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 Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:28 am
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Welcome to the Class on Elements. This will be a 5 week course on the Elemental forces which are the very building blocks of life, the universe, and magick. All are welcome to come and learn.
Rules
1. Follow all Gaia TOS
2. Follow all guild rules.
3. No spamming, cursing, cybering, or bumping.
4. Be respectful and polite to others.
5. Feel free to ask questions, make suggestions, but no idle chatter. Save that for the commons.
Those enrolled:
Suelette
Sango and Kilala 22
Siren Stern
The 19th Lord of Salem
Classes start on Sunday, April 20th at 5 P.M. GMT and will be held every Sunday until June 1st at the same time, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. I will let you know of any changes. |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:25 pm
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Lesson 1: Overview of the Elements
Welcome to my first class on the elements. This week's lesson will be a basic overview and explaination of the elemenets, their basic properties, and their role in magick and Paganism.
There are five basic elements, though often only four are refered to. They are air, fire, water, earth, and aether/spirit. These elements have been known and understood since ancient times by the mystics and scientists of the day, from Japan to Ancient Greece. The 5 elements were the way people explained the natural and supernatural worlds, and were perhaps the first attempts at a scientific classification of the very basics of life. The elements survive today in modern science under different titles: solids (earth), Liquids (water), gases (air), energy (fire), and vacuum/void/ether/plasma (spirit).
The elements, in different combinations, make up everything in existance, both material and non material. They are the very basics of magick and Wicca, and essential to know and understand. Everything on your alatar has an elemental correspondance, and the directions used in magick are all ruled by an element. The elements are also an absolute must-know when one is using and studying astrology, as they are one of astrology's most basic principles.
Even we are composed of all five elements. We have physical bodies (earth), our bodies are 70% water, we breathe air, and produce warmth and energy, and we have souls/spirits. Most things in nature are a combination of the four basic elements, from the foods we eat to the clothes we wear.
The elements also figure heavily into the emotional/spiritual world that is not seen with human eyes. Different amounts of the elements show up in our personalities, and when a person has all five elements in balance, both physically and spiritually, one can truly be whole. When we can feel equilibrium of all the elements, we become truly amazing beings.
Here is a basic overview of the elements and some correspondences:
Air:
Color: yellow
Direction: east
Elemental Spirits: sylphs, winged fairies, elves
Altar Objects: censor or incense burner, The wand or athame (depends on tradition) fan, feathers, incense
Season: Autumn
Time of day: Dawn/Morning, 6 A.M.
Rules: the mind, thought, communications, invention, ideas
Personality traits: logical, emotionally detatched, inventive, contemplative, intellectual, talkative, curious, flighty, spaced out, ungrounded, eccentric
Zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Planets: Mercury, Uranus
Herbs/plants: benzoin, sandalwood, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, caraway, camphor, dill, maidenhair fern, pine, oregano
Animals: All flighted birds and flying insects, the cheetah
Stones and Metals:: aventurine, spinel, alexandrite, flourite, Mercury, Aluminum
Fire:
Color: Red
Direction: south
Elemental spirits: salamaders, the phoenix, centaurs
Altar objects: Athame or Wand (depends on tradition), candle, military objects
Season: Spring
Time of day: Noon/ mid-day
Rules: will, instinct, creativity, inspiration, lust, aggression
Personality traits: energetic, athletic-minded, inspiring, warm, short tempered, aggresive, combative, willful, creative, playful, capricious
Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagitarius
Planets: The Sun, Mars, Jupiter
Herbs/Plants: frankincense, dragon's blood, pepper, chili peppers of all kinds, wormwood, angelica, oak, garlic, onions, ginger, tumeric, paprika, amaranth, cactuses, oranges
Animals: Lions, tigers, leopard, jaguar, reptiles, animals that glow or produce light (like fireflies), horses
Stones/Metals: Gold, Brass, iron, steel, radioactive metals, garnet, carnielian, citrine, sunstone, ruby, topaz, bloodstone, red jasper, tiger's eye, diamond, clear quartz, ony, hematite,
Water:
Color: Blue
Direction: west
Elemental spirits: unidines, mermaids, sirens, nerids, river nymphs, selkies
Altar objects: Chalice or cup, liquids, seashells, starfish, anything from the sea
Season: summer
Time of day: dusk, twilight
Rules: the emotions, love, dreams, illusions, feelings, moods, beauty, romance
Personality traits: moody, dreamy, emotional, thoughtful, loving, manipulative, mysterious, imaginitive, guillable, probe to substance abuse, escapist tendancies, romantic
Zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Planets: The Moon, Neptune, Pluto
Herbs/Plants: Myrrh, water lilies, lotus, willow, seaweed, roses, jasmine, violet, spearmint, lilies, chamomile, majoram, geraniums, elder, blackberries, raspberries, birch, hyacinth, iris, apple, cherry, plum, lemon
Animals: all fishes, dolphins, orcas, whales, otters, seals, all water dwelling creatures
