In almost all Western magical and spiritual systems, the four elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth are considered the core components of the universe and of the self. Their qualities permeate our beings. We all have a unique combination of these qualities, and we all benefit by balancing them.
What are the Elements?
The Greek philosopher Empedocles, in the fifth century BCE, defined the elements as the “material cause of existence” – both physical substances and spiritual essences.
Air: Within ourselves, we can find Air physically in the breath, and spiritually in thinking, ideas, inspiration, language, and humor.
Fire: Fire in the body manifests as temperature and in the nervous system. On a non-physical level, Fire is passion, lust, anger, energy, intensity, and willpower.
Water: Our bodies are composed largely of water—the bloodstream and the lymphatic system circulate Water within us. Spiritually, Water is where we find our emotions, our dreams, and our subconscious mind.
Earth: Earth is the physical; in the body, it is weight, sinew, muscle, and fat—anything solid. Non-physically, it is practicality, commitment, common sense, caution, and interconnection.
Our Elements, Ourselves
It’s easy to see that all of us have qualities of all four elements, but often we’re out of balance. People can be impractical and foolish (not enough Earth), thoughtless (not enough Air), emotionless (not enough Water), or lacking in energy (not enough Fire).
We might think of ourselves as having “too much” of an element—thinking that a hot temper is too much Fire, for instance—but as a rule it’s a lack of the other elements that’s the problem. I never advise trying to decrease an element, but rather, working to bring the other elements present so that we are more balanced.
Balance is key.
An Elemental Altar
One way to stay balanced is to spend a little time each day meditating at an elemental altar. Create the altar as follows:
Find a small spot for your set-up: A nine-inch square is plenty. You can mark the spot by placing a cloth or tray.
For Air, add a fan, a feather, some incense, or an essential oil for aromatherapy (lavender is ideal).
For Fire, add a candle.
For Water, add a cup or dish of water, or a seashell.
For Earth, add a dish of salt, or a piece of granite.
Place the four items in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. If you like, you can use a clear quartz crystal in the center to represent yourself.
Daily Practice
For the words that follow, substitute qualities that you seek to balance within yourself. For example, for Water, where I say “I am loving,” you might want to say “I am a dreamer,” or “I go with the flow”—whatever is meaningful for your balance in your life.
Stand or sit before the altar and take some deep, cleansing breaths.
Pick up the feather or fan, or light the incense, or inhale the scent, and say “I am Air, I am thoughtful.” Put the item back down.
Light the candle, pick it up, and say “I am Fire. I am passionate.” Put the candle down, but leave it lit.
Pick up the water or seashell and say “I am Water, I am loving.” Put the item down.
Pick up the salt or stone and say “I am Earth, I am practical.” Put the item down.
Say “I am balanced.”
Meditate for as long as you like. Finish by blowing or snuffing out the candle.
Article by Deborah Lipp
Deborah Lipp’s most recent books include Bending the Binary: Polarity Magic in a Nonbinary World and Magical Power for Beginners. Her earlier works include: Tarot Interactions, The Study of Witchcraft, The Elements of Ritual, The Way of Four, Merry Meet Again, and The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book. One of these things is not like the other. Deborah has been teaching Wicca, magic, and the occult for over 30 years. She became a Witch and High Priestess in the 1980s, as an initiate of the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca. She’s been published in many Pagan publications, including newWitch, The Llewellyn Magical Almanac, Pangaia, and Green Egg, and has lectured on Pagan and occult topics on three continents.
Article published in More to Life – Edition 68
