Earth, Air, Fire & Water

In magick we work with four main elements - Earth, Air, Fire & Water (along with a fifth, Spirit/Ether). We call upon the elements when casting a circle and when casting certain types of spells.

The elements make up everything around us, they are within us and all around us in nature and even in man-made objects.

Earth:

The element of Earth represents grounding and keeping our feet on the ground. It is the element closest to the physical world as it is linked to our own physical planet. Earth governs responsibility, money, security, loyalty, business, stability and growth. Earth is considered by many to be the foundation for each of the other elements as without it they would not exist.

Earth is represented in the North (or South for those in the Southern Hemisphere), it rules the season of Winter and is represented by forests, gardens, caves, valleys and fields.

Those born under the Astrological signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are considered Earth personalities. Earth personalities tend to be very family orientated, are grounded and very practical people. Earth personalities need to grow continuously and may feel confined if they are not allowed to do so – they love to be doing something at all times and are often natural gardeners or find work within natural therapies working with herbs and oils.

Within magick, Earth is represented by the Pentacle, earth (dirt) or salt. It is generally associated with Thursdays and the Winter Solstice. The element of Earth is called upon for spells and rituals involving money and finances, growth, gardening, business, horticulture, male fertility, career and work, happiness and family stability.

Correspondences of Earth:
Sabbats/Season: Winter Solstice, Yule.
Day/Times: Thursdays, Night/evening – particularly midnight.
Zodiac /Tarot: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. The suit of pentacles, The Devil.
Planets: Saturn, Earth
Animals/Elementals: Bull, Cow, Stag, Deer, Bison, (all horned animals), dog, bear, snake, wolf, ant, horse. Gnomes, Dwarves, Brownies, Trolls.
Colour: Earthy tones, browns, black, white, gold and dark green.
Chakra: Root Chakra
Deities: Adonis, Athos, Arawyn, Gaia, Diana, Persephone, Cernunnos, Pan, Thor, Herne, Marduk, Demeter, Epona, Rhiannon.
Symbols: Upside down triangle with horizontal line across. Circle with a cross in the centre marking four quarters. Caves, Valleys, dirt, salt, grounding, farmland, pentacles, rocks & stones, hag stones.
Tools: Pentacle, Earth (dirt), salt, stones, cord.
Gemstones: Raw stones and crystals, rocks in general, quartz, bedrock, jet, emerald, tourmaline, granite, peridot, onyx, jasper – all rocks and stones particularly brown or black
Herbs: Cedar, Cypress, Comfrey, Ivy, Grains and Seeds, Honeysuckle, Patchouli, Motherwort, Primrose, Sage, Vetivert, Nuts, Oak, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Salt.

Air:

The element of Air represents our intellect, thought, mentality and memory. Air is the most ethereal of the four main elements as it helps create balance between them.

Air is represented by the East and the season of Spring (like all elements, those practicing in the Southern hemisphere may be drawn to reverse the direction and/or season). Air is associated with change, travel, thoughts and ideas, creativity and study.

Personalities of those born under the influence of Air, or Astrological signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, tend to be more analytical in their way of doing things. Air types are rational thinkers who like to plan ahead and have every piece of information available before making their decisions. They enjoy intelligent conversations as well as a good debate! The shadow aspect of this element and personality trait is that they can become too critical and potentially paranoid leading them to live in their own fantasy world.

In magick, Air is represented by the wand, feathers, censer and incense (some paths also include Athame or Sword). It is associated with the time of Dawn and any spells or rituals involving study, memory, practical and creative endeavors along with psychic work and manifestations. Air is also connected to communication.

Correspondences of Air:
Sabbats/Season: Ostara, Spring
Day/Times: Zodiac /Tarot: Dawn/Day break, Aquarius, Gemini and Libra. Suit of Air or Swords (traditionally), The Fool and the Kings.
Planets: Mercury
Animals/Elementals: Birds, particularly Hawk, Eagle and Falcon. Insects and Spiders. Fairies and Sylphs, Dragons.
Colour: White, light blue, lavender, grey (light grey), yellow – colours of dawn, pastels.
Chakra: Third Eye
Deities: Mercury, Hermes, Thoth, Shu, Arianrhod, Ostara, Aradia, Athena, Urania, Nuit, Iris
Symbols: Upright triangle with horizontal line through it, circle with a dot in the centre. Tornados and whirlwinds, leaves blowing.
Tools: Wand/Athame (depending on personal preferences), Feathers, Incense, Censer
Gemstones: Amber, Citron, Blue Quartz, Blue Chalcedony, Blue Lace Agate, Topaz, Fluorite, Amethyst, Howlite, yellow and blue stones – gems in general.
Herbs: Acacia, Almond, Apple, Anise, Benzoin, Comfrey, Cypress, Citrus peel and fruits, Clover, Fern, Frankincense, Gum Arabic, Bergamot, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Ivy, Lavender, Lemongrass (most lemon herbs), Mugwort, Myrrh, Oakmoss, Pansy, Parsley, Peppermint, Primrose, Sage, Vervain, Violet, Yarrow, Vanilla.