Stones/metals: silver, tin, platinum, moonstone, sapphire, aquamarine, rose quartz, amytheyst, sugilite, sodalite, blue lace agate, pearl, opal, coral, chrysoprase
Earth:
Color: green
Direction: north
Elemental Spirits: gnomes, dryads, wood nymphs, dwarves, brownies
Altar objects: pentacle, stones, plants, salt
Season: winter
Time of day: midnight
Rules: the body, manifestation, health, wealth, fertility
Personality traits: practical, down to earth, laid back, sensual, materialistic, stubborn, lazy, apathetic, lethargic, stable, generous, wise, realistic, depressing, hedonist, patient
Zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Planets: Venus, Saturn, Earth
Herbs/Plants: Cypress, cedar, fumitory, hemp, wheat, corn, mugwort, moss, pansies, poppies, ferns, mushrooms, patchouli, cumin, cardamon, magnolia, mimosa, tamarisk, barley, buckwheat, rice, carrot, grass
Animals: Cattle, Goats, Sheep, Wolves, bears, deer, elk, moose, worms, insects that live underground
Stones/Metals: lead, copper, bronze, moss agate, rutilated quartz, obsidian, malachite, emerald, turquiose, hematite, smoky quartz, green calcite, pipestone, soapstone, slate
Exercises for this week:
Simply wander about, and look for signs of the elements in everything, from the natural to the synthetic. Write down your impressions of each element, and observe them in congress. Write down in a notebook and share with the class. |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:27 pm
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Lesson II: Air, The Element of the Mind
This week we begin our journey around the Elemental wheel. First stop: Air.
Air is the first element you come to on the compass, if you start your circle in the east. It manifests itself as the atmosphere we breathe, the weather, the wind. Birds fly through it, pollen is carried through its medium to bring fertility and life to many species of plant. Its winds can carry both life giving rains or destruction. It can be a gentle breeze that stirs windchimes and carries the fragrance of herbs to our noses, or in its darker forms, it is the destructive tornado wantonly devestating entire towns. It is invisible but essential, ever present every second of our lives as we draw breath.
In magick, air is the element that rules the mind and communication. It isour logical and abstract thought process, how we communicate, the ideas we formulate and share, how we learn. The nature of air is very changeable and unpredictable, much like sudden bursts of enlightenment and genius: they come and go without warning. It represents swiftness and freedom, as air by its nature comes and goes as it pleases, and it is nearly impossible to hold and keep air. It flows with whatever whims take it, and it never knows where it will end up: but this is unimportant, as only the journey there matters. It also rules social interaction with others.
Examples of air related spells and magickal workings:
1. Improving intelligence and learning capabilities
2. Help with schoolwork, studies, or tests, or anything educational
3. Clearing the mind of distraction and emotional baggage
4. Help making a speech, or improving one's own ability to communicate
5. Sobriety and breaking addictions
6. Healing spells involving the lungs or mind, such as bronchitis or mental illness
7. Telepathy, ESP, remote viewing, clairaudience
8. Spells to free someone or something
9. Invisibility (Not disappearing literally, but making one's self unoticable or defelcting the attention of other people from yourself, i.e., cloaking your activities)
10. Help with new insights, invention, or ideas
Once again, I will refresh our memories with correspondances of air:
Air Correspondances in Magick:
Polarity: Masculine/Positive/Yang
Direction: East
Time: Dawn/Daybreak
Season: Autumn
Color: Yellow
Tarot Deck Suite: Swords
Altar Tools: Censor and Wand (or Athame depending on tradition)
Spirits: Sylphs
Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Sense: Smell
Opposing Element: Earth
Note: Under altar tools, notice that Athame and wand are mentioned. Some traditions feel the Athame belongs to air and the wand fire, others, its the other way around. Find what feels best for you.
Exercise 1: Get to know air
This week, for practical study, do the following. Wake up early, at dawn and go outside, preferably before the sun breaks the horizon. In the quiet of the early morning, face east, open your arms wide, and cosing your eyes, feel the very essence of air. Feel the breeze or wind if they are present, or simply focus your mind on the very air around you. The best place to attempt this is on a hill or high place, if possible. Another option, if going outside is not avaialable or cant be done without attracting unwanted attention is to turn on an electric fan in a quiet place and stand in front of it. Open your palms out on moth hands so the fingers are open and spread out. This is the hand gesture for air. Gently wiggle your fingers as if they were blowing in a breeze, if you like. Clear your mind and feel yourself becoming as light and insubstantial as a vapor. Allow your thoughts to drift or blow wildly, as if carried on a breeze. Take deep breaths, focusing on the rush of air in and out of your lungs. Contemplate the very nature of the air you breathe. Take deep sniffs and note any odors carried in the air. If you like, spread your arms out and visualize them becoming wings, and feel those wings catching an air current and lifting you higher and higher. Or simply, become the wind. Do this as often as possible to tune yourself in with the very essence of air, or whenever you simply need a bit of release from the daily drudgeries of life.
