Earth is the element of form, binding, and manifestation. From an
occult perspective the element of Earth is the lowest in vibratory
rate of the four elements. Most modern Witchcraft/Wiccan Traditions
consider Earth to be a feminine² element.
Creatures known as Gnomes, a dwarf-like race, symbolize the active
magickal principle of the elemental Earth. In a metaphysical sense,
the color of Earth is yellow, symbolizing its vitality, activated by
the sun, and it is associated with the Northern quarter. Some Wiccan
Traditions associate Earth with other directional quarters and other
colors. As a magickal agent the element of Earth is symbolized by the
ritual tool known as a pentacle. In astrology the zodiac signs
Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are associated with the element of Earth.
Air is commonly associated with mental activity and is considered
masculine¹ in nature.
In modern Wicca/Witchcraft the magickal agent of the element of Air
is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign the wand to
Air because it was once a branch moving in the wind. Other traditions
assign the element of Air to the ritual blade because of the sound a
blade can make when slicing the air.
Creatures known as Sylphs, a fairy-like race, symbolize the active
magickal principle of elemental air. In a metaphysical sense, the
color of Air is blue and it is associated with the Eastern quarter.
Some Wiccan Traditions associate Air with other directional quarters
and other colors. In astrology, the zodiac signs Aquarius, Libra, and
Gemini are associated with the element of Air.
In old occult lore it was believed that spirits and ghosts had the
power to wrap themselves inside the wind, giving them the ability to
become invisible. From this lore, we find other associations such as
the presence of a ghost indicated by areas of cold air.Howling winds
were believed to carry spirits of the night. Because of the
association of air, sudden gusts of wind were attributed to spirits
and poltergeists.
Fire is sometimes known as the living element. It is perhaps the most
ancient symbol of divinity. Fire is a living principle of duality,
providing light and heat to aid humankind, while at the same time
being a force of death and destruction. The eternal flame is a common
theme in ancient Mystery Cults and typically represents the eternal
presence of Divinity. Among the ancient Greeks, Hestia symbolized the
divine living flame, as did Vesta among the Romans.
The ancients believed that fire could lie hidden in a piece of wood.
By rubbing two pieces together the fire could often be coaxed from
the wood. Once fire was produced the ancients often transported the
flame on the end of a giant fennel stick, a custom that later
associated fennel with the forces of light. The connection of fire as
the living spirit latent in wood drew worshippers to establish and
maintain sanctuaries for their deities within the forests, long after
the creation of towns and cities. According to ancient legend,
statues of deities were encased in a bundle of branches and
transported to a new location when another sacred grove was to be
established. In this manner the "fire" of the deities' spirit was
conveyed from grove to grove.
In modern Wicca, Fire is one of the four creative elements. It is
traditionally linked to the color red, although this does differ
among the various traditions. As a magickal agent the element of fire
is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign elemental Fire
to the ritual blade because the blade was forged in Fire. Other
traditions assign it to the wand because of the use of wood as a
torch. In astrology the zodiac sign Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are
associated with Fire.
Water is an element associated with the west quarter. It is a symbol
of regeneration, renovation, and dissolution. In occultism beings
known as Undines are creatures of this element. Traditionally, the
element of Water is associated with the color green - in many modern
Wiccan/Witchcraft Traditions the color is blue.
In modern Wicca, Water is symbolized by the ritual tool known as the
chalice. The chalice contains either water or wine that is used for
ritual or magickal purposes. In astrology the zodiac signs Pisces,
Cancer, and Scorpio are associated with the element of Water.
Akasha meaning pure spirit, is the fifth element.It is the subtle
spiritual essence that pervades all space. It is not ether itself,
but is an ether-like substance of a spiritual rather than material
nature. Essentially, Akasha is to ether what spirit is to physical
matter. In ancient writings, such as the Puranas, Akasha is said to
operate through sound or vibration. Thus it is identified with the
element of Air, and in a spiritual sense with the "breath of god"
concept in ancient Hebraic texts. Where we read in the book of
Genesis that the "spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters,"
we can see Akasha in action through motion. In occultism, Akasha is
considered to be an indispensable element of each magickal act.
To move energy in a ritual, spell, or work of magick is to evoke
Akasha. Akasha is an element of the kundalini force as well, lying
latent at the base of all magickal operations. The power of Akasha,
as it relates to kundalini, is an "occult electricity." This energy
rises with our emotions and desires, and is the basis for fertility
of mind, body, and spirit. It is the energy of motivation, passion,
and determination.
On a larger scale, Akasha is one of the Tattvic Tides³ of occult
philosophy, an energy form that is most active at sunrise. As one of
the Tattvic Tides, Akasha emanates the power of spirit to harmonize
the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The ancient myths
of Western civiliztion tell of a time when the chaos was brought into
harmony by the intervention of spirit. This is the symbolism of the
pentagram, the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
controlled by spirit. In ancient Roman mythology the four elemental
winds were the gods Borus, Eurus, Notus, and Zephyrus. Above them was
a higher god, Aeoulus, who kept watch over them.
¹ In an occult sense, "masculine" refers to the characterisitics of
specific types of energy rather than to gender.
² In an occult sense, "feminine" refers to the characteristics of
specific types of energy rather than to gender.
³ Tattvic Tides are energy fluctuations within the magnetic field of
earth.