakes. It is rare for them to limit themselves to any one type of body of water. They generally align with all forms, including rain.

In most mythologies, human sprang from the Earth, but the gods themselves came from water. Egyptian theory states that the sun god Re was born from the primordial waters. Today, scientists can back that theory, NASA scientists theorize that water exists in heavy quantities in the universe. It works as a coolant. The water vapors in outer space for the condensing of clouds. Once a cloud condenses enough, it becomes a star.

Water reflects, the Water Witch does the same. If you yell at her, she will yell back at you. If you are kind to her well, she will be kind and treat you well in return. She is very fair. She shares many qualities with her sister Earth Witch, as the Earth is 90 percent water. Among those qualities is the core belief of taking complete responsibility for her actions. The Water Witch accepts that every move she makes can cause ripples across the surface of the water and moves accordingly.

Water is considered a feminine force, and the Water Witch may prefer an alliance with the Goddess, all the while recognizing and maintaining that the God is within the Goddess. She cans sometimes relate closely to Dianic Witches in this preference.

The Water Witch can see things that those on other paths cannot. In fact, the human sense of sight belongs in her realm. Just as the seas teem with life that we have yet to discover and understand, the Water Witch know s that there is much more to our world than what is within our eyesight! While she can be highly superstitious, for the most part she simply knows that there is more just waiting to be discovered, as well as some things that humanity has known about and forgotten over the ages. The old phrase “out of the blue” speaks volumes about the ability of the Water Witch to tune in to her intuition. She is often very gifted in divination practices. Tarot is usually her divinatory tool of choice, but she also has a talent for dowsing.

The Water Witch sees little that she considers an obstacle. She understands that her fate is in her hands, and if she cannot flow through something, she will flow around it. Once her mind is made up, very little can stop her from obtaining what she wants. Because water exists in three forms on Earth, The Water Witch can be considered a formidable force. She will not admit to any weaknesses.

The Water Witch has a close link to the feminine side of nature. She understands reproduction and is akin to her sister Earth Witch in this manner as well. Menstruation falls in the realm of the Water Witch. Because of this, she is instrumental in moon-lodge practices and coming-of-age rites. Her sister Earth Witch may focus more on the rebirth cycle, while the Water Witch is more in touch with creation.

The Water Witch specializes in healing, cleansing, beauty, emotions, intuition and energy. Her magickal style is usually based on instinct. If the feeling hits her to perform a cleansing, she will. She does not necessarily worry about correspondences and timing. Her timing is completely her own–she will not be rushed by others into decisions or action. Schooled in water magick, ice magick and snow magick, the Water Witch can tell you all about the role of water in the metaphysical and physical realms.

Winter is the season when the Water Witch’s power is at its peak. She holds within herself the ability to transform fluidity to solid form during the winter, the same way that water turns to ice. It is during this season that the Water Witch should turn her view inward and evaluate her goals. She often redefines herself through the process. Because of this, a Water Witch grows stronger every year. She understands that just as dry ice is sticky, it is her role to hold thing together.

Throughout the winter months, the Water Witch is abnormally busy, even for her active lifestyle. Because she is at her highest power and incarnated in all three of her forms during these months, she may be short of temper. When you add to that the fact that artificial heat (fire, an evaporating influence on water) is usually pumped into the home during this time and families tend to be cooped up in the same space, you may have one cranky, stressed-out Water Witch on your hands. She longs for room to spread out and flow. A simple snowfall can ease her mind and soothe her spirit; she draws strength from it. If that is not an option, a long bath or a cup of hot tea usually helps. Rest assured that if you visit her in the winter months, she will be a very gracious hostess, regardless of the timing. The Water Witch is known for her generous hospitality.

Her home décor is usually unthemed, with whimsy being the main rule. The Water Witch may have a quirky collection of glass objects, prisms (she tends to like sparkly things), tons of throw pillows and an aquarium. Cool blues and greens are often primary colors in both her wardrobe and her home.

Due to her busy lifestyle, the Water Witch frequently has to let the housework slide somewhat. Although she prefers all things to be clean, she also understands that there must be “salt in the sea.” In other words, a small amount of dirt is inevitable, and she is able to live with that comfortably. She absolutely cannot stand clutter, though. It drives her to distraction.

Another common trait of the Water Witch is a quirky sense of humor. It simply cannot be defined. Some of the things she says seem to come from outer space in their relation to the topic, yet they can make you laugh as nothing else will. This is intentional–the Water Witch is lighthearted. But just when you begin to think she has never had a deep thought in her life, she will prove you wrong. When it comes to serious conversation, the Water Witch can often put her finger on an aspect of the situation that the other Elemental Witches do not see. The Water Witch is very wise.

