Tag: Pagan Elements

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

 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.

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.

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.

The Elemental Pentacle, the most famous symbol of Witchcraft is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. When the pentacle is drawn or written, the image created is called a pentagram. The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world. The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.

In Craft rituals, the pentacle is a round disk inscribed with a pentagram and placed upon on the altar. The disk can be made of many different materials.

In more dangerous times, the pentacle was crafted from disposable materials such as clay or dough. To be caught in possession of a pentacle in those days could very well endanger your life.

Nowadays, pentacles are crafted in metals such as copper, brass, silver or gold. Many Witches make their own from stained glass or by etching stones or wood. The pentacle can also be personalized by adding appropriate astrological symbols, runes and other sigils (magical symbols) that have special meaning to the practitioner.

Many Witches wear a pentacle pendant or ring as a sign of their religion or as an amulet or talisman. The pentacle crafted from silver represents Moon energy and psychic forces. The same symbol made in gold represents the Sun energies of power and strength. Many pentacles come with embedded stones which can represent birth months or a particular energy that the wearer wants to attract.

During magical operations, the pentagram can be drawn in the air by the athame or sword. When drawn a certain way, it is used to either invoke or banish energies. Used on the altar, it becomes a focal point to draw in and send out the intentions of the spell or working. The simplest spells of this kind are those involving candle magic. A candle of the appropriate color is charged and place on the pentacle.

Traditionally, each of the five angles has been attributed to the five metaphysical elements of the ancients:

EARTH: (lower left hand corner) represents stability and physical endurance.
FIRE: (lower right hand corner) represents courage and daring.
WATER: (upper right hand corner) represents emotions and intuition.
AIR: (upper left hand corner) represents intelligence and the arts.
SPIRIT: (at the topmost point) represents the All and the Divine.
The Circle around the star represents the God-Goddess; it refracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.
The origins of the pentagram go back to remotest historical antiquity. As far back as pre-Babylonian Sumer, it has been venerated by many civilizations. To the Jewish peoples, it symbolically designated the Pentateauch, the Five Books of Moses It has survived under a variety of titles, such as “The Druid’s Root” and “The Witches Star”.

To the followers of Pythagoras, it was called “The Pentalpha” being composed of five interlaced A’s or Alphas. The Alpha being the first word of the alphabet, we can perhaps view it as showing forth unity in the midst of multiplicity. The individual as part of the Whole.

To ceremonial magicians, the points can represent various elemental energies, spirits or deities.

It is the ruling of the higher mind over the lower elements of our being. It signals the awakening of cosmic consciousness and the beginnings of our own human psyche moving beyond the realms of physical form and the perceptions limited to the five senses. It allows the infinite possibilities that exist within the Universe and frees us to explore and to grow.

This becomes a graphic portrayal of Spirit ruling over the five elements. When the pentagram is placed within a circle, it’s energy is focused and directed. The pentagram upright, to those of spiritual perception, represents the redemption of Spirit from matter by ruling over it.

Used inverted, with the top point pointed downward, it represents a second or third degree status in some traditional groups. Many of these groups have since substituted a triangle form for the same degrees because of the association of the inverted form of the pentacle with Satanism and black magic.

The number five is attributed to the influence of Mars. Thus some Witches think of the five pointed star within the circle as force or power contained and controlled by divine wisdom.

The earth is our birthplace, yet for millions of us, it feels strangely foreign.

Most of us busily scurry through our lives taking little notice of the earth.

There are several reasons for this.

First, many Westerners live in cities, and by and large, our societies are no longer based on agrarian culture.

Agriculture naturally relies on human attunement to the seasonal cycles, and this is no longer a customary way of life for many people.

In contemporary life, agriculture is a job, a career choice.

Because we are, for the most part, removed from an immediate and visceral connection with nature, our awareness of how the earth sustains our lives has waned. In addition to this, our contemporary, mainstream religious paths promulgate a central doctrine that characterizes the natural world as inherently flawed, sinful, and wrong.

We all grow up with these teachings that infuse everyday life and that consequently shape our worldviews.

