AIR
Air is the beginning; the seed.
Mental
All things begin with an idea. Air is the beginning of all things. It is where thoughts, knowledge, and learning occur. Air is the element of communication.
It's color is yellow. It's time of day is dawn (where the day begins). It's season spring (where everything comes back to life after resting). It's moon phase is Waxing (where it's filling up to full). It's position is East. Like the sun and moon rise in the East – where the day and night begin – all things begin with Air.
Air associations are clouds, sky, birds, wind, tornadoes, airplanes and other aircraft, thoughts, learning, ideas, knowledge, teaching, yellow, and sky blue and white for cloudy skies, wands, Sylph
Astrological Air signs: Aquarius, Libra, Gemini
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Air Personalities:
Typical Air personalities are "light and fluffy" but like a fog they can be heavy and sort of "doom and gloom." But unless they have reason to be otherwise, Air personalities seem to be the happiest of the elementals. People with strong Air energy have a thirst for knowledge. Sounds like a Water quality doesn't it? It's not though, because Air represents the mind. All things start with the mind. They study, they always have a book, they are always looking to learn some new thing. Even if it doesn't seem like they use the knowledge, they want it anyway. Air, just like the other elements, does not sit still. Always moving. Actually, idleness makes an Air Witch uncomfortable. This personality may seem hyperactive, even annoyingly so. But always pleasant and accepting.
Mental
All things begin with an idea. Air is the beginning of all things. It is where thoughts, knowledge, and learning occur. Air is the element of communication.
It's color is yellow. It's time of day is dawn (where the day begins). It's season spring (where everything comes back to life after resting). It's moon phase is Waxing (where it's filling up to full). It's position is East. Like the sun and moon rise in the East – where the day and night begin – all things begin with Air.
Air associations are clouds, sky, birds, wind, tornadoes, airplanes and other aircraft, thoughts, learning, ideas, knowledge, teaching, yellow, and sky blue and white for cloudy skies, wands, Sylph
Astrological Air signs: Aquarius, Libra, Gemini
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Air Personalities:
Typical Air personalities are "light and fluffy" but like a fog they can be heavy and sort of "doom and gloom." But unless they have reason to be otherwise, Air personalities seem to be the happiest of the elementals. People with strong Air energy have a thirst for knowledge. Sounds like a Water quality doesn't it? It's not though, because Air represents the mind. All things start with the mind. They study, they always have a book, they are always looking to learn some new thing. Even if it doesn't seem like they use the knowledge, they want it anyway. Air, just like the other elements, does not sit still. Always moving. Actually, idleness makes an Air Witch uncomfortable. This personality may seem hyperactive, even annoyingly so. But always pleasant and accepting.
FIRE
Fire is the sprout.
Motivation
Ideas begin with Air, but we need motivation to ignite those ideas and bring them into physical form, this is where Fire energy comes in. Fire is desire, the soul itself, it is the “spark” that gets things started. It was warm, can be hot, and it's passionate and courageous. Fire is an initiator. It takes the idea and puts it into physical form.
Fire's color is red. It's time of day is noon (the brightest and sometimes hottest time of day). It's season is summer (the brightest and hottest season). It's moon phase is Full. It's position is South.
Fire associations are fire, flames, candles, rage, anger, courage, motivation, passion, dragons, swords, athame, Salamander, Ares/Mars
Astrological Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Saggitarius
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Fire Personalities:
Fire personalities, not surprisingly, are passionate and lustful. The key term for a Fire Witch is "individuality." They're often leaders not followers in most aspects of their lives, right down to their personal style. A Fire Witch usually dresses flashy, in styles that demand attention. Think about it - when does fire ever go unnoticed? Well, a Fire personality is the same. It commands attention. And just as Fire is lustful and sensual a Fire Witch may dress provocatively or gaudy.
Once pushed beyond the limits a Fire Witch will burn bridges and move on. There are no second chances once this limit has been reached. When a Fire Witch goes through her Phoenix transformation and you are on the wrong side of that transformation, she/he is born a new bird and doesn't carry on the same burdons. "If you play with Fire you are liable to get burned." Likewise, if you think you will scar a Fire Witch, she/he will return the favor.