Fire:

The Element of Fire is associated with the Sun and rules passion, desire, imagination and creativity. Fire not only cleanses and purifies, but it also causes destruction and is often seen to represent death and rebirth most commonly in the aspect of the birth of the God. 

Traditionally, Fire rules the South, however many in the Southern Hemisphere reverse this when casting a circle to be called in the North quarter - toward the equator where the Earth is at its’ hottest.

Fire is the only element which can not naturally exist without another, it needs to consume another element in order to physically exist. This does not make it “scary” or dark, it simply means it needs a spark to ignite it’s fiery passion. We too need that spark or an idea or feeling in order to use our own fire within to create and give birth to our ideas and aspirations. 

In witchcraft, fire is commonly used in spells to increase energy, passion, love and lust, courage, new beginnings, strength and protection, power, purification, transformation and destruction or releasing (generally by writing on parchment what you wish to release before burning it to ash). It is also used in kitchen magick, infusing ingredient as cooked.

Athames, swords and candles are placed on altars to represent the element of fire and it relates to Summer, Sundays, the waxing moon and 12 noon. 

Correspondences of Fire: 

Sabbats/Season: Beltane, Samhain and Litha (Summer Solstice)

Day/Times: Sunday, Waxing moon, 12 noon

Zodiac /Tarot: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius. Judgment (major arcana), Wands (traditional minor suit)

Planets: Sun, Mars, Pluto

Animals/Elementals: Lion, Dragon, Snake, Scorpion, Phoenix, Ram, Coyote, Fox. Salamander, Sprites, Djinn

Colour: All shades of Red, Orange, Gold, White

Chakra: Solar Plexus

Deities: Ra, Apollo, Mars, Ares, Vulcan, Horus, Brigit, Freya, Vesta, Durga, Themis (and more)

Symbols: Flame, Triangle with point up (Alchemical symbol), Sun, Stars, Volcanoes, Lightning bolts, Double-edged Axe.

Tools: Athame, Fire, Wand, Candles, Burned items (herbs, parchment)

Gemstones: Red Jasper, Blood Stone, Fire Opal, Garnet, Ruby, Carnelian, Tiger Eye, Obsidian, Lava Stones, Gold, Steel & Brass. (Plus most red, orange, gold or yellow stones & any formed from fire or volcanoes)

Herbs: Dragons Blood, Patchouli, Bay, Marigold, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Mustard, Tobacco, Allspice, Basil, Garlic, Juniper, Onion, Almond, Chilli Peppers.

(Fire herbs tend to be spicy or “warm”)

Water:

The Element of water is associated with Venus and the Moon and rules our emotions, both conscious and subconscious, along with our dreams. Water as an element heals, cleanses and purifies, revitalizes and offers emotional release. 

In Tarot, Water is represented by the suit of Cups – an easy way to remember this is that water is often drunk from a cup, to connect with emotions think of tears. 

Typically, Water is represented in the West and by the season of Autumn – however in the Southern Hemisphere, some prefer to align Water to the East and with the Season of Spring. There is no real right or wrong way, just remember that your magick is as unique as you are and trust your intuition. 

Water personalities, those born under the Astrological signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio, are generally very connected on a Spiritual level. Water types can often be more emotional and sensitive to other signs. They are also often very aware and possess high intuition, psychic and even mediumship abilities. Water personalities tend to live their lives based on feelings rather than using their head, they follow their hearts, often leading them to acting quite spontaneously. These personalities need to be near water and will find that spending time in watering holes or on the beach keeps them grounded and balanced.

Within Magick, Water is represented by the Chalice, Cauldron and often mirrors. It is ruled by Mondays, the Twilight hour and the Moon Cycles. Water is often used in spells of love, forgiveness, clarity, healing and compassion as well as seeking visions or in meditation.

Correspondences of Water: 

Sabbats/Season: Autumn (not a Sabbat, but used in cleansing rituals) 

Day/Times: Zodiac /Tarot: Twilight (sunset), Monday, Pisces, Cancer & Scorpio, Queens and The Hanged Man (Tarot) and the suit of Cups.