Like her mythical brethren the mermaids and water nymphs, the Water Wise tends to love long hair. She may keep it pulled back in a ponytail due to a lack of time, but she lets it grow nonetheless. The effects that water has on the body are directly in line with the metaphysical attributes of the Water Witch. Usually beautiful, she is often younger looking in appearance than in age and has a long memory and attention span and bright, shining eyes.

Because the Water Witch always considers every side of an argument before making up her mind, she may be slow to assume a position. Rest assured that when a Water Witch states her opinion., it has been well thought out. She open-minded and fair. Her strength lies in her dual nature an a ability to see the points or view of others. And like water, she will find her way into all of the small nooks and crannies of a situation. She may initially choose an answer based on instinct but if new facts come to light, she will often change her mind. She is flexible.

Those on the water path often find a calling in helping others. They make wonderful therapists, psychiatrists, obstetricians, pediatricians or service personnel. Often people are attracted to their soothing nature and come to them for advice. Like a waterbed, a reflecting pool , or a relaxing bath, Water Witches project an aura of serenity and comfort.

The Water Witch may be seen as moody, but like the sea herself, she is often in motion. She rarely slows down She is full of energy and always on the go. And like the sea, her moods swing with the tides. The moon holds sway over the tides, and one can easily draw a parallel between the moon and the Water Witch’s emotional patterns.

The Elements of Air

The element of Air is vital to human survival, without it we would all perish, its aspects are Thinness, Motion and Darkness and its quality is Active. Air is the manifestation of movement, freshness, communication and of the intelligence. Sound is another manifestation of this element. As an element, it is invisible, but its reality can be felt in the air that we breathe in every day.

To connect with the power of this element, find a place with clean air and breathe deeply, touch a feather or inhale the fragrance of a heavily scented flower. Let yourself experience the energy of this element, and reflect that we also possess Air energy within ourselves.

In magical terms, Air is the power of the mind, the force of intellect, inspiration, imagination. It is ideas, knowledge, dreams and wishes. Air is the element of new life and new possibilities and is essential to spells and rituals of travel, instruction, finding lost items, some types of divination, and freedom. Air aids us in visualization, a vital technique in magic.

Air is a masculine element and governs the magick of the four winds. It is the vital spirit passing through all things, giving life to all things, moving and filling all things. Thus Hebrew doctors ascribe it not as an element but as a medium or glue that binds all things together.

The Element Air and its Natural Qualities

The Element of Air is a light, active element and is contrary to Earth. It is associated with the qualities of darkness, thinness and motion.

Correspondences

DIRECTION: East – the place of sunrise.
TYPE OF ENERGY: Projective.
BASIC NATURE: Flying, moving, fresh, intelligent, suspending. Sound is a manifestation of this element.
COLOUR: Yellow – the yellow of the sun, the sky at dawn
PLACES: Mountaintops, wind-swept plains, cloudy skies, high towers, airports, schools, libraries, offices, travel agencies, psychiatrist’s offices.
RITUALS: Travel, instruction, study, freedom, knowledge, recovering lost items.
RITUAL FORMS: Tossing objects into the air, suspending tools in high places, fanning light objects, visualization, positive thinking.
HERBS: Fragrant, as many flowers; pungent, as in culinary herbs such as dill; airy, finely-veined, or wind-swept; generally leaves.
STONES: Light stones, such as pumice; transparent stones, such as mica.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Flute, all wind instruments.
CREATURES: Spider, most birds, winged insects.
SEASON: Spring – the time of freshness.
TIME: Dawn.
MAGICKAL TOOL: Wand.
SENSE: Hearing, smell.
NATURAL SYMBOLS: A feather, incense smoke, fragrant flowers.
TYPES OF MAGICK RULES: Divination, concentration, visualization, wind magic.
GODDESSES: Aradia, Arianrhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania.
GODS: Enlil, Kheohera, Mercurym, Shu, Thoth.

The Element of Water

The Element of Water is a great necessity, without it nothing can live. Only earth and water can bring forth a living soul. Such is the greatness of water that spiritual regeneration cannot be done without it.

Thales of Miletus concluded that water was the beginning of all things and the first of all elements and most potent because of its mastery over the rest. Pliny said “Water swallow up the earth, extinguishes the flame, ascends on high, and by stretching forth as clouds challenges the heavens for their own, and the same falling down, becomes the cause of all things that grow in the earth.

Water is a cleansing, healing, psychic, and loving element. It is the feeling of friendship and love that pours over us when we are with our family, friends and loved ones. When we swim it is water that supports us, when we are thirsty, it is water the quenches our thirst, another manifestation of this element is the rainstorms that drench us, or the dew formed on plants after the sun has set.