Motivation
Ideas begin with Air, but we need motivation to ignite those ideas and bring them into physical form, this is where Fire energy comes in. Fire is desire, the soul itself, it is the “spark” that gets things started. It was warm, can be hot, and it's passionate and courageous. Fire is an initiator. It takes the idea and puts it into physical form.
Fire's color is red. It's time of day is noon (the brightest and sometimes hottest time of day). It's season is summer (the brightest and hottest season). It's moon phase is Full. It's position is South.
Fire associations are fire, flames, candles, rage, anger, courage, motivation, passion, dragons, swords, athame, Salamander, Ares/Mars
Astrological Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Saggitarius
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Fire Personalities:
Fire personalities, not surprisingly, are passionate and lustful. The key term for a Fire Witch is "individuality." They're often leaders not followers in most aspects of their lives, right down to their personal style. A Fire Witch usually dresses flashy, in styles that demand attention. Think about it - when does fire ever go unnoticed? Well, a Fire personality is the same. It commands attention. And just as Fire is lustful and sensual a Fire Witch may dress provocatively or gaudy.
Once pushed beyond the limits a Fire Witch will burn bridges and move on. There are no second chances once this limit has been reached. When a Fire Witch goes through her Phoenix transformation and you are on the wrong side of that transformation, she/he is born a new bird and doesn't carry on the same burdons. "If you play with Fire you are liable to get burned." Likewise, if you think you will scar a Fire Witch, she/he will return the favor.
WATER
Water is the growing tree.
Emotions
We can think of water as nutrition, it's what feeds the idea and motivation into the final result. If you want your body to be healthy and live to old age (the desired result) you need to follow through (water energy) with keeping it healthy. If you want your tree sprout to grow into a full tree, you need water.
Water flows and keeps things moving, often at an even and steady pace. It carries things from Point A to Point B (Point A being where you started, Point B being your desired end result). Water follows things through. This can be a slow process like slow moving water or it can be quick and maybe even a bit messy like turbulent or rushing waters. Think of when you are trying to do anything too quickly, it can be rather messy. The elemental energies work however you use them.
Water's color is blue. It's time of day is dusk (when the day is almost finished). It's season is autumn (when the year is
almost finished and things will be going into hibernation). It's moon phase is Waning (when the moon is fading to invisible). It's position is West.
Water associations are water, lakes, oceans, rivers, puddles, shades of sea blues and sea greens, dolphins, fish, whales, sea
stars, and all ocean animals, mermaids, cups, rain, Poseidon/Neptune, Undines
Astrological Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Water Personalities:
Water personalities are like water (big surprise, I know). They can be calm and tranquil, turbulent and violent, or stagnant. For the most part, though, Water personalities are calm and flowing. They take things in stride. Water is the emotions, likewise, Water Witches are emotional and have a higher attunement to empathic abilities. Sure, we are all natural empaths, but some people can read others better - that's the Water Witch. The Water Witch never has to guess how someone feels, they know, and they are accurate if they're using their Air qualities. Reading between the lines is easy for the Water Witch.
Water Witch may have the problem of feeling before thinking. This can cause a lot of emotional upset for the Water Witch who is said to wear his/her heart on his/her sleeve. A good use of Fire energy would protect them from this but there isn't always a proper balance.
Emotions
We can think of water as nutrition, it's what feeds the idea and motivation into the final result. If you want your body to be healthy and live to old age (the desired result) you need to follow through (water energy) with keeping it healthy. If you want your tree sprout to grow into a full tree, you need water.
Water flows and keeps things moving, often at an even and steady pace. It carries things from Point A to Point B (Point A being where you started, Point B being your desired end result). Water follows things through. This can be a slow process like slow moving water or it can be quick and maybe even a bit messy like turbulent or rushing waters. Think of when you are trying to do anything too quickly, it can be rather messy. The elemental energies work however you use them.
Water's color is blue. It's time of day is dusk (when the day is almost finished). It's season is autumn (when the year is
almost finished and things will be going into hibernation). It's moon phase is Waning (when the moon is fading to invisible). It's position is West.
Water associations are water, lakes, oceans, rivers, puddles, shades of sea blues and sea greens, dolphins, fish, whales, sea
stars, and all ocean animals, mermaids, cups, rain, Poseidon/Neptune, Undines
Astrological Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Water Personalities:
Water personalities are like water (big surprise, I know). They can be calm and tranquil, turbulent and violent, or stagnant. For the most part, though, Water personalities are calm and flowing. They take things in stride. Water is the emotions, likewise, Water Witches are emotional and have a higher attunement to empathic abilities. Sure, we are all natural empaths, but some people can read others better - that's the Water Witch. The Water Witch never has to guess how someone feels, they know, and they are accurate if they're using their Air qualities. Reading between the lines is easy for the Water Witch.
