Each element has a direction associated with it. Fire-North Air-East Water-West Earth-South
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Here's a profile on each element.
The Element: Earth
Traditional Tool: Pentacle or Disk
The meaning of Earth: Earth is perhaps the most overlooked Element in Pagan magick. Earth is everywhere, and it appears passive. It doesn't really "do" anything with the same force as Air, Fire, or Water. And the Earth gives us our birth. While we live, it sustains us. When we die, it covers us. Earth encompasses a multitude of magickal ideas: Nourishment, protection, obstruction, wholeness, stillness, plant and animal life, interdependence, prosperity and rest. The objects that can represent Earth are similarly diverse.
Altar Objects for Earth: Pentacle The altar (base) itself Plate, paten, or disk Ceramics Cast metal Coin Rock or stone Dish of soil, sand or salt Food (especially fruits, vegetables or grain foods) Flowers or herbs Cauldron Labyrinth Gems (Garnet, Hematite, Jasper, Aventurine) Candle (Green, brown, or black) Deity statue (Gaia, Macha, Saturn/Chronos, Pan) Horn or bone Acorns Seeds Images of trees and mountains Gnomes Animal art (Cattle, Tortoise, Rabbit, Deer) Oil (Patchouli, Vetivert, Evergreen) Altar tile decorated with symbol of Earth Tarot Ace of Pentacles
The Element: Air
Traditional Tool: Sword (or Wand, in some traditions)
The meaning of Air: As Air passes over the still Earth, the world moves into action and consciousness. Air is the Element of communication, exchange, and ideas. Air is invisible-we know it only through its effects on the world. Air is also swift-moving, changeable and self-aware. It is the most human of all the Elements. Choose your Air items based on what Air means to you at the time you're assembling the altar.
Altar Objects for Air: Athame or sword Wand or staff Feather Wind chimes Bell Incense Lamp or lantern (symbolizing knowledge) Fan Book Spoon or stirrer Wheel Wind-blown flowers and seeds Brightly colored ribbon or streamers Crystals (Clear Quartz, Citrine, Smoky Quartz/Topaz) Candle (Yellow or white) Musical instrument (especially strings or woodwinds) Images of clouds and sky Animal art (Birds, Dragonfly, Butterfly) Angels Fairies Air freshener or diffuser Deity statues (Hermes, Thoth, Saraswati) Oil (Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender) Altar tile decorated with symbol of Air Tarot Ace of Swords
The Element: Fire
Traditional Tool: Wand (or Sword, in some traditions)
The meaning of Fire: Elemental Fire is the pure power of heat and light. The energy of Fire is strong, primal, and often dangerous. In Fire, we find the heat of passion and the warrior's fighting spirit. Esoteric meanings of Fire include courage, willpower, lust, protection, spiritual aspiration, destruction and impending renewal.
Altar Objects for Fire: Wand Flame (candle, lamp, or brazier) Lighter or matches Spicy foods Phallus Incense Cactus or thorns Candle (Red, orange, or gold) Dragons Images of flames or the sun Volcanic stones or ash Bright yellow or orange plants Gemstones (Ruby, Carnelian, Amber, Opal) Pyramid Djinn/Salamander Oil (Cinnamon, Frankincense, Dragon's Blood) Deity statues (Ra, Vulcan, Brigid, Pele, Sekhmet) Animal art (Lion, Lizard, Phoenix) Altar tile decorated with symbol of Fire Tarot Ace of Wands
The Element: Water
Traditional Tool: Cup
The meaning of Water: Water is the great partner of Earth in creating life as we know it. Like Earth, Water appears gentle, but contains immense potential power. It is cleansing, calming, and healing. Elemental Water also governs the magick of love and emotion, intuition, pleasure, and introspection.
Altar Objects for Water: Chalice, cup, or goblet Beverages (especially water or wine) Scrying bowl or crystal ball Rainwater Blessed or holy water Seashell Yoni Driftwood or seaweed Gemstones (Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Amethyst) Ankh Mirror Mermaids Images of ocean, rivers, or lakes Candle (Blue) Oil (Rose, Lotus, Jasmine) Animal art (Fish, Dolphin, Frog) Deity statue (Poseidon, Aphrodite, Yemaya) Altar tile decorated with symbol of Water Tarot Ace of Cups