Part II: Using Air in Magick and Ritual
Some basic Air Recipies:
Air Incense
3 parts benzion
5 parts sandalwood
5 parts lavender
2 drops Eucalyptus oil
3 drops peppermint oil
Air Oil:
Base oil (jojoba, sweet almond are really good for this)
5 drops sandalwood oil
3 drops benzoin
5 drops lavender
1 drops eucalyptus
3 drops peppermint
Note: if you do not like these recipies, you can forumulate your own using any of the herbs and plants listed below as being ruled by air.
Exercise 2: Calling Air into the circle
You will need:
Altar
Yellow or grey altar cloth
Censor or fire proof vessel for incense, or an incense burner
Charcoal blocks for incense
Feathers, fans, bird images, or other things associated with air
yellow candle (optional)
Using the air oil, anoint your feet, knees, loins, belly, breasts, throat, hands, lips, and third eye. Set op your altar, cleanse your area physically and psychically, cast your circle, and ground and center yourself. Light the incense and candle, and taking the censor in your left hand and slowly whirling it clockwise, go to the eastern point of your altar, face east, and with your right hand make the hand sign of air (hand splayed out, all five fingers spread). Recite the following:
From the East, I call forth the spirits of air
Sylphs who ride the winds of thought,
Come join me in my circle
Wait until they join you. They can make their presence known in various ways: a sudden slight breeze or tickling against your skin, incense smoke suddenly making unusual patters, a sudden clear and powerful thought. You will sense their presence. When they have joined your circle, place the incense back on the altar. Sit down, and begin your communion with them. Speak to them, ask them questions. Open your mind and all five senses to the answers you receive. Note how their presence makes you feel, or any unusual mental images or thoughts you might receive. Let them introduce themselves to you. When you have finished, take the incense, face east, and say:
Sylphs who ride the winds of thought
I thank you for your wisdom and presence
Return to the East in power.
Open your circle, snuff candle, and sit and write down your experiences.
Part 3: Correspondances
This will be a larger list of stuff related to air.
Plants and herbs of air:
Benzion, sandalwood, styrax, savory, peppermint, almond, camphor, jojoba, pine, carraway, lavender, dill, eucalyptus, feather ferns, fennel, acacia, mistletoe, anise, dandilion, borage, bergamont, endive, eyebright, bodhi, broom, hazel, clover, lemongrass, lindon, lemon verbena, lily of the valley, fenugreek, chicory, meadowsweet, mulberry, pecan, goldenrod, lobelia
Stones and metals of air:
mercury, aluminum, aventurine, flourite, alexandrite, banded agate, pumice, desert roses, sandstone
Symbols of Air: (Plus things ruled by air, including modern innovations)
Sylphs, fairies, djinni, elves, pegasi, birds, cheetahs, fans, feathers, butterflies and flying bugs, angels, the internet, airplanes, helicopters, cellphones, postal services, education, books, phones, TV, radio, science, monkeys, research, newpapers, journalism, astronauts, psychiatry and psychology, social services |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:27 pm
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Lesson III: Fire, Element of Will and Inspiration
Our next stop in the journey around the wheel is the element of fire.
Fire is the second element you will come to as you move clockwise in your circle after air. Its manifestations are the flame of a candle, a bonfire, the sun, or an inferno. It is pure energy, it is warmth. It is the light of day, the sun that brings light and life to the earth every day. Fire creates as it destroys: after a raging forest fire, new life is created as young seedlings feed off the ashes of the old. The candle that lights our way at night, the bonfire or heart fire that warm us and cook our food, the uncontrolled blaze that devastates buildings and life. Fire is powerful,creative, and destructive, and is essential for us to see our world.
In magick, fire rules the will, instinct, passions, and inspiration. It is our own energy level, our desires, our survival instincts and will to live. It is the flame that burns in our hearts and stimulates in us passions and lusts. Fire pushes us to simply be. It demands we defend ourselves and loved ones, and push others to do the same. Fire's nature is tempermental and driving. It loves competition and conflict, and it demands to be fed lest it die. The spark of inspiration, the will and desire to create, destroy, and create again, the urge to fight, make love, eat, and simply live: these are the very essences of fire. Fire features in many myths and legends, and humanity;s discovery of making its own fire was the very birth of technology.
