The magickal world is divided into four elements or basic principles: air, earth, fire, and water. These elements are a basic component of magickal symbolism used in ritual and magickal practices. The magical elements are also of some importance in astrology and tarot.
As the nature of magick is about using natural powers, symbols, and tools it is very important to understand the elements which are the basis for the magickal world. The magical elements can be viewed as forces or qualities of energy within the astral world that form building blocks for all that exists including the physical world. It is through the interaction with the elemental forces and energies that magick affects change in the physical.
Symbols for the Elements
In magick each element has a symbol and color associated with it. The common symbols are all based on an equilateral triangle. Air is a triangle pointing upwards and with a horizontal line through the middle of it. Earth is a triangle pointing downwards and with a horizontal line through the middle of it. Fire is a triangle pointing up. Water is a triangle pointing down.
Elemental Symbols
| Element | Symbol |
| Air |  |
| Earth |  |
| Fire |  |
| Water |  |
Colors of the Elements
Colors for the elements are typically yellow for air, brown and/or green for earth, red for fire, and blue for water.
Elemental Colors
| Element | Color |
| Air | Yellow |
| Earth | Brown/Green |
| Fire | Red |
| Water | Blue |
Properties of the Elements
The four elements are not viewed in purely physical terms. The properties of the magickal elements involve two basic interactions of expansion and contraction. The principle conditions of these properties are wet, dry, hot and cold. Air is wet and hot. Earth is dry and cold. Fire is hot and dry. Water is cold and wet.
Elemental Correspondences
In magick there is a relationships between all things. Such a relationships is called a correspondence. There are many correspondences for each of the elements. These are useful when constructing rituals, during magickal practices, choosing herbs for potions or incense, and for decorating a magickal temple.
Using various symbols that correspond is important in magick. One symbol will relate or be interconnected in meaning with another symbol. This aids the magickian in surrounding herself with many different correspondences appropriate to the desired working or ambience which assist in vividly affecting the senses. This is done to strengthen her magickal connection with the astral world (or inner planes).
| Element | Tarot Suite | Direction | Archangel |
| Air | Wands | East | Raphael |
| Earth | Pentacles | North | Uriel |
| Fire | Swords | South | Michael |
| Water | Cups | West | Gabriel |
Zodiac Signs & Elements
The signs of the zodiac (astrological signs) also have corresponding elements. Air is ruled by Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Earth is ruled by Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Fire is ruled by Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Water is ruled by Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Further Reading
- Air, Earth, Fire & Water in Magick Wiki
- Working With The Elements by Anja Heij
- Elemental Associations by Michael Lewis