Planets: Venus, the Moon (feminine)

Animals/Elementals: All creatures of the Ocean, lakes, rivers and watering holes; cat, frog, turtle, swans, bear, dragons, sea serpents, mermaids and undines. 

Colour: Blue, white, all shades of blue-green-black, watery colours.

Chakra: Heart Chakra

Deities: Aphrodite, Isis, Yemaya, Kupala, Tiamat, Ran, Ea, Osiris, Neptune, Poseidon, Varuna, Manannan, all Water Gods and Goddesses from all traditions and beliefs.

Symbols: upside down triangle (point facing downward), circle with single line through the middle (horizontal) 

Tools: Cauldron, Chalice, Mirrors

Gemstones: Aquamarine, Atlantisite, Amethyst, Blue Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, (all blue stones), Beryl, Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Pearl, Silver, Sodalite.

Herbs: Aloe vera, apple, catnip, chamomile, ferns, gardenia, lemon, lettuce, lilac, lily of the valley, lotus, mosses, orris, passionflower, rose, seaweeds, thyme, valerian, water lilies, willow, all water plants and all plants associated with the Moon and Venus.

(Originally written for and published as individual articles for Mystic Tribe Magazine, 2017-2018 as a four-part series on the Elements, visit the magazine online: https://www.facebook.com/mystictribemagazine/)

Shielding ~ Spiritual Protection

Shielding is an important spiritual practice and can be done to protect your energy field from spirits, negative energies and even other people - I don't mean from physical harm from other people but rather from those people who absorb others' energies and leave you feeling down, tired and drained. These people are known as Energy Vampires, and most people know of at least one in their lives.

So what is shielding? Shielding is a term we use to define a shield or bubble of protection. The most commonly used method of shielding is "white lighting" or "white bubble". 

 

Even Comic books, Cartoons and movies have depicted bubble shields, many times! This is pretty much how you would imagine your bubble shield to look. 

Why do we shield ourselves? to protect from negative energies and those who drain us of our positive energy. Have you ever walked into a room or building and it just felt "odd"? or perhaps you know someone who whenever they are around you feel drained, empty and possibly angry? These are all times when shielding is needed.

Before you go putting up your protection shield, you first need to be sure that you don't have negative energy yourself. A good cleanse is always good practice and you should certainly be sure you have cleansed you own energy before shielding yourself.

Cleansing can be done in several ways, smudging with white sage, palo santo or sacred herbs and resins is most common. Ringing bells, clapping your hands and chanting are other good cleansing techniques. 

Once you've cleansed your energy, it's also a good idea to ground yourself. (If you haven't already before cleansing).

The easiest way to shield yourself, is to imagine a bright white light of pure positive energy radiating around you, this can take form of a bubble which encases your body and aura in it's protection. 

Other ways are visualizing a suit or armor like a knight would wear, that you "put on" other people I know use visualization to shield themselves in other ways as well. I have been throwing up walls of fire to block energy lately which has been working quite well for me.

As with all magic and spiritual practices, find what feels right for you. Each of us is different and once you have the basics covered you can work on those to adapt to your own way and find what works for you.

This is just a very basic guide to shielding, there is a wonderful amount of detailed information available online for those who need more guidance. 

Lyllith Xx

Grounding Your Energies

Grounding is easy to do and something I STRONGLY suggest learning and practicing regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs.

Do you ever feel a bit "spacey" or not quite "here"? this means you are not grounded, grounding is also useful when you feel emotional, whether sad, angry or too overjoyed. Grounding basically brings you back to reality and stabilizes you in your body and anchors you to the Earth.

So HOW do you Ground yourself?
There are a few different ways to do this, I'll list the most common and easiest way here...

The best way to do this to be seated on the ground itself, not always practical and not necessary, but for the best results I suggest trying it at least once to really feel it working.

Clear your mind as best you can, then focus and imagine all the negative thoughts, emotions, confusion etc. joining together and forming a ball of energy, I generally see the energy ball in my stomach. Then as it grows you want to visualize it moving down into the Earth itself, deep down into the center of the Earths' core.

Visualize the Earth core burning this energy ball up and turning it into a new ball of positive energy, a bright white light (or gold or blue whichever works for you) which is full or positive emotions, thoughts and energy.

Then see this new positive energy ball move up through the Earth and into your body. As it becomes part of you you are filled with positive energy. Repeat the steps, realeasing negative and drawing in positive until you feel calm and collected.

Another method is the "Tree Roots" method. I personally prefer this to the Energy ball, but it could be because I often ground myself while walking or out in public and find it easier and faster.