Examples of Fire related Spells and Magickal Workings:
1. Sex Magick
2. Lust and potency spells
3. Spells to aid in sporting activity or competitions
4. Spells for inspiration and creativity
5. Combat and battle spells
6. Spells to destroy/banish unwanted things
7. Healing spells that involve the banishing of diseases and germs, as well as surgery and radiation treatment
8. Spells of protection from violent people and animals
9. Spells for physical and emotional strength
10. Losing weight or starting a diet
11. The Sabbats (which were known as fire festivals)
12: Spells to promote courage and bravery
Fire correspondances:
Polarity: Masculine/Positive/Yang
Direction: South
Time of Day: Noon/Mid day
Season: Spring
Color: Red
Tarot Deck Suite: Wands
Altar Tools: Athame (or wand, depending on tradition), candle
Spirits: Salamders
Zodiac Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagitarius
Sense: Sight
Opposing Element: Water
Exercise 1: get to know Fire
At noon, or close to it, on a sunny warm day, go somewhere where you will not be disturbed, where you can sit in the sun. If you cannot do this outside privately, go inside in a south facing room and light a red candle. Stand, closing you eyes and lifting your head to the sun, raise your hands in the air and form fists (fists are the hand gesture of fire). Let the sunlight and warmth wash over you, see the light through your closed eyelids (never look directly at the sun, silly, its bad for your eyes!). Feel the pure solar energy wash over you, seep into your skin and bones. Absorb it, and feel yourself becoming pure energy, and dancing flame, a blazing star. Start dancing (much easier to do since you will be alone) as dancing is pure fire captured in the form of art. Fell your inner flames be stoked. Open your eyes and look around for reflections of light. If you are doing this indoors, simply gaze at the candle and feel, become its energy. This exercise helps tune you in with the energies of fire. Do it as often as possible to tune in, or simply do it when you are feeling run down and need energy to get you through the day.
Part II: Fire in magic and ritual
Fire recipes:
Fire incense:
3 parts frankincense
5 parts dragons blood
3 parts cinnamon
1 drop black pepper oil
3 drops clove oil
Fire Oil:
Base of Olive oil (or sunflower, very appropriate)
3 drops frankincense
1 drop cinnamon
1 drop black pepper
3 drops clove
3 drops orange
Note: If you wish, forumalte your own with the plants and oils listed below if you don't like or dont have the above materials).
Exercise II: Calling fire into the circle
You will need:
Altar
Incense and burner or censor
Athame or wand
Red Candle
Red Altar cloth (Optional)
Images of flame, light, combat, sports or other fire related things
Anoint yourself with the oil, as in the air ritual, and cast your circle. ground and center yourself, then facing south,with the candle in your right hand and your left hand raised as a fist, recite the following:
From the south, I call forth the spirits of fire
Salamanders who dance in the flames of passion and will,
Come join my circle
Fire, of all the elements, makes its presence know in the most blunt of ways. The candle might start flapping about, the room may suddenly grow warmer, or you might have the sudden urge to jump about. You may even begin to feel tingling in your loins and start feeling a bit horny. Fire tends to do this, it does rule lust, after all, so if you are a male and suddenly find your "soldier saluting", or if female and the "tap is on", don't worry. Fire has come to join you! Now sit down and let them introduce themselves. Open your sense to them, let them speak to you and be prepared for their responses: you will have no doubt when fire is there! Ask them questions. Just remember: of all the elements, fire needs to be treated with an especially delicate touch, as it is an element most explosive and destructive, and can be a bit capricious. When you are done communing with fire, take the candle and raise your fist, facing south, and say:
Salamanders who dance in the flames of passion and will,
I thank you for your wisdom and presence
Return to the south in power
Snuff the candle, open the circle, and write your experiences down.
Part III: other Fire correspondances:
Plants and herbs of fire:
frankincense, dragon's blood, black pepper, chili peppers, garlic, onions, chives, oak, cloves, cinnamon, sunflowers, orange, mandarins, snapdragons, amaranth, basil, curry, St. John's wort, juniper, pomegranite, marigold, mustard, olive, radish, rosemary,ginger, angelica, rue, rowan,helitrope, mandrake, saffron, thistle, tobacco, wormwood, walnut,cactus, carnation, copal, ash, ginseng
Stones and metals of fire:
Gold, Iron, Steel, Brass, Radioactive metals, ruby, diamond, garnet, bloodstone, carnielian, tiger's eye, topaz, citrine, onyx, red jasper, quartz crystals, sunstone, hematite, sulfur, phosphourus
Symbols of fire:
Lions, Tigers, centaurs, the phoenix, dragons, the sun, reptiles, dancers, the military, law enforcement, nuclear weapons, male sexuality, prostitution, tanning, success, fame, entertainment, conflict and war, sports and competition, lighting, vision, anger, aggression, spirituality, deserts |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:28 pm
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Lesson IV: Water, Element of Emotion and Illusion
Our next step along the wheel is water.
Water is the third element we meet moving along the circle. Water is deep and complex in its nature, forever changing and flowing like the tides. Water covers 70% of Earth;s surface, plus the billions of gallons that lie beneath the ground. it makes up 80% of our bodies. All life depends greatly on it, from the largest animals to the tiniest bacteria, and is the most essential element to all life. It is the tiny drops of rain, the bubbling brook, a placid lake, the eternal ocean, the spring that flows from the ground. Its depths are still not understood, and beneath the ocean live creatures that are both beautiful and mind boggling. Its rains quench the earth and bring forth life from even the deserts, and water itself cleanses our bodies and homes. It is florever changing, flowing and shifting with the tides of creation, and in many mythologies, it was water and fire that created the world.
