Silverm00n
03-24-2006, 12:41 AM
reference: D.J. Conway: Wicca the Complete Craft
The four Elements or quarters used by Witches when they cast a circle are based on the four directions of the terrestrial plane. These Elements are called Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The fifth element, Spirit, defines the center of the sacred circle. In ritual and magic, these Elements are associated with the four directions of a consecrated circle, the four directions of the zodiac, and the four directions of the universe.
When Witches cast a circle, they define and seal the circumference of the circle first with a wand or athame and consecrated water. Then, they call up the guardians of the four directions, beginning in the east and ending in the north. Depending upon the preference of the solitary Witch or a group, these quarters may be called Watchtowers, the Rulers, Lords and Ladies, or Gods and Goddesses. Some use the titles and beings listed in old grimoires of ceremonial magicians. These astral beings are called Elementals, meaning they are connected with the Elements. They have their existence in the Elements and work with the powers of the Elements.
The Elements should be thought of as states of being. They have force and form that exists on an astral level rather then being physical. Each Element possesses particular characteristics, qualities, and magical purposes that set it apart from each of the other Elements and the Elementals.
Elements can appear to the Witch in any form or shape that they wish. However, they usually will align themselves with the cultural description expected by the human calling upon them. Every country has its tales of elemental spirits. Although the names and descriptions may vary from country to country, the behavior and powers remain basically the same. All Elementals have some human resemblance, with the Earth and Water creatures having the most human-like physical characteristics.
Elementals exist on the astral levels and are as real in their plane as humans are on the physical plane. They are seen primarily through the "inner eyes" or their presence is perceived by intuitive feelings, rather than seen by the physical eyes. Elementals are alive and able to see, hear, feel, touch, and talk, although they do not act in the same manner as humans. They evolve and progress in their own special way, but never become human. Although they do not experience sickness as we know it, they can be injured or killed by violence.
Each Elemental exists and operates within its own Element, never venturing into the realms of other Elements. As living astral beings, Elementals can control their particular Element. They also are capable of molding that Element into a physical desire when properly approached by a magician and asked to cooperate. They can cooperate with the Elementals of the other Elements, but cannot use the powers of Elements other then their own.
Elementals will respond to harmonious and friendly thoughts, although they do not ordinarily involve themselves with humans. Some can be very small in size, while others are large. All Elementals are capable of changing size at will. If provoked, they can be very mischievous, causing all kinds of problems and troubles.
Sometimes an Elemental will take up residence in a piece of jewelry, amulet, talisman, or statue. If the item is treated with love and respect, the Elemental will stay and bring good luck. We find this mentioned in old stories about the genie of the lamp or ring.
The following definitions and correspondences of the Elements are based primarily on texts of European ceremonial magic.
Earth:
Earth is associated with the physical plane and the sense of touch. In Wicca, Earth is associated with the North and the color dark green or black. Amoung ritual tools, Earth is symbolized by the pentacle, images and statues, gems, mountains, soil, caves, and mines. Ritual work with the Earth can include prosperity, employment, stability, fertility, success, partnerships, and surrendering selfwill. Earth is also connected with the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air:
Air is associated with the mental plane and processes, and the sense of smell. In Wicca, Air is associated with the East and the color yellow. Amoung ritual tools, Air is symbolized by the wand and incense. Symbolic images of Air are the sky, winds and breezes, clouds, the breath, and all vibrations. Ritual work with Air can include creative visualization, the seeking of knowldedge and inspiration, psychic hearing, harmony, herbal wisom, plant growth, ideas, revealing the truth, finding lost objects or people, and the training of any psychic abilities. Air is also connected with the astological signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Fire:
Fire Elementals are usually quite small, but can become enormous when a fire gets out of control or enlarges. They are the most mishchievous and unpredictable of all Elementals. These beings are attracted by candles, lamps, and fire in general. In Wicca, Fire is associated with the South and the color red. Amoung ritual tools, Fire is symbolizedby the sword, athame, candles, the incense burner, and burned herbs or papers. Symbolic images of Fire are the sun, lightning, volcanoes, the rainbow, stars, and blood. Ritual work with Fire can include changes, perception, illumination, love and passion, will power, destruction of barriers or problems, healing, and purification. Fire is also connected with the astrological signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
The Fire Element must be used with great care by the Witch and magician because it is the most difficult to control and manipulate. Apprentices should never work with the Fire Element alone.
