The Elements
The elements are used in conjunction with a broad range of magickal workings. They are typically considered to be fire, water, earth, and air... but, spirit may also be considered an element as well. They are very powerful sources of energy for magickal work.
The four elements are thought to be the energies which make up the entire universe. Our personalities are influenced by the elements. Each element has it's own sort of power. They each have their own qualities, natures, moods and magickal powers. They also have their own positive and negative qualities.
Certain types of magick rely on certain elements more than others. For instance, candle magick focuses on the power of the element of fire.
Spirit could be considered the binding principle. You are it's representative and channel.
Earth
Earth is traditionally associated with the direction North and the colour green. It can be represented on an altar with sand, salt, or crystals. Earth is a good element to use when casting spells for recovery, healing, and seeking out answers. These powers are affectively used for gaining knowledge, blessing, creating and shielding. It is typically the first corner called upon when seeking protection and casting a magick circle. Gnomes are the principle Earth spirits. Pan rules all of Earth's nature spirits which include brownies, dryads, earth spirits, elves and satyrs.
Air
Air is associated with the direction East and the colour yellow. Air can be represented on an altar by incense. You would use the element of Air when you are seeking inspiration, looking for new ideas, or want to break free from an unpleasant situation. Air is associated with thinking and the intellect. Air is the second quarter you would call upon in casting a magick circle. Air spirits are known as sylphs. They are volatile and changeable. Cherubs and fairies can also be considered air spirits.
Fire
Fire is associated with the direction south. It can be represented by a candle or cauldron containing a flame on the altar. It is associated with pssion, power, determination and the colour red. This is the element to call upon for creativity, protection, and cleansing. Fire is a male principle and associated with taking action on things. It is the third quarter to be called upon when casting a magick circle. Salamanders are the spirits of Fire.
Ancient magickians and priests conducted a ritual called 'drawing down the sun'. A piece of glass was used to concentrate the sun's rays onto herbs, dried grass, or holy resins. This flame was thought to be pure and untouched by mortals. The flame was used to kindle sacred fires.
Water
Water can be represented by a bowl of water on the altar and is associated with the direction West. One could also use a glass of wine or fruit juice to represent water. It's colour is blue and it is represented in the sea, rain, snow, and rivers. Water is used in spells for cleansing, revitalizing, removing hexes or calling upon any sort of change. Water has to do with the emotions. It is a feminine element and the fourth and final quarter called upon in casting a magick circle. The spirit beings associated with water are called undines. Mermaids can also be considered water spirits.
Spirit
Spirit is everywhere. In a sense Spirit is what brings all of the elements together. It is our linking to the higher forces. One can represent spirit on an altar in any way they feel comfortable with.
The elements are used in conjunction with a broad range of magickal workings. They are typically considered to be fire, water, earth, and air... but, spirit may also be considered an element as well. They are very powerful sources of energy for magickal work.
The four elements are thought to be the energies which make up the entire universe. Our personalities are influenced by the elements. Each element has it's own sort of power. They each have their own qualities, natures, moods and magickal powers. They also have their own positive and negative qualities.
Certain types of magick rely on certain elements more than others. For instance, candle magick focuses on the power of the element of fire.
Spirit could be considered the binding principle. You are it's representative and channel.
Earth
Earth is traditionally associated with the direction North and the colour green. It can be represented on an altar with sand, salt, or crystals. Earth is a good element to use when casting spells for recovery, healing, and seeking out answers. These powers are affectively used for gaining knowledge, blessing, creating and shielding. It is typically the first corner called upon when seeking protection and casting a magick circle. Gnomes are the principle Earth spirits. Pan rules all of Earth's nature spirits which include brownies, dryads, earth spirits, elves and satyrs.
Air
Air is associated with the direction East and the colour yellow. Air can be represented on an altar by incense. You would use the element of Air when you are seeking inspiration, looking for new ideas, or want to break free from an unpleasant situation. Air is associated with thinking and the intellect. Air is the second quarter you would call upon in casting a magick circle. Air spirits are known as sylphs. They are volatile and changeable. Cherubs and fairies can also be considered air spirits.
Fire
Fire is associated with the direction south. It can be represented by a candle or cauldron containing a flame on the altar. It is associated with pssion, power, determination and the colour red. This is the element to call upon for creativity, protection, and cleansing. Fire is a male principle and associated with taking action on things. It is the third quarter to be called upon when casting a magick circle. Salamanders are the spirits of Fire.
Ancient magickians and priests conducted a ritual called 'drawing down the sun'. A piece of glass was used to concentrate the sun's rays onto herbs, dried grass, or holy resins. This flame was thought to be pure and untouched by mortals. The flame was used to kindle sacred fires.
Water
Water can be represented by a bowl of water on the altar and is associated with the direction West. One could also use a glass of wine or fruit juice to represent water. It's colour is blue and it is represented in the sea, rain, snow, and rivers. Water is used in spells for cleansing, revitalizing, removing hexes or calling upon any sort of change. Water has to do with the emotions. It is a feminine element and the fourth and final quarter called upon in casting a magick circle. The spirit beings associated with water are called undines. Mermaids can also be considered water spirits.
Spirit
Spirit is everywhere. In a sense Spirit is what brings all of the elements together. It is our linking to the higher forces. One can represent spirit on an altar in any way they feel comfortable with.
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