The power of the energy of Water, can be felt by tasting pure spring water, moving you hand through a stream, lake, pool, or bowl full of water. You can feel its cool liquidity; it’s soft and loving touch, this motion and fluidity is the quality of Air within Water. This Water energy is also contained within ourselves, our bodies being mostly composed of Water.

As well as being vital for life, within the energy of this element is contained the essence of love. Love is the underlying reason for all magic. Water is love.

Water is a feminine element, it also the element of emotion and subconscious, of purification, intuition, mysteries of the self, compassion and family. It is psychic ability; water can be used as a means of scrying or as an object for meditation. Water is important in spells and rituals of friendship, marriage, happiness, fertility, healing, pleasure, psychic abilities and spells involving mirrors.

The Element Water and its Natural Qualities

The Element of Water is a heavy, passive element and is contrary to Fire. It is associated with the qualities of darkness, thickness and motion.

Correspondences

DIRECTION: West – the place of the setting sun.
TYPE OF ENERGY: Receptive.
BASIC NATURE: Flowing, purifying, healing, soothing, loving.
COLOUR: Blue – from the hue of deep water
PLACES: Lakes, springs, streams, rivers, beaches, oceans, wells, swimming pools, bathtubs, showers, bedrooms (for sleep), health spas, steam rooms, fountains.
RITUALS: Purification, love, psychic awareness, dreams, sleep, peace, marriage, friendships.
RITUAL FORMS: Dilution, placing into water, washing away, bathing.
HERBS: Aquatic, such as water lilies and seaweed; fleshy, as in succulents and lettuce; loving, as in rose and gardenia; generally flowers.
STONES: Transparent or translucent, as in amethyst and aquamarine; blue, as in blue tourmaline.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Cymbal, bell, all resonant metals.
CREATURES: Cat, frog, turtle, dolphin, whale, otter, seal, dugong; most fish and shellfish.
SEASON: Autumn – the time of harvest.
TIME: Dusk.
MAGICKAL TOOL: Cup, the cauldron.
SENSE: Taste.
NATURAL SYMBOLS: Shells, a cup of water.
TYPES OF MAGICK RULES: Sea, ice, snow, fog, mirror, magnet.
GODDESSES: Aphrodite, Isis, Mariamne, Mari, Tiamat, Yemaya.
GODS: Dylan, Ea, Manannan, Osiris, Neptune, Poseidon.

The Element Of Earth



The basis and foundation of all the elements is the Earth. The Earth is the object; subject and receptacle of all celestial rays and influences and in it are the seeds of all things. It is made fruitful by the other elements and the heavens, and brings forth all things of itself. It is the first fountain from whence all things spring; it is the centre, foundation and mother of all things.

Earth is the element of stability, foundations and of the body. The Earth is the realm of wisdom, knowledge, strength, growth and prosperity. It is also the physical Earth on which we live and the very heart of life. It is essential in spells and rituals of prosperity, business, fertility and stability. Earth is a feminine element and governs stone and knot magic.

The Earth can be viewed as our mother, with its fertile and nurturing farmland, providing all Earth’s creatures with nourishment and shelter. The earth takes on qualities of the other elements, whether it is the dry, dusty and hot aspects of Fire and Air, as is found in deserts. Or the moist and fluid aspects of Water, in swamps, marshlands and fens. In its physical manifestations, such as stones, rocks, crystals and gems, the element of Earth represents the densest of the elements.

The Earth is the womb from which all things spring, pressing your hand against fresh soil, you can feel its vitality, stability and earthiness. In its fertile soil, we’ve grown the food that provides life, on its surface we live out our lives, and when the time to return to the Goddess and God comes, we are interred in the earth.

We couldn’t exist in this form without the Earth. But our planet is simply a manifestation of this element on the physical plane, each of the elements exist in the astral planes as pure energy. This Earth energy not only exists within ourselves but also throughout the universe at large.

The Element Earth and its Natural Qualities

The Element of Earth is a heavy, passive element and is contrary to air. It is associated with the qualities of darkness, thickness and quietness.

