Many of
        us use the elements in our circle work. But how many
        of us have looked into what those elements represent?
        
         Elements can be thought of as aspects of Nature, which have been
        separated into individual conditions. To open the door to this awareness
        we need to let in the idea that we are a part of Nature.
        We are not separate from it, nor are
        we separate from the elements.
        
         When we call on the elements, are we speaking only to the basic
        idea
        of the temporal event, or is there something more implied? 
        If we look a little deeper we can
        find there is more there.
        That these elements are not just
        ‘things to call on’ - they are part of
        what we are made of in a physical, and a metaphysical sense.
         There is much more exciting
        stuff to know about the
        elements than just their names.
        
         Imagine how creative our rituals would be if we had a more
        in-depth
        understanding of those elements.
        
         I have used elements on many occasions outside of circle rituals
        to help
        strengthen my understanding of how things ‘work’.
        You can too.
        In order to give you a greater
        understanding of the elements, I’d like
        to offer you an overview of the ‘hidden’ meanings included in each
        of them.
         
        
        I will use the main 4 elements here,
        with Spirit – sometimes called a fifth
        element – being implied within all the elements.
        
         Once we find the deeper knowledge of the elements we will also
        have
        a deeper understanding of how other parts of this magical world
        operates, and how we interact within it.
        
         IS there something magical hidden within the elements?
        
         The elements are used by so many of us in our rituals.
        They
        inspire us!
        
         We can add to our understanding of the elements so we can expand
        our
        understanding of nature and how we interact with in – how we
        are a part of nature and how Nature contains us.
        
         We are made up of the ‘elements’ in a magical sense too.
        Every fibre of our physical being
        contains all aspects of the elements.
        So, it makes sense to have a basic
        understanding of what these elements
        are, what they represent, and how to use them in our magical workings.
        
         First of all we need to look at this with an open mind.
        
         When we stand inside the circle and call on the
        elements, what exactly are we doing?
        
         We are not only calling something ‘out there’ in to us for a
        short
        while, we are also reminding ourselves of the meaning, the spirit if you
        will, of that specific element. We are drawing on the essence
        of the element and asking it to resonate WITHIN us.
        For those moments we are opening our
        minds to the essence of that element.
        
         It’s essence.
        
         That essence resonates within us as we speak the name, or think of
        the
        element. We then become aware of that essence resonating within
        us, and outside us within the greater realm of Nature.
        And if we are practiced in the area,
        we feel the deep connection of
        ourselves with Nature – not with fear or trepidation, but with intense
        joy!
        
         It’s the act of speaking or thinking the name which connects us
        to
        the natural resonance of the element, and the energy of the element
        becomes expanded within us for the duration of our focus upon it.
        
         As within so without! Part of the magical understanding
        of “As Above – So Below” is included here.
        Magical Stuff!
        
         So having a more in-depth understanding of what the element
        means can make our rituals even more fulfilling.
        
         Maybe even more exciting!
        
         First of all there’s a difference between calling of the
        elements within
        a magical framework, and simply saying the names out loud.
        
         Just speaking the name out loud, even with an understanding of
        the chemical structure of these elements isn’t enough
        to create a ‘magical’ space, or understanding.
         
        
        We need to look into how each
        element is part of the greater
        Nature, and how each element resonates in the same
        way in Nature as it does within us.
        
         Once we can see this interaction and comparison, we can enjoy
        a deeper relationship with all parts of our surroundings.
        Just a simple walk down the street
        can have a magical aspect to it.
        This goes hand in hand with the
        concept of “Know Thyself” too, so
        you can see how an understanding of the elements
        can be useful on many levels.
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