Utilising the elements

Those of you with a keen eye may notice that the content for this week's blog has been lifted in the main from another section of the website. There is a reason for that - the year long Pagan blog project is coming to an end and I didn't want to let the project end without making reference to the use of the elements in magical workings.

Not all witches choose to use the elements, Traditional Witches in particular tend to focus more on calling upon the energies of ancestors rather than elements. But it cannot be denied that the four primary elements (and the less tangible fifth element Spirit) can play a valuable role in spell work. The elements can be invoked when casting a circle (again, very optional for witches) and their powers called upon to assist the caster. This may be termed "calling the corners," "calling the quarters," or (primarily in the Wiccan religion) "Evoking the Watchtowers.") 

The elements can be represented within workings, for example a candle may be lit to draw upon the power of fire and each element has traditional correspondences associated with it, though it must be stressed that these associations can vary between individuals and traditions.

Here are some of the key correspondences associated with the elements:

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Earth – To be still
Colours: Brown and Green
Time: Midnight
Age: Old Age
Season: Winter
Crystal: Citrine
Animal: Dogs and Horses
Emotion: Memory
Direction: North
Herbs: Patchouli, Vetivert, Mosses
Magical Tool: Pentacle
Ritual: Money, Prosperity,Grounding,Fertility
Judgement: Experience
Understanding: Literal

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Water – To dare
Colours: Indigo and Aqua
Time: Twilight
Age: Middle Age
Season: Autumn
Crystal: Moonstone
Animal: Fish and Dolphins
Emotion: Wisdom
Direction: West
Herbs: Water lillies, Roses
Magical Tool: Chalice 
Ritual: Purification, Love,Peace,Psychic
Judgement: Opinion
Understanding: Emotions

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Air – To know
Colours: Blue and Yellow
Time: Dawn
Age: Birth
Season: Spring
Crystal: Pumice
Animal: Birds
Emotion: Intelligence
Direction: East
Herbs: Fragrant Flowers
Magical Tool: Wand
Ritual: Knowledge, Instruction, Freedom
Judgement: Science 
Understanding: Deductive
Thought, Intellect, Freedom, 

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Fire – To will
Colours: Red and Gold
Time: Noon
Age: Youth
Season: Summer
Crystal: Carnelian
Animal: Snakes
Emotion: Will
Direction: South
Herbs: Thistles, Chilli Peppers
Magical Tool: Atheme
Ritual: Protection
Judgement: Faith
Understanding: Spiritual 

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Image - Elements - http://symenex.deviantart.com/art/elements-18534913 (Symenex)
Image - Earth - http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1422940 (Alfi007)
Image - Water http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1427872 (Jtkunley)
Image - Air http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1429880 (AlinWill09)
Image - Fire http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1422186 (puma_a)