Water Witch may have the problem of feeling before thinking. This can cause a lot of emotional upset for the Water Witch who is said to wear his/her heart on his/her sleeve. A good use of Fire energy would protect them from this but there isn't always a proper balance.
EARTH
Earth is the full grown tree.
Physical
Earth is the final physical result, the goal that we worked towards by utilizing all the other elements. Without the other elements there would be no Earth. Earth (and Earth energy) relies on the other elements to exist. Just as any final result relies on ideas, motivation, and follow up to exist.
Earth's color is green. It's time of day is midnight (when most things are at rest). It's season is winter (when most of the earth itself hibernates). It's moon phase is the Dark moon (at its most invisible). It's position is North.
Earth associations are land, hills, burrows, forests, caves, squirrels, hedgehogs/groundhogs, bugs, crystals, rocks, stones, dirt, sand, metals, money, pentacles, Demeter
So, to pull that all together a little we have a simple example: If you get the idea to drive to the store. You first get the
idea to go or that you need to go (Air energy). You either want to go or you don't but you get ready to leave, this requires motivation (Fire energy). You drive or walk to the store. This is following through on your idea and motivation (Water energy). You arrive at the store and buy what you need, which is your desired end result (Earth energy).
Astrological Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Earth Personalities:
Physical
Earth is the final physical result, the goal that we worked towards by utilizing all the other elements. Without the other elements there would be no Earth. Earth (and Earth energy) relies on the other elements to exist. Just as any final result relies on ideas, motivation, and follow up to exist.
Earth's color is green. It's time of day is midnight (when most things are at rest). It's season is winter (when most of the earth itself hibernates). It's moon phase is the Dark moon (at its most invisible). It's position is North.
Earth associations are land, hills, burrows, forests, caves, squirrels, hedgehogs/groundhogs, bugs, crystals, rocks, stones, dirt, sand, metals, money, pentacles, Demeter
So, to pull that all together a little we have a simple example: If you get the idea to drive to the store. You first get the
idea to go or that you need to go (Air energy). You either want to go or you don't but you get ready to leave, this requires motivation (Fire energy). You drive or walk to the store. This is following through on your idea and motivation (Water energy). You arrive at the store and buy what you need, which is your desired end result (Earth energy).
Astrological Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Understand that your Sun sign's element may not be your strongest element
Earth Personalities:
Elemental Position Debate
There is debate on the placement of Water and Earth and which corresponds to Autumn and which to Winter
Some will say that it makes sense for Water to be Winter since water takes on many forms (rain, ice, snow) during winter. And that Earth makes sense corresponding to Autumn because of the harvest and foliage.
However, this would completely throw off the Circle or “chain of events.” Everything runs circular. Time, weather-vanes, seasons, and the elements run in a circular pattern not a zig-zag. By placing Earth's northern position to the west in order to represent Autumn and Water's western position at the north for Winter we would be throwing the circle.
We don't go from east to south to north to west anymore than we go from spring to summer to winter to autumn.
Remember that I say Earth is the ending element, the element responsible for the final product. Any number of books will back it up. And this holds true when you view the elements in a 3+1 manner = the mobile and fluid elements plus the stable and constant element. Earth is stable and constant, it is what gives us the final result.
To clear up the matter a little I had to pull on my magickal forces! (ie: my books!). Taken from The Way of Four by Deborah Lipp: Air is the seed, Fire the sprout, Water the sap, Earth the harvested plant. (A HIGHLY recommended read to anyone with a pure interest and true intent toward learning real magick! Learning the Elements is a foundation for any true magician.)
Here we are told that Earth has created the end result – the food that is ready to be eaten, basically. Yes, autumn is the time of harvesting, BUT, winter is the time you spend indoors eating and hibernating. If the food on your table was not the end result then I don't know what should be.
Seeds (air) are planted in the spring, Sprouts (fire) grow all summer, Sap (water) is ready to be uprooted and sold, Plant
(earth) is prepared for consumption.
