The Elements

Many of us use the elements in our circle work. But how many of us have looked into
what those elements represent?

Elements can be thought of as aspects of Nature, which have been separated into individual conditions. To open the door to this awareness we need to let in the idea that we are a part of Nature. We are not separate from it, nor are we separate from the elements.

When we call on the elements, are we speaking only to the basic idea of the temporal event, or is there something more implied?

If we look a little deeper we can find there is more there. That these elements are not just ‘things to call on’ - they are part of what we are made of in a physical, and a metaphysical sense.

There is much more exciting stuff to know about the elements than just their names.

Imagine how creative our rituals would be if we had a more in-depth understanding of those elements.

I have used elements on many occasions outside of circle rituals to help strengthen my understanding of how things ‘work’. You can too.

In order to give you a greater understanding of the elements, I’d like to offer you an overview of the ‘hidden’ meanings included in each of them.

I will use the main 4 elements here, with Spirit – sometimes called a fifth element – being implied within all the elements.

Once we find the deeper knowledge of the elements we will also have a deeper understanding of how other parts of this magical world operates, and how we interact within it.

IS there something magical hidden within the elements?

The elements are used by so many of us in our rituals. They inspire us!

We can add to our understanding of the elements so we can expand our understanding of nature and how we interact with in – how we are a part of nature and how Nature contains us.

We are made up of the ‘elements’ in a magical sense too. Every fibre of our physical being contains all aspects of the elements. So, it makes sense to have a basic understanding of what these elements are, what they represent, and how to use them in our magical workings.

First of all we need to look at this with an open mind.

When we stand inside the circle and call on the elements, what exactly are we doing?

We are not only calling something ‘out there’ in to us for a short while, we are also reminding ourselves of the meaning, the spirit if you will, of that specific element. We are drawing on the essence of the element and asking it to resonate WITHIN us. For those moments we are opening our minds to the essence of that element.

It’s essence.

That essence resonates within us as we speak the name, or think of the element. We then become aware of that essence resonating within us, and outside us within the greater realm of Nature. And if we are practiced in the area, we feel the deep connection of ourselves with Nature – not with fear or trepidation, but with intense joy!

It’s the act of speaking or thinking the name which connects us to the natural resonance of the element, and the energy of the element becomes expanded within us for the duration of our focus upon it.

As within so without! Part of the magical understanding of “As Above – So Below” is included here. Magical Stuff!

So having a more in-depth understanding of what the element means can make our rituals even more fulfilling.

Maybe even more exciting!

First of all there’s a difference between calling of the elements within a magical framework, and simply saying the names out loud.

Just speaking the name out loud, even with an understanding of the chemical structure of these elements isn’t enough to create a ‘magical’ space, or understanding.

We need to look into how each element is part of the greater Nature, and how each element resonates in the same way in Nature as it does within us.

Once we can see this interaction and comparison, we can enjoy a deeper relationship with all parts of our surroundings. Just a simple walk down the street can have a magical aspect to it. This goes hand in hand with the concept of “Know Thyself” too, so we can see how an understanding of the elements can be useful on many levels.

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