Water:
The Element of Water is associated with the astral plane and the sense of taste. In Wicca, Water is associated with the West and the color blue. Amoung ritual tools, Water is symbolized by the chalice, cauldron, mirrors, and all water of liquid. Symbolic images of Water are the ocean, lakes, rivers, wells, pools, rain, mist, and fog. Ritual work with Water can include healing, emotions, communicating with spirit, purification, the subconscious mind, love and friendships, fertility, marriage, sleep and dreams, and the psychic. Water is also connected with the astrological signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Spirit:
Although Spirit is the fifth Element it is seldom used, if at all, in magic. It is represented by the center of the circle and the color brillaint white. It has no rulers or beings other than the Goddess and that God. Ritual work with the Element of Spirit can include enlightenment, seeking the life's path, understanding karma, and the unveiling of the ancient spiritual Mysteries.
It is important to include symbols of all four Elements in every ritual so that the astral and spiritual energies will be balanced. An over-predominance of one Element will have an adverse effect on the ritual and the participants. Each Element will balance its opposite in the circle. Earth will balance Fire, keeping this volatile energy from causing chaos, just as Air balances Water.
All magic recognizes that the four Elements must be used to produce a satisfactory outcome from spellwork. This means that without the use of the Elements, Witches or magicians cannot create their desire on the astral plane and have that desire manifest in this physical world. These Elements correspond to four distinctive types of astral energy that can be molded by magical techniques into a desired form. Ancient occult philosophers taught that all life is composed of these Elemenets, and, without them, could not exist. Therefore, no magical spell has the power to create unless you use all four Elements.
Events in human lives also should contain the equivalent of the four Elements, or chaos will reign. Earth represents the physical body and common sense. Air symbolizes the mental level and study, thought, and constant learning. Fire is the physical activity, while Water represents the emotions. If a person studies, takes care of physical resposibilities, and is empathetic with others, but does no physical activities to bring about a desired result, that desire will never materialize. Also, if one expends all the necessary physical activity needed, is empathetic toward others, and studies, but doesn't use common sense, the desired manifestation will be off center and not what one wanted.
The four Elements or quarters used by Witches when they cast a circle are based on the four directions of the terrestrial plane. These Elements are called Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The fifth element, Spirit, defines the center of the sacred circle. In ritual and magic, these Elements are associated with the four directions of a consecrated circle, the four directions of the zodiac, and the four directions of the universe.
When Witches cast a circle, they define and seal the circumference of the circle first with a wand or athame and consecrated water. Then, they call up the guardians of the four directions, beginning in the east and ending in the north. Depending upon the preference of the solitary Witch or a group, these quarters may be called Watchtowers, the Rulers, Lords and Ladies, or Gods and Goddesses. Some use the titles and beings listed in old grimoires of ceremonial magicians. These astral beings are called Elementals, meaning they are connected with the Elements. They have their existence in the Elements and work with the powers of the Elements.
The Elements should be thought of as states of being. They have force and form that exists on an astral level rather then being physical. Each Element possesses particular characteristics, qualities, and magical purposes that set it apart from each of the other Elements and the Elementals.
Elements can appear to the Witch in any form or shape that they wish. However, they usually will align themselves with the cultural description expected by the human calling upon them. Every country has its tales of elemental spirits. Although the names and descriptions may vary from country to country, the behavior and powers remain basically the same. All Elementals have some human resemblance, with the Earth and Water creatures having the most human-like physical characteristics.
Elementals exist on the astral levels and are as real in their plane as humans are on the physical plane. They are seen primarily through the "inner eyes" or their presence is perceived by intuitive feelings, rather than seen by the physical eyes. Elementals are alive and able to see, hear, feel, touch, and talk, although they do not act in the same manner as humans. They evolve and progress in their own special way, but never become human. Although they do not experience sickness as we know it, they can be injured or killed by violence.
Each Elemental exists and operates within its own Element, never venturing into the realms of other Elements. As living astral beings, Elementals can control their particular Element. They also are capable of molding that Element into a physical desire when properly approached by a magician and asked to cooperate. They can cooperate with the Elementals of the other Elements, but cannot use the powers of Elements other then their own.
