Guest Author - Fiona Blackwolf

Wicca is a nature based religion. We follow the tides of the moon and the path of the sun in our celebrations. We honor the Earth and the world around us. One of the most important ways we incorporate the natural world into our daily lives and Wiccan practice is by honoring the elements, sometimes referred to as the Quarters or the Directions.

Generally, there are four elements that are recognized by all Wiccans. These are Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Often, depending on the tradition a person is working with, a fifth element is recognized, Spirit. Each of these elements has a different energy and fits into our practices in its own special way. Each has correspondences which can help give the practitioner a way to focus on the energy of the element he/she is working with. Let’s take a look at each element individually. Keep in mind as we do, that I work from a general, eclectic Wiccan path, and that I am in the Northern Hemisphere. There may be differences in associations in the working of other Traditions, and things in the Southern Hemisphere are generally opposite of the way I will present them.

AIR
Why start with Air? Air is the element of the East in most traditions. The east is where the sun rises in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the time and place of new beginnings, it is the morning. The Air is associated with thought processes and mental working, intelligence and learning. Birds, feathers, insects, clouds and the dawn are all associated with air. Its colors are generally yellows and pastels. Its music is that of bells and the wind instruments such as flutes. What makes you think of Air?

FIRE
As the sun moves from dawning to midday, we too move sunwise to the South. It is the noon time, the heat of the day. Fire is associated with movement and action, the fires of passion and anger. It is our will. Lizards, salamanders, scorpions, deserts, spices, sex, heat and the noonday sun are all associated with Fire. Its colors are reds and oranges and its music is that of the brass instruments, trumpets and horns. What makes you think of Fire?

WATER
Westward we go into the realm of Water. This is the time of the setting sun, the coolness of twilight. It is the rain and snow and the rushing rivers and oceans and streams. Water is the element of emotion and intuition. Tears are water, whether they are of sadness or joy. Our bodies are mostly water. Fish, waterfowl and wading birds, thunderstorms and twilight are all associated with Water. Its colors are blues and greens, turquoise and aqua. The strings play the music of Water, pianos and violins. What makes you think of Water?

EARTH
Continue the journey into the North to find the element of Earth. It it’s the dark time of rest; it is planting and nurturing seeds of all kinds. It is the place of growth and abundance, but it is also the place of death and returning to the Earth, to the Mother and to our ancestors. Most mammals and earth dwelling creatures are associated with the Earth. As are plants and trees, stones and seeds. Its colors are greens and browns and black. The music of the Earth is beaten out buy the drums. What makes you think of Earth?

SPIRIT
Spirit is an element that is hard to explain and even harder to show. It is a place that is not a place, above and below, within and without. It is the hub of the wheel of the year and the wheel of the elements, the top of the pentacle. Its associations are personal and are different for everyone. It has no real color, though some will say purple, gold, white or any pearly or iridescent colors. What makes you think of Spirit?

Why do I keep asking you to think about what you associate with each of these elements? Because like many aspects of Wicca, how you relate to the elements is very personal and individual. I have tried to give you some general themes but there may be some you don’t agree with or that you can add to the list. That’s great! Use whatever feels right to you when you are calling the elements into ritual, or asking their aid in magick, or just honoring them as part of your daily life. It’s your Wicca, do what you will.