It is true that a seed will not grow at all without first being planted in Earth's soil. But that doesn't place Earth's
position to the east at spring anymore than it places it west for autumn. I've said that there is overlap where the elements are concerned. Earth, for example is a part of every season and she makes her statements in loud and clear ways. She can't be missed. It's the other 3 elements that are tough to pin down. They are mobile and fluid and thus are not always easy to spot.
Earth is the final result, the physical body. Air is the mind, the lungs, and breath (space). Fire is the spirit, body-temperature, nervous and immune systems (sun). Water is everything fluid within: blood, sweat, tears, amniotic fluid, urine, sexual fluids, lactation, etc. (planetary rotation). Earth is the physical body, “completeness” (the Universe). Earth is the whole, the entirety of being. Without a physical body what do thought, spirit, and emotion do? Where do they go? And without space, sun, and planetary movement what would the Universe be?
We cannot say we have a final result before placing blood and emotion into a body. We cannot say we have a Universe without first having space, sun, and planetary movement. Therefore, we cannot say that we have food on our tables before we have watered or harvested them; 3+1 means that Earth will not produce a final result without the interaction of the other 3 elements FIRST. Earth will not grow without first being planted, sunned, and watered. Therefore, water comes before earth, and we know that logically, autumn comes before winter - it can't be altered.
So, water takes place to the west and, unfortunately, corresponds to the harvest. Earth takes place in the north and corresponds to winter. Not everything makes sense all the time. And a person with a proper level of air energy will not buck it on the basis of harvest vs. snow. Both spring and autumn are referred to as “the rainy season.” In summer, heat takes over and we can experience drought. In winter we experience freeze, neither of these is good for our crops. Earth is the slowest moving of the 4 elements. Winter is the slowest time of year.
Additionally, viewing the elements as 3+1 rather than 4 is seen clearly in the primary color correspondences. The four primary colors are yellow, red, blue, and green. But we all know that green is not actually a primary color since it is made by combining yellow and blue (Air and Water). Green would not exist without BOTH of these colors. Likewise Earth would not produce or exist without both elements of Air and Water happening FIRST. Water comes before Earth in the natural chain of events. All of this information overrides the harvest vs. snow concept.
It is my duty to know whereof I speak, not only as a mentor to some but also as a practitioner. And I do. Sometimes I take the
knowledge for granted and allow myself to experience my own confusion or laziness. But I don't think that impacts my credibility whatsoever. I am practiced and I am learned. And I'm more stubborn about it than I realized. Stubbornness is a trait of my sun sign. I use my books as reinforcements to the knowledge I already have and apply. I'm not perfect and can't keep everything memorized.
Spiritual paths and magick work are very personalized. If one would rather place Earth west for autumn and Water north for winter, then one can do so. But one should also not be surprised if their magickal workings also follow such a zig-zag formation. It's not natural; this throws off balance and the smoothness of transition. At the very least I would prompt one to think it over.
Most books and online references will say that Earth is North and that it is also Winter. As I said, it completes the circle that way. There are a few books, including Elemental Witch by Tammy Sullivan, that will place Water in Winter and Earth in Autumn. Fine. But incorrect. I highly respect and admire Tammy's work and her books have helped me an outstanding degree on my path, but she doesn't go into depth of elemental placement. In fact, most of the Elemental Persosnalities listed above are based on her book. But we can't throw off balance of transition simply because "it makes better sense" to rearrange it that way.
You will find very few works that place Water in Winter and Earth in Autumn, this is because those who study the elements extensively know better than to throw the balance of transition because "it makes better sense." Case Closed
Some will say that it makes sense for Water to be Winter since water takes on many forms (rain, ice, snow) during winter. And that Earth makes sense corresponding to Autumn because of the harvest and foliage.
However, this would completely throw off the Circle or “chain of events.” Everything runs circular. Time, weather-vanes, seasons, and the elements run in a circular pattern not a zig-zag. By placing Earth's northern position to the west in order to represent Autumn and Water's western position at the north for Winter we would be throwing the circle.
We don't go from east to south to north to west anymore than we go from spring to summer to winter to autumn.
Remember that I say Earth is the ending element, the element responsible for the final product. Any number of books will back it up. And this holds true when you view the elements in a 3+1 manner = the mobile and fluid elements plus the stable and constant element. Earth is stable and constant, it is what gives us the final result.