Start the same way, clear your mind and focus. This time you will imagine or visualize a cord, roots (like tree roots) or energy shards (like lightning) which come from your body and go deep into the Earth, into the core.

The cord, roots or shards you have visualized now act as a freeway for energy to flow between your body and the Earths' core. Draw up all of the negative thoughts, emotions and confusion etc. and push this energy down through the path you created and into the Earths' core. Then the same thing as before, see this energy transform into positive energy and draw it back up through your pathway and into your body.

Again, repeat this until you feel calm, collected and "heavy"

The feeling of being "heavy" means you have grounded yourself successfully, it can be a weird feeling at first if you've never felt it before. I compare it being anchored, like a boat to a dock, but you have anchored yourself to the Earth itself.

Once you get the hang of it, you can practice grounding anywhere and at anytime. If you're feeling stressed at work, or in line at a shop or bank just ground yourself and see how much of a difference it can make!

You don't need to be sitting down, you can ground yourself while walking, even driving (maybe not until you get the hang of it lol)

Blessings!

Lyllith Xx

Image found on Google search some time ago, apologies for not having the original source listed, If I find it I will update the article.

Smudging ~ An Easy Guide

Smudging is an ancient ritual carried out by all different religious faiths and backgrounds. Some may use different herbs and say specific prayers but when it comes down to it, the ritual is performed for the same reasons, similar ways and produces the same outcomes.

So what is "smudging"? basically put, smudging is the burning of sacred herbs to remove stale, negative and unwanted energies from the home or from a person.

Smudging is based on a combination of spiritual, medicinal, herbal and cultural teachings from the past, modern day smudging rituals can be anything from fancy ceremonies with traditional prayers or simply lighting a smudge stick with the intention to clear out unwanted energies from your home, from an object, to cleanse your crystals or even yourself.

The easiest way to smudge your home, is to use a smudge stick or piece of Palo Santo wood. Some people prefer to burn loose white sage, or a blend of herbs chosen for their cleansing properties such as Lavender, Frankincense, Sweetgrass or Eucalyptus.

 

Smudging your home doesn't need to be a big fancy ritual with incantations or prayers and in this article we discus the basics of smudging and some easy ways you can do this yourself at home. 

Firstly, you will need a smudge stick, or some palo santo. We sell these in our online store, but you should also be able to find some at your local Health Food store or crystal shop if you can't wait for one of ours to arrive in the mail ;)

You'll also need something to sit the stick in afterwards, or a heat proof dish with some sand to extinguish the smudge after you're finished. Some people prefer to allow their smudge to burn out on it's own - we do this in our home, but extinguish if we are performing a House Clearing etc. for a client.

So, let's get down to it....

As with all spiritual work, Intention is the most important tool you have. Be clear on your intentions to clear out unwanted, stale or negative energy before you even start, this helps your intention set and grow as you perform the ritual.

Starting at your front door, light your smudge stick at the "loose or leafy" end. If you're using a Palo Santo chip, it doesn't matter which end you decide to light. To light your sage smudge stick, light as you would an incense stick, allowing it to catch alight before gently blowing on the end to create little embers which smoulder releasing the beautiful smoke.

Firstly, you want to "smudge yourself". This is quite simply waving the smudge stick all around yourself allowing the smoke to cleanse your body. Once you feel ready (you'll feel lighter and clearer) begin to make your way around the home.

Now, some people will tell you that you need to move in a certain direction, generally I tend to move to my left and work clockwise around the home and each room, but Dean tends to go in the opposite direction. We don't feel that there is a right or wrong way to do this so go with whichever direction you feel is right for you at the time, use your own intuition.

As you move around, enter each room you pass and allow the smoke to pass through everything you can, inside cupboards, under and behind furniture and over any objects which you feel drawn to give an extra smudge. 

Keep moving around the house in the same direction until you come back to the front door.

If you feel the need to go around a second time, do so. Otherwise smudge the front door and either place your smudge stick in a fireproof container outside the front entrance or extinguish it.

I like to talk to my smudge sticks, and to the smoke (when doing a smudge at home), I tell it to clear out any energies which aren't welcome, to move out stale energy and allow fresh energy to take it's place. You can say any prayers or words you feel appropriate or be silent it's up to you. 

There are many different ceremonies and traditional prayers for smudging, however the point of this article is to let you know how easy it can be to clear your home of "bad energy" in the easiest and simplest way. 

Smudging is a wonderful practice which we should all do whenever the house feels stale, stagnant or "heavy" and is, in my opinion, essential after arguments or bad days - we all have those!

Blessings! Lyllith Xx

[Images found on the Internet, unfortunately I couldn't find the original sources.]