Elementals will respond to harmonious and friendly thoughts, although they do not ordinarily involve themselves with humans. Some can be very small in size, while others are large. All Elementals are capable of changing size at will. If provoked, they can be very mischievous, causing all kinds of problems and troubles.
Sometimes an Elemental will take up residence in a piece of jewelry, amulet, talisman, or statue. If the item is treated with love and respect, the Elemental will stay and bring good luck. We find this mentioned in old stories about the genie of the lamp or ring.
The following definitions and correspondences of the Elements are based primarily on texts of European ceremonial magic.
Earth:
Earth is associated with the physical plane and the sense of touch. In Wicca, Earth is associated with the North and the color dark green or black. Amoung ritual tools, Earth is symbolized by the pentacle, images and statues, gems, mountains, soil, caves, and mines. Ritual work with the Earth can include prosperity, employment, stability, fertility, success, partnerships, and surrendering selfwill. Earth is also connected with the astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
Air:
Air is associated with the mental plane and processes, and the sense of smell. In Wicca, Air is associated with the East and the color yellow. Amoung ritual tools, Air is symbolized by the wand and incense. Symbolic images of Air are the sky, winds and breezes, clouds, the breath, and all vibrations. Ritual work with Air can include creative visualization, the seeking of knowldedge and inspiration, psychic hearing, harmony, herbal wisom, plant growth, ideas, revealing the truth, finding lost objects or people, and the training of any psychic abilities. Air is also connected with the astological signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
Fire:
Fire Elementals are usually quite small, but can become enormous when a fire gets out of control or enlarges. They are the most mishchievous and unpredictable of all Elementals. These beings are attracted by candles, lamps, and fire in general. In Wicca, Fire is associated with the South and the color red. Amoung ritual tools, Fire is symbolizedby the sword, athame, candles, the incense burner, and burned herbs or papers. Symbolic images of Fire are the sun, lightning, volcanoes, the rainbow, stars, and blood. Ritual work with Fire can include changes, perception, illumination, love and passion, will power, destruction of barriers or problems, healing, and purification. Fire is also connected with the astrological signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
The Fire Element must be used with great care by the Witch and magician because it is the most difficult to control and manipulate. Apprentices should never work with the Fire Element alone.
Water:
The Element of Water is associated with the astral plane and the sense of taste. In Wicca, Water is associated with the West and the color blue. Amoung ritual tools, Water is symbolized by the chalice, cauldron, mirrors, and all water of liquid. Symbolic images of Water are the ocean, lakes, rivers, wells, pools, rain, mist, and fog. Ritual work with Water can include healing, emotions, communicating with spirit, purification, the subconscious mind, love and friendships, fertility, marriage, sleep and dreams, and the psychic. Water is also connected with the astrological signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Spirit:
Although Spirit is the fifth Element it is seldom used, if at all, in magic. It is represented by the center of the circle and the color brillaint white. It has no rulers or beings other than the Goddess and that God. Ritual work with the Element of Spirit can include enlightenment, seeking the life's path, understanding karma, and the unveiling of the ancient spiritual Mysteries.
It is important to include symbols of all four Elements in every ritual so that the astral and spiritual energies will be balanced. An over-predominance of one Element will have an adverse effect on the ritual and the participants. Each Element will balance its opposite in the circle. Earth will balance Fire, keeping this volatile energy from causing chaos, just as Air balances Water.
All magic recognizes that the four Elements must be used to produce a satisfactory outcome from spellwork. This means that without the use of the Elements, Witches or magicians cannot create their desire on the astral plane and have that desire manifest in this physical world. These Elements correspond to four distinctive types of astral energy that can be molded by magical techniques into a desired form. Ancient occult philosophers taught that all life is composed of these Elemenets, and, without them, could not exist. Therefore, no magical spell has the power to create unless you use all four Elements.
Events in human lives also should contain the equivalent of the four Elements, or chaos will reign. Earth represents the physical body and common sense. Air symbolizes the mental level and study, thought, and constant learning. Fire is the physical activity, while Water represents the emotions. If a person studies, takes care of physical resposibilities, and is empathetic with others, but does no physical activities to bring about a desired result, that desire will never materialize. Also, if one expends all the necessary physical activity needed, is empathetic toward others, and studies, but doesn't use common sense, the desired manifestation will be off center and not what one wanted.