Correspondences

DIRECTION: North – the place of greatest darkness.
TYPE OF ENERGY: Receptive.
BASIC NATURE: Fertile, moist, nurturing, stabilizing, grounding. Gravity is a manifestation of this element.
COLOUR: Green – from the colour of living plants
PLACES: Caves, canyons, forests, groves, valleys, fields, farms, gardens, parks, plant nurseries, farmer’s markets, kitchens, baby nurseries, basements, mines, holes.
RITUALS: Money, prosperity, fertility, stability, grounding, employment.
RITUAL FORMS: Burying, planting, making images in soil or sand.
HERBS: Earth-smelling plants, such as patchouli and vetivert; mosses and lichens; nuts; dry and stiff plants; heavy, low-growing plants; generally roots.
STONES: Heavy or opaque, as in coal; green, as in emerald and peridot.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Drum, all percussion instruments.
CREATURES: Dogs, horse, earthworm, gopher, ant, cow, burrowing animals.
SEASON: Winter – the time of darkness.
TIME: Night.
MAGICKAL TOOL: Pentacle.
SENSE: Touch.
NATURAL SYMBOLS: Salt, clay dish of fresh soil, rocks, sheaves of wheat, acorns.
TYPES OF MAGICK RULES: Gardening, magnet, image, stone, tree, knot, binding.
GODDESSES: Ceres, Demeter, Gaea, Mah, Nephthys, Persephone, Prithivi, Rhea, Rhiannon.
GODS: Adonis, Athos, Arawn, Cernunnos, Dionysus, Marduk, Pan, Tammuz. 

WATER FOLKLORE AND LEGENDS

Water is a feminine energy and highly connected with the aspects of the Goddess. Used for healing, cleansing, and purification, Water is related to the West, and associated with passion and emotion.

In many spiritual paths, including Catholicism, consecrated Water can be found – holy water is just regular water with salt added to it, and usually a blessing or invocation is said above it. In Wiccan covens, such water is used to consecrate the circle and all the tools within it. As you may expect, water is associated with the colour blue, and the Tarot suit of Cup cards.

Let’s look at some of the many magical myths and legends surrounding water:

WATER SPIRITS

Many cultures feature water spirits as part of their folklore and mythology. To the Greeks, a water spirit known as a naiad often presided over a spring or stream. The Romans had a similar entity found in the Camenae. Among a number of the ethnic groups of Cameroon, the water spirits called jengu serve as protective deities, which is not uncommon among other African diasporic faiths.

For residents of the British Isles, many local bodies of water such as streams and wells were host to water spirits – and often these took on the role of local deity.

Historians say it became a popular custom to toss a bit of silver — coins, pins, etc — into a sacred body of water as an offering to the god or goddess of that area.

DOWSING FOR WATER

Dowsing is the ability to find a water source in a previously unknown area via divination. In many parts of Europe professional dowsers were hired to locate new places to dig wells.

This was typically done with the use of a forked stick, or sometimes a copper rod. The stick was held out in front of the dowser, who walked around until the stick or rod began to vibrate. The vibrations signalled the presence of water beneath the ground, and this was where villagers would dig their new well.

During the Middle Ages this was a popular technique for locating new springs to use as wells, but it later became associated with negative sorcery. By the seventeenth century, most dowsing had been outlawed because of its connection to the devil.

OCEAN BEINGS

The Orkney Islands are the home of a number of fascinating myths and legends about the magical power of the sea. The ocean is the home of Fin-men and mermaids, selkies and sea monsters. In Celtic mythology, a water horse called a kelpie haunts the shores and rivers of Scotland and Ireland.

If you’re planning a trip to the beach, be sure to read up on Seven Ways to Use Beach Magic.

WATER MAGIC AND THE MOON

The moon is tied to the ebb and flow of tides around the world. A phenomenon known as lunar tide occurs during the full and new moon phases – during these phases, the gravitational forces create a very high high tide, and a very low low tide.

Use water for divination by scrying during the full moon.

COUNTRY FOLKLORE

An English rural custom says that a woman who splashes too much water around as she does laundry or washes dishes will be cursed with a husband who drinks to excess.

Spilling water from a bucket on the way back from a well or spring can bring misfortune – unless, of course, you return to the source and make an offering to appease the spirits of the place.

In parts of Appalachia, it is believed that if you dream of crossing water there will be an illness in your family. If your dream includes muddy or stagnant water, then back luck is on the way.

In Hoodoo and other folk magic traditions, vervain is used to make Van-Van oil – this is simply a blend of vervain and a base oil, simmered and strained. This oil is used to provide magical protection, and clear away evil energies.

In many forms of folklore, vervain is associated with workings that decrease lust – however, the scent of vervain is a well-known aphrodisiac.

WATER GODS AND GODDESSES

These are some of the many deities associated with water:

Gong Gong (Chinese)

Llyr (Welsh)

Manannan mac Lir (Irish)

Namaka (Hawaiian)

Neptune (Roman)

Njord (Norse)

Oceanus (Greek)

Poseidon (Greek)

Sedna (Inuit)

Sobek (Egyptian)

Thetis (Greek)

Yemaya (Yoruba)

THE FOUR ELEMENTS

In many modern-day Pagan belief systems, there is a good deal of focus on the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. A few traditions of Wicca also include a fifth element, which is Spirit or Self, but that is not universal among all Pagan paths.

