The Elements

The Elements of old were the foundation of the physical world. They were considered the foundations of all things that exist, and were not only explored within occult traditions but were used as the basis for all manner of philosophy and science, ranging from medicine to alchemy. The tradition has not faded. Indeed, in modern society “the elements” most commonly refer to the periodic table of elements, which –as did the four elements of old—break down the building blocks of all matter into their simplest components.  

In many magical traditions, the elements are similarly the root of all things physical. This can be found throughout the world, both within western magical traditions as well as the philosophies of Asia.  Within western traditions, we find most commonly the elements described as Earth, Air, Fire and Water, though in some modern spiritualists also describe Spirit as a fifth element. 

In these traditions, Earth is often viewed as the element from which all things gain substance. It is what makes all things solid, and from it do all things grow. It is an element of balance, which can help one form solid foundations in meditation and other mental and astral explorations, and provide the basis for spiritual and emotional growth in all things. When out of balance, tensions may grow and the world may tremble, but balance is often restored after these pressures are released.

 But Earth does not sustain alone.  All things that grow are also nurtured by the element of Water. Water is, by its very nature, fluid. It is every changing, finding its way into every crack and every aspect of all things. It is the glue that holds complex substances together, much as our blood carries the nutrients, oxygen, and other qualities we need to survive. From it we can learn to adapt to all situations, crash like waves, and find courses through the hardest of situations. 

Within all things that live and exist, we also find the spark of the element of Fire. Often viewed in its most primal nature, Fire is frequently seen as an element of passion, anger, and other potent emotions. But fire is not only born of extremes. It is also a subtle thing that can provide sheltering warmth. As such it is the element of love, and is often invoked when seeking to kindle a new romance or restore the heat to one that has grown cold. The trick with fire is that it can be difficult to predict, and the slightest influence can cause it to grow out of control.  From fire it is important that we learn not to be burned up and consume by jealousy, rage, and other such negativity. 

And then we come to the Element of Air. Air in form and theory is a slippery element to grasp. It is often viewed as cold and elusive, and in occult practice is believed to influence thought, whim, creativity, and other such mental qualities. It is unseen but for when it is mingled with other elements, such as when it stirs up dust, waves, and smoke. From Air we can learn to be as ever changing as the wind. We can learn to move mountains, much as the wind might wear them down to dust – with time and patience.

And last, but not least, we also have what some refer to as the fifth element, Spirit. An aspect of the divine to some, the energy that is part of all things to others, spirit was not traditionally considered an element until much more modern practice. Spirit is that part of us that one might call a soul. It is what all other spirits, angels, demons, Faeries, and other such creatures of the Ether and Astral might be composed of. One might debate that from spirit springs the concepts of right and wrong, and with it comes morality and other such abstract concepts. 

As mentioned, we also find similar practice and theory on the other side of the world. For example, in Japan the elements are much the same, with slight differences in where the aspects of each element are attributed. These elements are Chi (Earth), Sui (Water), Ka (Fire), Fu (Wind), and Ku (Void). Ku, or Void, explores qualities of life much along the lines of Spirit, describing those aspects that are pure energy, as well as our ability to communicate. Like spirit, it is considered the highest of the elements.

In Chinese philosophy, we see the five elements explored as the elements of Mu (wood), Fire (Huo), Earth (Tu) Metal (Jin), and Water, (Shui).  Often attributed qualities much along the lines of those found within Western and Japanese traditions, the study of these elements is expanded within a balance between Yin and Yang, or the opposing, balanced forces within all things. Within this practice, the elements are explored and used to understand the environment, and can still be actively found used to treat illness of all varieties within traditional Chinese medicine. 

No matter your philosophy, or no matter the culture from which it springs, the elements provide much more than one might observe at first glance. Beyond more practical applications within spells, traditional medicine, and other such philosophy, they provide us an opportunity to learn and grow more enlightened through the study of the environment that surrounds us. Embracing just one or two, or stepping past all of them together, can leave one as out of balance as the natural world would be without all of the elements appearing within its intricate cycles.