In magick, water represents our emotions and soul, our dreams, fantasies, and illusions. Water is our moods and feelings that shift with the phases of the moon. It is our feelings, dreams, and subconcious, as well as fantasies. It is the element of love in all its forms, and water forever inspires feelings of romanticism and poetry. Water is our imagination, as well as capacity for deciet and delusions. It represents beauty in all forms, and from water, the desire to create beauty flows, as well as the love of beauty. It is mystery personified, and water is the element that rules our psychic mind.
Examples of Spells and Magickal Works related to water:
1. Love Spells
2. Spells for physical beauty or any beauty related workings
3. Illusions and glamor spells
4. Spells for emotional healing
5. Spells to improve psychic powers
6. Dreamworking and dream spells
7. Rain magick
8. Spells to help or induce sleep
9. Spells for friendship and happieness
10. Healing spells involving bodily fluids, lowering blood pressure and anxiety, menstruation, and relief of pain
11. Spells of enchantment
Water Correspondances:
Polarity: Femenine/Negative/Yin
Direction: West
Time: Evening/Dusk/Twilight
Season: Summer
Color: Blue
Tarot Deck Suite: Cups
Altar Tools: Chalice/Cup and wine or liquid
Spirits: Undines
Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Sense: Taste
Opposing Element: Fire
Exercise 1: Get to know water
At dusk, preferably after the sun has just set, go to a stream, river, lake, seashore, or other body of water, if one is nearby and available. make sure it is not heavily polluted or has alot of people nearby. If no natural bodies of water are available, find a fountain or pond. Avoid swimming pools or spas, as they tend to be loaded with chemicals. If none of the above can be found, or you cannot find a place where you will not be disturbed, go into your bathroom and fill your bathtub with room temperature water. Remove your shoes, and if possible, stand in the body of water up to your ankles. Face west and close your eyes. Form the hand gesture of water, which is simply cupping your hands, palms up. Hold your cupped hands out. Dip your cupped hands into the water and let the water run through your fingers. Splash a bit on your face. Bring some drinking water with, and take a nice deep drink from it. Taste the cool fluid purity of the water. Imagine yourself becoming more fluid. Feel your muscles become liquid, feel your whole body become soft and flowing. Allow yourself to sway, like an underwater plant. Imagine yourself as a fish, flowing with the current and swimming wherever it takes you. Keep your hands cupped and scoop some more water, splashing it on yourself. Become the water, and feel the gentle ripples on your skin. Go with the flow and allow the water to take you where it may. You are the water. This exercise not only helps you tune to the element of water, but you can also use this to relieve anxiety and anger, or to relax your body and muscles, or even to simply bring peace.
Part II: water in magick and Ritual
Water recipes:
Water Incense:
3 parts myrrh
5 parts orris root
3 parts rose petals
5 drops ylang ylang oil
3 drops lemon oil
Water Oil:
Base of apricot, avacado or rosehips oil, or whatever is available
3 drops myrrh
5 drops rose
3 drops ylang ylang
5 drops chamomile
3 drops lemon
Again, if you prefer different herbs and plants, you can replace with herbs listed below.
Exercise II: Summoning Water to the circle
You will need:
Altar
Blue altar cloth (Optional)
Your chalice or cup
Water from a pure source, such as spring, bottled, or rosewater
Blue candle (optional)
Water related items, such as seashells, table fountains, a fish bowl with fish in it, pictures of the sea or of lakes
Incense burner or censor with incense
Anoint yourself with the oil. Cleanse and purify your ritual space. Cast your circle and ground and center yourself. Light the incense .Face west, and in your right hand, hold out the chalice filled with the water. Your left hand should be cupped in the hand gesture for water. Recite the following:
From the west, I call fourth the spirits of water,
Undines who swim in the waters of emotion and dreams
Come join my circle.
Wait for the water spirits to arrive. Their presence is subtle and deep, but once they are there, there is no mistaking it. the water in your chalice might ripple, or you might suddenly feel very cool. Different emotions might suddenly come from nowhere, or you might feel yourself become very sensitive. You might even find yourself slipping off into a daydream. Perhaps you might even feel an ambient dampness. Open your senses to them. Let them share themselves with you. When dealing with water, one must be completely receptive and open, as the spirits of water are quite subtle, yet their undercurrents are powerful and will reach to the very depths of your heart and soul. Allow yourself to feel, no matter what emotions come. Sometimes, memories and feelings might be of something sad. Don't suppress them, allow them to flow freely, and if you find your eyes watering, let the tears flow. tears are another manifestation of water, and are not necessarily a negative thing. Tears can be very cleansing. Commune with the water spirits and listen to what they have to say. When finished, take the chalice and face west with your other hand cupped, and say:
Undines who swim in the waters of emotion and dreams
I thank you for your wisdom and presence
Return to the West in power.
Open your circle, snuff your candle if you have one, and write down any impressions or experiences you had.