The concept is hardly a new one. A Greek philosopher named Empedocles is credited with the cosmogenic theory of these four elements being the root of all existing matter.

Unfortunately, much of Empedocles’ writing has been lost, but his ideas remain with us today and are widely accepted by many Pagans.

In some traditions, particularly those that are Wiccan-leaning, the four elements and directions are associated with Watchtowers. These are considered – depending on who you ask – a type of archetype, guardian, or elemental being, and are sometimes invoked for protection when casting a sacred circle.

Each of the elements is associated with traits and meanings, as well as with directions on the compass. The following directional associations are for the Northern hemisphere; readers in the Southern hemisphere should use the opposite correspondences. Also, if you live in an area that has unique elemental characteristics, it’s okay to include those – for example, if your house is on the Atlantic coast, and there’s a big ocean right there to the east of you, it’s okay to use water for east!

The Elementals

The Elementals are very ancient nature sprits; they are forms of energy which represent the Elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water, believed to be the building blocks of all life.

To witches they are likened to a bridge they are the guardians or gatekeepers of all natural knowledge and they exist throughout the elemental realm, but sadly when they come to us they remain outside our visible light spectrum and remain invisible to the most of us. We call upon them to aid us in our spell work or simply ask for their guidance, and it is through our own sprit that resides within us that we able to call upon and communicate with them.

There are some that believe that when we or any life force dies this is where our consciousness and memories go to and joins as one with the elementals, and acting together they form as a hive mind consisting of collective consciousness of knowledge.

Elementals

Spirits that personify the four elements—
earth, air, fire and water. The term elementals also is
applied to nature spirits, which exist in all things in
nature and look after animals, insects, birds, rocks and
plants. Elementals are summoned to assist in magic
related to nature.

Earth elementals are known as gnomes; fire as salamanders;
water as undines; and air as sylphs. They can be
seen clairvoyantly if a person has good attunement to the
nature realm. Numerous elemental sightings have been
reported at the Circle Sanctuary at Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.
The pioneers of the Findhorn community in northern
Scotland achieved remarkable gardening results reputedly
by communicating with elementals.

Some elementals are said to be malicious and unpredictable,
tricking human beings into accidents, setting
traps for them and killing them. Wicca emphasizes working
with friendly elementals in the creation of positive
magic.

Artificial elemental is a term occasionally used for
thought-form, a being of energy ritually created through
intense will, which is programmed to carry out assignments
and disintegrate once the work is done.

Earth Incense and Fragrance

The following herbs, oils, and incense mixtures can be used when doing earth magick. Because herbs are related to earth, their vibrations will enhance all your magickal works, especially those affiliated with the earth element.

Honeysuckle (money, protection)

Wear honeysuckle oil to attract money. Mix honeysuckle oil with a bit of vervain for protection. Burn honeysuckle incense on the night of the new moon to attract money.

Magnolia (fidelity)

Wear magnolia oil to keep loved ones faithful. Burn magnolia incense in the bedroom to maintain a faithful relationship.

Patchouli (money, lust)

Wear patchouli oil to entice passion in the one you love or desire.

Vervain (protection, purification, youth)

Mix vervain and patchouli oil together and wear as a veil of powerful protection. Mix vervain with sage to cleanse and protect your home from negative influences. A drop of vervain oil on a cloth placed inside your bed pillow will keep you feeling young.

Vetivert (love, luck, money)

Wear a drop of vetivert to attract both love and money. Gamblers rub vetivert oil on their hands before playing cards for good luck.

Elemental Correspondence

Earth

 Generally called from the North
 Considered cool and dry and is associated with the melancholic temperament
 Represents the solid state of matter
 Corresponds to the physical part of ourselves, our physical body, and rules the elder state of life.
 Rules the intestines
 Rules the winter and the night
 Represents the sense of touch and all physical, practical, material things including money, crops,
livestock, the home, property, family, career, investments, saving.
 The Alchemical Mineral associated with Earth is Salt
 Other minerals associated are: halite (aka salt), granite, jasper, emerald, jade, malachite,
hematite, lead, ochre
 Usually considered feminine in nature
 Colors associated are green and brown
 Associated with old age, maturity, the winter, night time, and the Winter Solstice
 The best time to perform spells associated with the element of Earth is when the moon is in one
of the Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, or Virgo
 Symbols are soil, the Pentacle, cattle
 Herbs associated are apple, bistort, comfrey, cypress, fern, all grains, all grasses, honeysuckle,
horehound, ivy, magnolia, mugwort, narcissus, oak, oakmoss, primrose, rhubarb, vervain,
vetivert

