Elemental Magic

The Four Cardinal Elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are the energetic
building blocks of the Magical Universe. They each embody specific qualities
that when properly understood can be used to excellent effect to mould and
change the world around you. We each draw our personal Energy from atleast
one of these Elements.

The Element of Earth is stable and slow to change and rules growth and cycles.
The suit of Pentacles is the Earth suit. Work, money, material goods and bodily
health all come under the Element of Earth. Earth's colours are green, brown and
gold.

Air is the Element of the mind and pure intellect. Thought and speech are
governed by Air. Air is a pervasive and highly changeable element. Mercurial
qualities of communication of ideas and principals. The suit of swords is ruled by
the Element of Air. Air's colours are yellow and orange.

Water is fluid and subtle, its currents are that of emotion and feeling.
Relationships, friendships and love are governed by the Element of Water as is
the suit of cups. Water's colours are the shades of blue.

Fire is the Element who's spark kindles all creativity and governs the growth of
all creative projects and endevors. Art and new ways of being are ruled by Fire
and its suit is that of Wands. Fire's colour is red.

Each individual has a "Power Element" that they can draw upon to recharge and
increase their personal power. There is an excersise that you can perform alone or
with others to find your Power Element. Having other magical persons present helps
because they can watch your Aura to see which element has the most effect upon and
within you. Ideally you could make a camping trip to a spot in the woods by a lake
or a river, even the sea. Make sure there is a safe place for a fire pit as well.
This will create an ideal environment for each of the four stages of this exercise
as well as an excellent opportunity to bond with other magical individuals if you go
in a small group.

Firstly find a place in a field or the woods where you will not be disturbed and
try drawing the Earth's energy up through your feet and hands then through all your
Chakras. How does this feel? Are you empowered? Do you find it easy to pull from
the Earth or do you feel resistance? If there is another with you have them observe
you to see what effect the Earth's energy has on you.

Next go to a lake, river or ocean and imerse yourself in the water, atleast your
hands and feet, if water is hard to find you can use a bath or a shower though
nature is best for this exercise. Draw in the water's energy through your hands and
feet and through your Chakras. Ask yourself all the questions you asked at the Earth
exercise and if you have anyone with you have them observe your level of energy.

For the Air exercise go to a clearing or a hill, if possible climb a bit up a
mountain if there is one in the area. Stand in the stream of the Air's flow under the
open sky and raise your hands. draw in the energy of the air flowing around you and
the sky above you. Again ask the pertinent questions and have the others check as you
check them in turn. You will want to take note of anything you feel or think in each
of these exercises to at the summation you can make your decision as to what element
you favor though it should be fairly obvious when you have encountered your true Power
Element. These exercises will also allow you to get to know the feel and the
differences inherent in each element giving you valuable, intimate knowledge of each.

You may now build a fire in the pit or if this is not possible, have a lighter you can
spark and hold cupped in your hands. Standing before the fire pit, reach your hands
toward the flames and draw the fire's energy into your body and through your Chakras.
Take extreme care not to burn yourself or light any loose clothing ablaze. If fire is
not your element you may burn more easily than one who is favored by Fire. Ask the
questions and observe as before. When you have finished these four exercises you can
sit back by the fire and discuss what you have learned about yourselves and the
Elements themselves. You should now be very aware which Element best serves you and
this will be the one you draw from in the future when you are feeling drained or if you
need more power before practicing magic.