Part III: Other water correspondances
Herbs and Plants of water:
Willow, myrrh, rose, elder, lotus, lilies, ylang ylang, seaweed, violets, peonies, jasmine, vanilla, apple, apricot, lemon, iris, fuschias, chamomile, peach, plum, pear, lettuce, cucumber, poppy, marjoram, thyme, lilac, blackberry, raspberry, belladona, lemon balm, gardenia, heather, spearmint, yarrow, myrtle, orchid, catnip, cherry, morning glory, kava-kava, pansy, birch, avocado, calamus, columbine, cyclamen, valerian, hyacinth, larkspur, tamarisk, cocnut, sweet pea, mimosa, periwinkle, banana, bleeding heart, sugar cane, strawberry, tamarind, gourd
Stones and Metals of water:
Silver, Tin, Platinum, moonstone, amythest, sapphire, tanzanite, sodalite, sugilite, opal, pearl, coral, selenite, rose quartz, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, blue calcite, marble, chrysocolla, mother of pearl
Symbols and associations of water:
Romance, dolphins and whales, all water creatures, cats, cosmetics, fashion, mermaids, naiads, Nereids, sirens, selkies, shells, hearts, fantasy, poetry, music, alcohol and drugs, models, sleep, acting, the Moon, fishing, sailing, relationships, channeling, swamps, rainforests, engagements, plumbing, bathing, boats, swimming pools, fairy tales, psychics, marine biologists, bartenders, painting and artists |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:29 pm
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Lesson V: Earth, Element of Sensation and Nature
And now we come to the last of the four basic elements, earth. Earth represents nature and form, and is slow to change. Its nature is solid, heavy, and enduring. Earth is the very land we dwell on, the planet that serves as mother to all life, and the element easiest to experience, as we are never anywhere without it. The lush eternal forest, the deep, mysterious cave, the mighty ancient hills and mountains, the fertile fields, hardened stone, these are all manifestations of earth. Earth gives form and stability to all things, and holds the keys to past, present, and future. It takes care of our basic needs and offers us wealth and health from its bounties, and has always been worshiped in every culture as the mother and provider to all living things.
In magick, earth represents the physical body and the material world. Its the body that houses all aspects of our being, and the well being of it directly impacts the well being of all other aspects of our being. It rules health, as well as physical sensations and pleasures. It also rules our basic needs, such as home, food, money, and comfort. Its energies bring manifestation of our desires and needs to the physical world where we can use them. It also represents greed, sloth, and hedonism. Earth is our love of comfort and pleasures, of sensations and prosperity, and rules fertility in everything, from reproductive fertility to fertility in our daily endeavors that we want to see bear fruit. It forces us to turn our attention to practical matters, and teaches us that patience and perseverence are the keys to making things happen.
Examples of Spells and magickal Workings related to Earth:
1. Money and Wealth Spells
2. Prosperity Spells
3. Employment Spells
4. Garden Magick
5. Fertility Magick
6. Planting and Harvest Spells
7. Nature Spells
8. Spells to Promote and protect health
9. General protection spells
10. Most healing spells, especially those related to the bones, joints, skin, throat, bowels, feet, teeth, and breasts.
11. Spells relating to the past
12. Spells to bring physical manifestations
13. Spells for the home
14. Telekinesis spells
Earth Correspondences:
Polarity: Feminine/negative/Yin
Direction: North
Time: Midnight/Night
Season: Winter
Color: Green
Tarot Deck Suite: Pentacles/Coins
Altar Tools: pentacle or platter, salt, stones
Spirits: Gnomes
Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Sense: Touch
Opposing Element: Air
Exercise 1: Get to Know Earth:
At midnight, or close to it, go outside to a quitet place, preferably a garden, empty field, woodland, ect. Remove your shoes and if possible, dig your feet into the soil, like you are planting yourself. Face north, hold your arms out in front of you, and hold your hands out, palms facing down, parallel to the ground. This is the hand gesture for earth. Close your eyes and feel your feet on the ground, connecting with bare earth. Feel its solidity, its form, texture, and weight. Hold yourself upright, and feel yourself becoming heavier, even more substantial, like stone. Let the very energy of earth flow through your feet into your legs, like a tree drawing substance from the ground. Visualize the flow of earth energy through your limbs to your head, and become even more solid and heavy. Imagine your body becoming stone, then imagine it slowly becoming a tree trunk, and feel branches growing from you. Become the very soil and stone, and stand there, unmoving, and feel the strength and timeless endurance of earth. If you cannot find a suitable place outside, stay indoors, sit on the floor with stones or potted plants, form the earth hand gesture,and do the visualizations. This exercise can also be used when you need to be grounded during stressful times, or to provide strength and endurance.
