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Throughout the civilized ancient world-Sumeria, Egypt, India, the Aztecs,
native America, Greece and more-the same idea emerged to see the substance of
life in four elements:
air,
fire,
water and
earth.
Although some traditions
differ slightly in the assignment of correspondences, the principles are
much the same.
So widespread is this idea of the elements that it lives today in many of
our idiomatic expressions, commonly used even by people who may never have
thought about their origin. Think of it! How often have you heard such
things as these:
- He has a fiery temper!
- You're all wet!
- What an airhead!
- She's an old stick-in-the-mud.
- He is so down-to-earth.
- Her head is in the clouds.
- Light a candle under him!
- That really put a damper on my plans!
- She's like a breath of fresh air!
- That clinging vine will strangle him!
- He's drowning his sorrows.
- She's sure burned up!
…One could go on and think of many more.
Virtually all occult and mystery traditions use the elements in magick.
Elemental correspondences are the basis for the Tarot, and for regular
playing cards, as well. Astrological interpretations rely heavily on
elemental correspondences. Wiccan traditions assign the elements to
Watchtowers, which mark the four cardinal points of the magickal circle.
To each Watchtower is called its Guardian, a spirit or power of the
element assigned to that direction, who controls the Elementals associated
with it. The elemental powers are called to protect the circle and bring
to those within it certain desired attributes of the element. A balanced
life requires attention to all of the elements within.
Although there is some variation in traditions as to which element is
assigned to which direction, the most common see East as
Air, South as
Fire, West as
Water and North as
Earth.
Copyright © 2000-2008
Maria Kay Simms
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THE CRAFT
Facts about The Craft
What are Wicca and Witchcraft?
The Wiccan Rede
& the Law of Three
The Pentagram
The Elements
Air |
Fire |
Water |
Earth
The Wheel of the Year
The Timing of the Sabbats
Samhain |
Yule |
Imbolc |
Ostara
Beltane |
Litha |
Lughnasad |
Mabon
Magical Moon
Maria Kay Simms' monthly column on
lunar and astrological events to
help you plan your magickal calendar.
Recommended Reading
Moon Tides, Soul Passages,
The Witch's Circle,
A Time for Magick,
Future Signs, and
Your Magical Child
by
Maria Kay Simms
Books on Spellcraft
Books on Wicca & related subjects
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