The Elements

The western concept of elements knows four elements that are the concepts the universe is built from: earth, air, fire, water, sometimes complemented by a fifth element, spirit. This system is by no means universal. There is a different system of elements that is based on the five elements of earth, water, fire, metal and wood. This system is more common in eastern school of thought. However, in neopaganism and western magic, the four elements are a concept widely known, believed and utilized.
Historically the four elements originate from ancient Greek philosophy. Empedokles framed the idea of four qualities, not only corresponding to the states of matter, but also being the eternal, invariable basic building blocks of the universe. Everything is composed of a combination of these four elements.
There have been some changes in the interpretation of the exact meaning of the elements over time. As an example, today we know a lot more about the building blocks of matter and do not take that aspect literally. From Greek philosophy, the elements made it into mediaeval alchemy and magic, and this is how they ended up in Wicca.
So, what are the elements? Once again, I have no definite answer, only a try at my personal explanation. Elements are a central part of the huge network of associations used in western symbolism. Everything can be attached to one element or a combination of two or more elements. Once you mention them, there is an immediate flood of associations. However, they are not empty symbols. They are names, symbols for very powerful – and very real – forces, or rather, energies. On the physical level, they are linked to the different states of matter – solid, liquid, gaseous, plasma. On a personal level, they may be linked to certain experiences, states of mind. On an energy level, they are pure force, each different to the other. On the level of entities, there are elemental beings, or elementals, associated with each element. There are certain Gods associated with each element. The list is endless. The most important part is this: you can experience them. And that will help you much more than any explanation I could give you. We will take four weeks to go through the different elements. I will talk about each of the elements and then offer an exercise.
There is a beautiful song/chant by desert wind about the earth goddess Gaia that goes

“The earth is my body,
her water is my blood,
her winds are my breath,
her fire is my spirit” [1]

The elements are not only the building blocks of the universe, but also the forces of life.

[1] Desert Wind,Gaia, Earth Goddess: Ritual Dances of the Mother, 1992