Air

 Generally called from the East
 Considered warm and moist and is associated with the sanguine temperament
 Considered hermaphrodite or masculine in nature
 Represents the gaseous state of matter
 Corresponds to our spirit body and our breath and riles the infant state of life
 Rules the lungs and the sense of smell
 The color yellow can be used to represent air
 Rules the spring time and the dawn and the Vernal Equinox
 Rules the breath, the voice, speech, eloquence, information, communication, networking and
intellect
 In tarot, air corresponds to The Fool, The King, and suit of Swords
 Animals are songbirds, eagles, and hawks
 The elemental spirit is the sylph
 Astrological signs are Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra
 Tool is the dagger. Other tools can be athame, wand, and censor
 Minerals that correspond to air are metal mercury ad the stones halite or salt rock, granite,
holey stone, picture jasper, emerald, jade, malachite and hematite
 Plants the correspond are acacia, almond, anise, citron peel, frankincense, gum-arabic, gum
benzoin, bergamot, lavender, lemon verbena, lemongrass, mace, marjoram, mastic, myrrh,
pansy, parsley, peppermint, primrose, sage, star anise, vervaine, violet, yarrow
 Corresponding incense is galbanum, sandalwood, mallow

Fire

 Generally called from the south
 Considered warm and dry and is associated with the choleric temperament
 Active and penetrating and considered masculine in nature
 Represents energy
 Corresponds to our conception and birth and our very life force – the “spark” of life, also of
inspiration
 Rules the liver and the sense of sight
 Corresponds with the color red
 Rules the summer and noon time
 Rules our passions, inspiration and life force; the drive to create
 In Tarot, fire corresponds to Judgment, the Knights, and the suit of Wands
 Animal correspondences to dragon, lion, and the horse
 Associated elemental spirits are salamander and djinn
 Astrological signs are Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo
 Elemental tool is the wand. Other tools may be the sword, dagger, rod, staff, candle, tripod
lamp, and/or censor
 Corresponding minerals are red or bright colored, and/or are formed in fire and/or are
associated with the battle, passion and fury. Include the metals iron and gold, the stones fire
opal, fire agate, ruby, obsidian, tiger eye, carnelian, garnet, and amber
 Corresponding plants often inherit from Mars or the Sun. Prickly, hot and/or protective in
nature. Include allspice, angelica, basil, bay-laurel, beech, buttercup, carnation, cedar,
cinnamon, cloves, coriander, deer’s tongue, dill, fennel, garlic, juniper, heliotrope, lime, marigold,
mustard, nettle, nutmeg, red peppers, onion, orange, peppermint, red poppy, rose geranium,
rosemary, sassafras, sunflower, tangerine, tobacco, woodruff
 Corresponding incense is olibanum, copal

Water

 Generally called from the west
 Considered moist and cool and is associated with the phlegmatic temperament
 Considered feminine and nature
 Represents the liquid state of matter
 Corresponds to maturity, but also has some associations with death and rebirth
 Rules the heart and kidneys, blood and sense of taste
 Represented by the color blue
 Rules the autumn and sunset
 Rules our emotions and our subconscious
 In Tarot, it represents the Hanged Man, the Queens, and the suit of Cups
 Represented by the animals dolphin, sea serpent, the seal, gulls and fish
 Elemental spirits are the undines
 Astrological signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces
 Elemental tools are chalice and cauldron
 Corresponding minerals include the metal silver and the stones topaz, sapphire, lapis lazuli,
chalcedony, amethyst, and citrine
 Corresponding plants are usually juicy and refreshing or may grow near water. Correspond to
the planet Venus and the moon. Includes apple blossom, calamus, chamomile, camphor,
cardamom, catnip, cherry, coconut, comfrey, cucumber, elder, eucalyptus, fern, gardenia,
heather, hyacinth, iris, jasmine, lemon, lemon balm, licorice, lilac, lily, lotus, melon, moss,
motherwort, orris root, passion flower, seaweed, sandalwood, peach, lungwort, rose, rush,
spearmint, stephanotis, sweet pea, tansy, thyme, tonka bean, vanilla bean, violet, and water lily.
 Corresponding incense is ylang ylang, myrrh, and onchya

Aether

 The element of Aether is the “stuff” that Gods are made of, sort of
 Considered androgynous
 Represents transcendence or eternity
 Represents the Plasma state of matter
 Symbolized by the cauldron

Spirit

 Virtually identical to either Aether or Fire
 Sometimes the Spirit entities (ancestors, Gods, nature spirits, etc.) are referred to as the element
of spirit in ritual. Sometimes it is magickal energy that is being referred to.
 Symbolized by diamond, quartz crystal, jet and onyx.