Part II: Earth in Magick and Ritual
Earth Recipes:
Earth Incense:
5 parts cedarwood
5 parts fumitory
5 parts Cypress
5 drops patchouli oil
5 drops Vetivert oil
Earth Oil:
In a base of Avacado or other oil, blend:
3 drops cedar
3 drops cypress
3 drops patchouli
3 drops vetivert
3 drops sage
Exercise II: Summoning Earth to the Circle:
You will need:
Altar
Green Altar Cloth
Earth Incense, burner, and oil
Pentacle or platter
Salt
Stones
Green candle (optional)
Anoint yourself with the oil, cleans your space, cast your circle, then ground and center. Facing north, take the pentacle, with salt on it in your right hand, and in the elft, make the hand gesture for earth. Recite the following:
From the North, I call forth the spirits of earth
Gnomes who dwell in the caves of manifestation
Come Join my circle
Wait for the spirits to arrive. The air may suddenly feel thicker, you may feel yourself getting heavier, a plant might quiver, or an object might even move. They might even manifest physically in some way. Earth spirits like to leave no doubt as to their existance, so when they arrive, you will know. Let them come and share. Sometimes, this can take a while, as earth likes to take its sweet time. patience here is needed. You might find yourself feeling physical sensations not present before. You might get hungry, too. You mind will most likely be focused on the very space around you, and you might see objects in a whole different light. Let the spirits introduce themselves, sharing their ancient wisdom and down to earth humor. When done, take the pentacle and salt, face north, make the earth hand gesture, and say:
Gnomes who dwell in the caves of manifestation
I thank you for your wisdom and presence
Return to the North in power.
Open the circle, snuff the candle, and record any experiences or impressions.
Part III: Other Earth Correspondences:
Herbs and Plants of Earth:
Cypress, Fumitory, Cedar, Yew, honeysuckle, wheat, patchouli, rye, barley, corn, quince, vervain, vetivert, potato, turnips, rice, magnolia, mugwort, oats, beets, cotton, primrose, hemp, hellebore, moss, fern, mushrooms, tamarind, tamarisk, thyme, sage, wolfsbane, asparagus, parsnips, carrots, ivy
Stones and metals of earth:
Lead, bronze, copper, pewter, emerald, moss agate, obsidian, malachite, granite, petrified wood, rutilated quartz, slate, smoky quartz, coal, jet, fossils, boji stones, fairy crosses
Symbols and associations of Earth:
Caves, fields, forests, bears, deer, wolves, worms, banks, construction, architecture, farms, stock market, burrowing insects, moles, rabbits, masonry, buildings, employment agencies, hospitals, depression, environmentalism, fatigue, hospitals, geology, map making, geography |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:30 pm
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Lesson VI: Aether, Element of Spirit
The final element, aether, is perhaps the most complex, as it is both the source element of the other four, but also the their combined sum. It is, simply put, the element that makes things alive. The soul, the divine source, time, space, dark matter and energy, these things are aether. The element of the gods, the duality, it is the very essence of being. The four basic elements combined create it, yet it is also the wellspring from which the others are created. It is the cycle of existance, both beyond space and time and the very essence of it. It is the great circle in its fullness, its completion, and is the perfect balance of opposites. Spirit animates us and provides the very substance of our non-physical being, and it is to which we return to once we leave the physical plane of existance. It is both all of creation and the very void of oblivion.
Basic Aether/Spirit correspondences:
Polarity: Both Yin and Yang, male and female, positive and negative
Direction: Center
Colors: white and black
Altar Tools: God/dess images, the cauldron
Tarot deck Suite: major Arcana
Spirit: The divine God/dess
Sense: Sound
Because of aether's nature, it has no special time of day, season, or Zodiac sign.
Exercise 1: Get to Know Spirit/Aether
Basically, this exercise involves meditation. Find a quiet dark place, free of distracting sounds, smells, sights, and sensations. Sit quietly, slow your breathing down, and focus on nothing. Empty your mind completely. This can be difficult, as stray thoughts can come. Let them dissipate on their own. Let your mind and body become the void itself. Become nothingness, pure emptiness, yet you exist because you are there. This exercise can be helped by reading a bit about Zen Buddhism, as this is a common practice and goal: to become nothing, and thus, achieve the state of Bliss. If you do not succeed the first time, try and try again. It can take some time. The Void is a difficult concept for us to contemplate, but it is very rewarding once done. The goal of this exercise is to focus simply on both being and not being at the same time, thus tuning one's self in With Aether/Spirit.
Part II: Aether in Ritual and Magick
In ritual and magick, aether is the divine. The Lord and Lady, thus, it is the element central to rituals and rites, celebrations and worship. Any incense or oil dedicated to the divine is appropriate, if desired. Here is my favorite incense:
Sacred Incense:
5 parts frankincense
5 parts myrrh
5 parts cedarwood
5 parts benzoin
5 parts sandalwood
5 drops cinnamon
5 drops cypress
Exercise II: Invoking Spirit to the Circle
You will need:
Altar
Cauldron or pot
Black and white altar cloth
Incense
Black and white candle
Images of the God/dess
Cleanse your space, cast your circle, and ground and center yourself. Stand in the center of the circle. Stand straight, legs together, arms crossed upon your chest, fists as if holding rods. This is the posture for the Lord/God/Male principal of the divine. Call upon the Lord to join your circle:
Great Lord of the Universe, Master of Life and Death, Father to us All,
I Pray You Will Join Me in This Sacred Place.
Now, space your feet should width apart, spread your arms out wide, palms facing up, and invite the Lady:
Great Lady of the Universe, Mistress of Life and Death, Mother to Us All,
I Pray You Will Join Me in This Sacred Place.