To clear up the matter a little I had to pull on my magickal forces! (ie: my books!). Taken from The Way of Four by Deborah Lipp: Air is the seed, Fire the sprout, Water the sap, Earth the harvested plant. (A HIGHLY recommended read to anyone with a pure interest and true intent toward learning real magick! Learning the Elements is a foundation for any true magician.)
Here we are told that Earth has created the end result – the food that is ready to be eaten, basically. Yes, autumn is the time of harvesting, BUT, winter is the time you spend indoors eating and hibernating. If the food on your table was not the end result then I don't know what should be.
Seeds (air) are planted in the spring, Sprouts (fire) grow all summer, Sap (water) is ready to be uprooted and sold, Plant
(earth) is prepared for consumption.
It is true that a seed will not grow at all without first being planted in Earth's soil. But that doesn't place Earth's
position to the east at spring anymore than it places it west for autumn. I've said that there is overlap where the elements are concerned. Earth, for example is a part of every season and she makes her statements in loud and clear ways. She can't be missed. It's the other 3 elements that are tough to pin down. They are mobile and fluid and thus are not always easy to spot.
Earth is the final result, the physical body. Air is the mind, the lungs, and breath (space). Fire is the spirit, body-temperature, nervous and immune systems (sun). Water is everything fluid within: blood, sweat, tears, amniotic fluid, urine, sexual fluids, lactation, etc. (planetary rotation). Earth is the physical body, “completeness” (the Universe). Earth is the whole, the entirety of being. Without a physical body what do thought, spirit, and emotion do? Where do they go? And without space, sun, and planetary movement what would the Universe be?
We cannot say we have a final result before placing blood and emotion into a body. We cannot say we have a Universe without first having space, sun, and planetary movement. Therefore, we cannot say that we have food on our tables before we have watered or harvested them; 3+1 means that Earth will not produce a final result without the interaction of the other 3 elements FIRST. Earth will not grow without first being planted, sunned, and watered. Therefore, water comes before earth, and we know that logically, autumn comes before winter - it can't be altered.
So, water takes place to the west and, unfortunately, corresponds to the harvest. Earth takes place in the north and corresponds to winter. Not everything makes sense all the time. And a person with a proper level of air energy will not buck it on the basis of harvest vs. snow. Both spring and autumn are referred to as “the rainy season.” In summer, heat takes over and we can experience drought. In winter we experience freeze, neither of these is good for our crops. Earth is the slowest moving of the 4 elements. Winter is the slowest time of year.
Additionally, viewing the elements as 3+1 rather than 4 is seen clearly in the primary color correspondences. The four primary colors are yellow, red, blue, and green. But we all know that green is not actually a primary color since it is made by combining yellow and blue (Air and Water). Green would not exist without BOTH of these colors. Likewise Earth would not produce or exist without both elements of Air and Water happening FIRST. Water comes before Earth in the natural chain of events. All of this information overrides the harvest vs. snow concept.
It is my duty to know whereof I speak, not only as a mentor to some but also as a practitioner. And I do. Sometimes I take the
knowledge for granted and allow myself to experience my own confusion or laziness. But I don't think that impacts my credibility whatsoever. I am practiced and I am learned. And I'm more stubborn about it than I realized. Stubbornness is a trait of my sun sign. I use my books as reinforcements to the knowledge I already have and apply. I'm not perfect and can't keep everything memorized.
Spiritual paths and magick work are very personalized. If one would rather place Earth west for autumn and Water north for winter, then one can do so. But one should also not be surprised if their magickal workings also follow such a zig-zag formation. It's not natural; this throws off balance and the smoothness of transition. At the very least I would prompt one to think it over.
Most books and online references will say that Earth is North and that it is also Winter. As I said, it completes the circle that way. There are a few books, including Elemental Witch by Tammy Sullivan, that will place Water in Winter and Earth in Autumn. Fine. But incorrect. I highly respect and admire Tammy's work and her books have helped me an outstanding degree on my path, but she doesn't go into depth of elemental placement. In fact, most of the Elemental Persosnalities listed above are based on her book. But we can't throw off balance of transition simply because "it makes better sense" to rearrange it that way.
You will find very few works that place Water in Winter and Earth in Autumn, this is because those who study the elements extensively know better than to throw the balance of transition because "it makes better sense." Case Closed