| The Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, & Water In Paganism the four Elements are given personalities and attributes, similar to the Goddesses and Gods. I have always been drawn to the Elements -- in fact, it was in researching the elements that I "discovered" Paganism as a spiritual path. In my view it is good for you to know something about the elements to understand some of what you read in Pagan literature. If you are fascinated and want to know more, then dive in! If this doesn't do much for you now, then get a basic understand and move on to something more interesting. You will find when exploring the elements that many groups over the centuries have given attributes to the elements. There are variations to this scheme, but these are popular correspondences. | Earth | Physical Manifestations | Plants, animals, food, medicine, work, money | Direction:
North | | Air | Mental Processes | Thoughts, imagination, argument, creativity, memory | Direction:
East | | Fire | Emotional Processes | Enthusiasm, inspiration, passions, energy, willpower | Direction:
South | | Water | Relationships & Spiritual Development | Family, friends, lovers, children, spiritual connections, spiritual life | Direction:
West | In some traditions, particularly when using a pentacle or pentagram (a 5 pointed star), the element of water is given fully to relationships and Spirit becomes its own element. Two of my favorite resources on the elements, both with many exercises as well as information, are Elemental Power, by Amber Wolfe, and Wisdom of the Elements, by Margie McArthur.
   
Calling the Elements
North
Hail and welcome powers of the Earth
Powers of stability, security and fertility.
Bless my rite and protect this circle.
East
Hail and welcome powers of Air
Powers of freedom, perception and thought
Bless my rite and protect this circle
South
Hail and welcome powers of Fire
Powers of love, healing and nature
Bless my rite and protect this circle
West
Hail and welcome powers of Water
Powers of emotions, feelings, and dreams
Bless my rite and protect this circle. |
| |
First 