As a result, many of us presume nature has no value beyond our ability to exploit it.

Light incense. Pass over the working area. Place the representation of your magick key near your other supplies for this night. Smile. Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light. Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today’s affirmation three times. Smile again. Begin by preparing tonight’s holy water. To one cup of spring water, add lemon verbena and rosemary sprigs (the number is up to you). Drop-in a few small nuggets of frankincense and myrrh. Add three drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils. Stir with your finger or a copper rod. Connect with Spirit. Smile. Hold your hands over the water, and say: Molecules of liquid light Digitize to make things right. Moon above and earth below Center point, I make it so! Holy oils and sacred herbs Frankincense and blending myrrh Joy and peace will come to me As I will, so mote it be. 1hank you! Remember to close with a smile. Hold your hands over the salt. Take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Smile, and say: 62 Gifts of earth, cleansed you’ll be Speak of treasure and divinity. Change my life in happy ways Guard my work both night and day. 1hank you! Smile. Sprinkle the salt generously over your new altar stone. Follow by sprinkling the surface with the holy water mixture. Hold your hands over the stone and repeat today’s affirmation three times, remembering to connect with Spirit, smile, and close with a thank you. Dot the four corners and the center of the stone with essential patchouli oil, repeating the affirmation once again. Brush off the altar stone. On the back of the paper that says treasures of the earth belong to me, draw your personal earth sigil. Place your key and the paper on the stone. Put the bowl of brown sugar on top of the paper. Dot the brown candle with honey (not too much). Place the candle sturdily in the bowl (if you think a plate will work better, that’s just fine). In HedgeWitchery, a brown candle signifies the gifts of the earth and miracles. The brown sugar and honey are used as an attraction correspondence. Sprinkle the earth you collected this morning on top of the brown sugar. Light the brown candle. Meditate for a few minutes on the meaning of earth and the willingness to open the way and accept the abundance of earth’s treasures. Remind yourself that everyone deserves to be rich, happy, and healthy, leading a life of pure joy. When you are ready, say: “This rite is finished. Thank you!” Smile. Allow the candle to burn completely, and dispose of it when it’s cold. Place the brown sugar, earth, and honey mix back in the jar. Add your earth’s treasure paper. If you have some of your signature herbs, add that too. Cap. Bury it on your property. Sprinkle holy water on your new altar to clear the stone of residual energy. If you have holy water left over, you can refrigerate it-it has a shelf1ife of about two weeks as long as the mixture is kept cold. Place your lucky bamboo plant in the center of your altar and leave it there until tomorrow morning, where you can move it to an appropriate indirectly lit area of your home. Tonight, take a few minutes to go over your journal, adding notes and entries you may have missed. Copy your earth sigil, along with any impressions you may have on the power and strength of the earth. Remember to observe all that takes place the following day in relation to the work you have begun. Remark on any dreams you may have this night. Keep your work secret.

Sit somewhere in a natural setting: on a beach, in a forest, a field, or even in your own backyard.
Breathe deeply and close your eyes.
If your health will be compromised by exposure to inclement weather, by all means, practice this and other outdoor exercises in an indoor environment.
As you sit, imagine that you have roots that extend from the base of your spine.
These roots reach not only down into the earth, but out to everything on it.
Imagine that this vast network of roots connects you to humans, animals, plants, objects.
Take a moment to feel the pulse of your connection to the great All.
Notice where your connection to things and people might be weak and where it feels strong.
Spend ten minutes (or longer, if you can) simply feeling your connection.
When you are finished, open your eyes.
Consider the following questions:
In what way was my connection strong?
What do you suspect is the reason for any strong connections?
In what way was my connection to things weak?
What do I suspect is the reason for any weak connections?
What actions can I take that may strengthen any weak connections?

The element of Air is symbolically related to breath.

It is the refined realm between the physical and spiritual planes. Air provides us with inspiration, illumination, and the ability to communicate our ideas to others.

Air represents new beginnings, the thought process, and creativity.

Air helps us to focus and direct energy towards the desired goal. It is our ability to assume and purpose.