The Elements

Many Spiritual paths try to break down life into its basic parts to make the vastness of all that is, more understandable. Most Pagan beliefs do this as well. In Wicca these “basic parts of life” are represented as the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. This classification system goes very far back into European history. Even the ancient philosopher, Plato, taught that Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether (spirit energy) were the “Elements of Life”.

It is important to understand that even though is possible to think of these Elements of Life as individual, all the elements are actually in union and do not exist in isolation except in our conception of them. For example, all elements will be found in a tree. The fact that it is physical makes it earth, the sap makes it water, its processing of the air (its breath) makes it air, its photosynthesis and spark of life make it fire and its spirit makes it ether. Although, we may work or think of the elements individually, this is because doing so gives us better understanding and mental focus in our spiritual workings.

It is equally important to understand that each element has three levels to it. They are the physical level, the mental level and the spiritual level. These three levels also exist in union, rather than in isolation from the other levels except as we may think of them in our own minds.

The physical level is the element in the physical universe that we can experience with the senses. At this level, it is part of the world around us and/or part of our bodies. For example, Earth is experienced in the mountains, trees, animals, our bodies etc.

At a mental level, the element is symbolic of those things that we mentally connect with that element. It is what it represents in our minds eye. For example, Earth can represent work and the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of our labors. The sequoia can be a symbol of strength. The opening of a flower can mean renewal or birth.

At a spiritual level, the element is or represents the Divine. For example, the caves of the Earth and the embrace of their dark shadows may represent the “Divine Mysteries”. The Earth herself is the Mother Goddess, Gaia.

In pagan ritual, each element corresponds to a “quarter” section of a circular ritual space. Each quarter faces either the North, the East, the South or the West and is named for the direction it is oriented towards. In many traditions Spirit is associated with Center. However, in The Coven of the Standing Stones, Spirit is recognized as being within each element/quarter rather than at the center of the circle. Whether the element is associated with the North, East, South, West depends on the tradition one is following. For instance, Some traditions may correspond earth to the East and Air to the North. However, in the tradition of the Coven of the Standing Stones we have the following correspondences. We have included some examples of how they may apply.

North: Earth - The earth itself and all its land creatures and life forms. The fertility of the earth. Corporeal life, death and rebirth. Dryads, Gaia or the idea of “foundation” etc. This element is also associated with a ritual tool known as a pentacle.

East: Air - The air that we breath and which and clears our mind. Birds. Our voice both used to speak and to express our visions in song. The harmony of life. The wind that fills the sail of the sailors that they may travel. The God Mercury, the Sylphs. The ritual tool that Air is associated with is the wand.

South: Fire - Fire that warms the hearth and home and brings us together. The Goddess Brigit’s forge that transforms all. Our fiery will that carries our actions through to completion. Passion for living. The phoenix rising from the flames. An athame is the ritual tool for this element.

West: Water - The waters of the ocean which are the womb of the great nurturing Mother. The cleansing powers of water and tears. Mystery that is the unknown in the depths of the ocean. Poseidon. Depths of the spirit which are the well of psychism. Etc. The chalice is the tool corresponding with the element of Water.

To know the elements is to know ourselves, the world around us and the world of spirit. The elements are one of the most powerful tools of the craft.