Feel their presence. You will know because they manifest themselves within you, in the place where your soul lies. That is their medium: The spirit of all living things. Feel and know their embrace, their love, their wisdom, their power. Your flesh might tingle, your heart might beat strongly, but however they appear, you will know. Commune with them. They are a part of you, and you them, so it is basically an exercise in communing with your very own inner aspects.
When you are done, thank them for joining you. Do not "dismiss" them (I doubt you could, as they come and go as they please anyway).
Open your circle, snuff your candle, and write down your experiences and thoughts.
Part III: Spirit Correspondences:
Aether/Spirit has no special herbs or plants. All plants live, and thus all are special to Spirit.
Stones: Meteorites
Symbols and Associations: The Lord, The Lady, The Cosmos, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Spirituality, Birth, Death, Black Holes, Time, Space, Scales, Stars, Meditation |
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 5:48 pm
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:06 am
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 7:47 pm
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Hello Skadi. I really loved your first class.
About air, I really liked the cheetah as a Air animal. I believe it was for velocity? I wonder if deer or other fast animals like this could be included in the list. By the way, do you think that very inteligent animals, like monkey, dauphins or cats could be up in air too?
About fire, I didn't know centaurs are elementals. I'm very happy for learning it, thank you smile . I got a question about reptiles. I would like to know why they are fire animals. Is it because they need to take Sun and they are dry? I always looked at them as earth animals.
About water, I'm very sorry for don't knowing this, but I would like to know what it a nerid our a selky. redface I think I had never read anything about them. redface redface
Thank you very much again and sorry for the time delay, I'd like to be here when you were on, but I couldn't.
crying
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:26 am
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Hello, Siren
First thing to remember about associations: whatever feels right to you. If you feel certain animals belong in a certain category, place them there! These are my associations. Feel free to make your own, however, i will explain a few things:
Air: Your are correct about the cheetah. It is the fastest land animal, and air represents speed. The first thing when one thinks of a cheetah is how fast and graceful the animal is.
As far as the other animals: deer arent associated with speed, but with wild untamed nature and the forest, and thus, the earth association. Dolphins, while intelligent, are water creatures, as they represent the mystery, wonder, and beauty of the seas. Monkeys could either be air or fire creatures, take your pick. Intelligence can be found in many animals of all elements, it is not restricted to air. Cats I associate with water and the moon, strangely enough, because they are extremely psychic, emotional, mysterious, and dreamy creatures.
Fire: centaurs are mythical creatures, like all elementals, and thus, when I refer to elemental spirits, I refer to mythical creatures represented in those elements. centaurs are very firey! reptiles I associate with fire because they are creatures that love heat and arid places. They are also creatures of pure will and instinct, as they have little in the way of emotions or intellect, other than the most basic. Fire rules the very basics of life: sex, instinct to survive, hunting, ect.
Water: thats ok! We all must learn sometime, and the creatures I mentioned are not common ones mentioned. A Selkie, in Anglo-Saxon myths, was a seal maiden. They were beautiful water spirits who took the form of a seal in water, but when on land, shed their seal skins to become lovely maidens. A neried comes from Greek mythology, and is quite simply a sea nymph. Poseidon, lord of the sea, was married to a neried.
Hope this helps. remember, if you feel strongly about any associations, place them there! Magick is just as much customization as it is ritual, and you will find different cultures have had different associations.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:26 pm
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:18 pm
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Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:46 am
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Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 5:34 pm
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What sign are you, might I ask, Lord of Salem?
Rain Goddess: You are 100% correct. Too much or too little of an element can spell disaster. Howeverm, using an opposing or unpaired element can balance out the excesses of another. It is a common technique in astrology. I will use myself as an example.
In my birth chart, there are no planets in water signs. The dominant element is air, followed by earth. Couple this with my sun sign being Capricorn (earth) and ascendant being Aquarius (earth), and what you have is a person who is very much a thinker, problem solver, stable and down to earth, but unfortunately, the abscence of water and the very little fire means I have difficulties with emotions and getting the energy and inspiration for much. Im not very good at being emotionally comforting, nor very good at inspiring myself or others. I lack alot in creativity and artistic imagination as well as energy, and I tend to be rather cold, lazy, and aloof.
To balance this, I try and surround myself with water and fire images and colors. I love art and try to collect as much as possible, as well as listen to and play music to balance this out. My lack of water makes me naturally desire to be near it. I also need fire and inspiration, which is why I love unusual lighting. such as plasma balls, lava lamps, disco balls...you name it. Light is fire, and unusual or uncommon lighting really stirs me.
On the other hand, a person with say too much air and water in their birth chart and not enough fire and earth might be intellectually amazing and very dreamy, but tend to be ungrounded and have problems getting their ideas off the ground, and would be best served surroundiing themselves with images and symbols of earth and fire. A person with water and fire in their chart would be a very dynamic, amazingly creative individual but would need earth and air to commincate and manifest their amazing creativity.
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