Working with the Four Classic Elements

Throughout history, many paths have used the four basic elements to draw energy in and around us to manifest our desires. Each sign we are born under are closely connected with the Energies of that sign and with that comes positive and negative influences of the Element and by balancing the Energies we are able to overcome the negative aspects of an Element and develop the positive aspects of the Elements. And this is true for all aspects of ourselves.

And by learning the symbols and aspects of the Elements we can learn which areas are out of of balance and how to draw those Energies to us or banish them.

First lets look at the aspects of the Elements ad then we’ll talk about how to connect with them.

Air governs our thoughts, communication skills, idea, psychic abilities, awareness, dreams. Air has the power to blow away strife and carry off our worries and troubles. This is also a good energy to work with to send thoughts and Energies to other people for instance to heal or help someone from a distance.

Positive aspects of the Element Air are dexterity, optimism, and joy. While negative aspects are bragging and the decision to surrender. The signs that are born under this Element are Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini. Those of us born under these signs struggle with being humble and excel in happiness.

Direction- east

Color- Yellow

Tool-Sword, Feather, Fan

Arch Angel-Raphael

Entities-Sylphs

Body parts-Respiratory System

Stone- Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Fluorite

Fire governs our desires, enthusiasm, and anger. It has the power to create or destroy, heal or harm, and can bring new life to the stagnant or destroy the old and worn. This Element is a good source to help us acquire something we desire. Make us enthusiastic about a situation. Or lesson our anger. This is also a good Element to create new opportunities and start new projects.

Positive aspects of this Energy include bravery, courage and confidence while negative aspects include anger, jealousy, and vengeance. People born under this sign are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, and while struggling to control their anger are generally enthusiastic about new undertakings.

Direction- South

Color- Red

Tool-Staff, Smoke, flame

Arch Angel-Michael

Entities-Salamanders

Body parts-Blood, Heart

Stone-Tiger’s Eye, Ruby, Pink Sapphire

Water controls our emotions, feelings and passions. It clear out old emotions, cleanse or calm. Multiple religions have some form of holy water that can be used to cleanse or purify people or items. Holy water can be made by dissolving salt in water and blessing it. This is a useful Energy to help you get over a break up and the emotions attached to an old relationship.

Positive influences of this Element are compassion, tenderness, and relaxation. And negative aspects are instability and lack of commitment. Water governs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces and people born under these signs are usually passionate about their beliefs but may have issues maintaining stability.

Direction- West

Color- Blue

Tool-Chalice, Water

Arch Angel-Gabriel

Entities- Undines

Body parts-Urinary tract

Stone-Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Lepidolite, Aquamarine

Earth governs material items, family, finances, home, practicality and stability. The element Earth is full of endurance and represents the process of birth, growth, death, and finally rebirth. This is the Energy we connect with to bless our homes and increase our finances while strengthening our families.

Positive influences are responsibility and patience. Negative aspects are laziness, stagnation, immaturity and stubbornness. Signs governed by this Element are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. People born under these signs tend to be materialistic but can be responsible in their decisions to acquire those material items or they can be lazy and stubborn but still exhibit patience.

Direction-North

Color- green

Tool- pentacle, soil, stones, salt

Arch Angel-Auriel

Entities-Gnomes

Body parts- Mind, Nervous System

Stone- Hematite, Emerald, Fool’s gold

Now that we have looked at the aspects and influences of the Elements as well as some symbols, lets talk about how to connect with them. Through the use of tools we can draw the energies or banish them to keep us balanced.

Let me start off by saying that the lists above are suggestions and whatever symbol you recognize as connected to an Element is always right for you.

There are several ways to connect with specific Elements but remember that the more you put into something the more you get out of it. It can be as simple as lighting a candle in the color that represents that Element or you can call upon the Arch Angel that governs that Energy. You can add a tool, a stone, or ask that the entities come to you. But remember that when building an altar to represent all four Elements, keep the number of symbols balanced. For instance it is better to have one of each Elemental symbol that to have three of one, two of another, and only one symbol for the other two.

Now I am going to a very useful exercise that will help you invoke more of an energy or banish some of it to help maintain a balance.

Face the direction that represents the Element you are wanting to work with and draw a the pentacle that represents that Element in the air in front of you. As you do see the lines being drawn in the color of the Element. Now call to the Arch Angel and ask them to allow their entities to come to you and increase or decrease the Energies of that Element and feel the Energies balancing in you. Thank the Arch Angel for allowing their entities to aid you and imagine the pentacle fade away.

Here is an example. If you were having problems relaxing you can face the West, draw a blue pentacle starting from your left shoulder to your right and ask that Gabriel allow the Undines to come to you and help you relax. Feel the dampness of the Element Water coming to you and allow it to help you relax. After a few minutes you would then thank Gabriel for allowing the Undines to help you and see the pentacle disappear.

On the reverse side of this if you were getting angry for no reason all the time you could face the South, Draw a red pentacle starting at your right hip going up to your forehead, ask Michael to allow the Salamanders to help you control your anger and feel the heat leaving your body. After a few minutes you would then thank Michael for allowing the Salamanders to help you and see the red pentacle fade away.

The Elements

One way of connecting with the energies of the natural world, and by extension, the entire Universe, is in relationship with the four elements. The recognition of elemental states of matter has been around since the ancient Greeks, and versions of the concept appear in a number of cultures with ancient lineages. In Wicca and other pagan belief systems, the Elements are seen as fundamental aspects of divine energy, each containing qualities that manifest in our personalities and our way of being in the world. They are an important component of the Wiccan ritual, where each element is represented in the tangible forms of colors, tools, natural objects, instruments and herbs, and the intangible forms of the four cardinal directions, the four seasons, particular deities, and, often, astrological signs. Working with the Elements can help increase certain desired energies and experiences such as love and abundance, and can help balance unwanted experiences rooted in the negative qualities inherent in personalities. Let’s take a look at the four elements, in turn.EarthThe Earth is the center of our human universe, providing us the foundation of life and keeping us literally grounded through its gravitational pull. It’s the source of all sustaining plant and animal life that provide nourishment and healing. It can cause physical death and destruction through earthquakes, mudslides, and avalanches. The Earth is physically represented by many of its topographical features, such as rocks, soil, caves, fields, forests, and gardens. the element of Earth is associated with strength, abundance, and prosperity, and is represented by the colors green, yellow, brown, and black. Earth’s energy is feminine and receptive. Positive qualities associated with Earth are stability, responsibility, respect, and endurance, while negative qualities include stubbornness and rigidity. The Earth’s cardinal direction is North, and its season is Winter.AirAir is the invisible Element. Its presence is only seen in the effects it has on other matter—leaves fluttering in the breeze, the movement of the clouds. Although it can’t be seen itself, it can be felt all around us, which may be why it’s associated with the mind, the intellect, communication, and divination. It’s also associated with sky, wind, mountaintops, and birds, and is represented in yellow, white, and silver, among other colors. Air is essential for life as it carries oxygen, and it contributes to abundance by carrying and spreading seeds to new places where they can sprout. It also participates in the destructive force of life with storms and frigid wind. It is masculine, projective energy. Positive personal qualities associated with Air energy include intelligence, inspiration, and optimism. Negative qualities include gossip and forgetfulness. Air’s cardinal direction is East, and its season is Spring.FireThe awesome, destructive potential of Fire is probably most striking in the seasonal wildfires that burn millions of acres of forest around the world, and can actually jump over rivers and roads to resume their spread on the other side. Lightning can also be deadly, as can extreme heat. Of course, Fire is also life-sustaining, used for cooking and lighting for over 100,000 years. The Element of Fire is associated with the Sun, sunlight, stars, deserts, and volcanoes. It is represented with red, gold, crimson, orange, and white, and is a masculine, projective energy. Fire is the Element of transformation illumination, health, and strength. Its positive qualities promote love, passion, enthusiasm, courage, and leadership. Negative qualities include hate, jealousy, fear, anger, and conflict. Its season is Summer, and the South is its cardinal direction.WaterWater is essential for life on Earth and is present in all life. It established forms in the Earth such as lakes and rivers by following the path of least resistance and can wear away solid rock over time. It is associated with all of its visible physical manifestations, such as streams, springs, oceans, the rain, and the Moon, which exerts its own gravitational pull on Water’s most massive forms. Its destructive forces manifest in severe rainstorms, floods, whirlpools, and riptides. Its Elemental energy is associated with emotions, healing, dreams, psychic clairvoyance and the subconscious. Water is receptive, feminine, and represented by blue, green, indigo and black. Its positive qualities include compassion, forgiveness, and intuition. Negative

qualities are laziness, indifference, insecurity, and lack of control over emotions. Autumn is Water’s season, and its cardinal direction isWest. The Fifth Element: SpiritMany Wiccan traditions recognize a Fifth Element which is referred to as “Aether,” or, more commonly, “Spirit.”This is the element present in all things, immaterial but essential for connection and balance between all other Elements. It has been described as the binding force through which manifestation is made possible, as well as the divine intelligence of the “All” that spiritualists of many traditions seek connection with. The Fifth Element is also known as “Akasha,” from the Sanskrit word for “aether,” which is found in Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions, and is translated by some as “inner space” or “open space.”The Fifth Element is represented by the color white. Unlike the other Elements, it has no gender, energy type, or cardinal direction. It has no season but is rather associated with the entire wheel of the year.