Category: Terminology

In mage craft the four classic elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Air are highly regarded and it is thanks to the studies of Magus Paracelsus von Hohenheim for these classifications. A common misconception is that these elements and magecraft based around them is just limited to the manipulation of them.

Fire

The element of Fire relates to anger, consumption, desire, enthusiasm, energy transference, entropy and thermodynamics. It can be helpful or harmful, it can heal or harm, create or destroy, it can burn away the old and bring forth new life. It promotes bravery, confidence and courage as well as being the medium to make offerings to various gods and goddesses. It is also the element that is attributed with knowledge and progress.

It can be invoked with the colour red as well as calling upon the south. The archangel Michael, Salamanders and the heart as well as blood are also associated with the element of Fire.

Zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Stones: Pink Sapphire, Ruby, Tiger’s Eye

Tools: Flame, staff, smoke

Earth

The element of Earth relates to material items, embedding, finances, family, grounding, homes, stability, and practicality. It promotes patience and responsibility and is useful for people looking for material gains or wanting a more stable and secure lifestyle.

It can be invoked with the colour green as well as calling upon the north. The archangel Auriel, Gnomes and the mind as well as nervous system are also associated with the element of Earth.

Zodiac Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Stones: Emerald, Fool’s gold, Hematite

Tools: Pentacle, salt, soil, stones

Water

The element of Water relates to change, cycles, emotions, feelings, flows, and passions. It promotes compassion, relaxation, tenderness and is used by multiple cultures to cleanse people as well as creating holy water which is done by dissolving salt in it and then blessing it.

It can be invoked with the colour blue as well as calling upon the west. The archangel Gabriel, Undines and the urinary tract are also associated with the element of Water.

Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio

Stones: Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire, Lepidolite, Pearl

Tools: Chalice, liquids

Air

The element of Air relates to aspects of the mind like thoughts, ideas, dreams, inspiration, creativity, psychic abilities, communication skills and awareness. It promotes dexterity, optimism and joy and is useful for sending thoughts and energies to people who for healing or to help someone in need.

It can be invoked with the colour yellow as well as calling upon the east. The archangel Raphael, Sylphs and the respiratory system are also associated with the element of Air.

Zodiac Signs: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra

Stones: Amethyst, Flourite, Lapis Lazuli

Tools: Fan, feather, sword

Information Source: paganlearning.com

Image source: http://thetravellingsaleswoman.com/2015/08/13/when-the-four-elements-destroy-your-road-trip-plans/

The study of planets and their movements have been around her many centuries and the use of the planets in magecraft has been practiced ever since ancient Mesopotamia. It is generally associated with the Geocentric belief but in recent times have shifted to the Heliocentric belief.

Though belief in Astrology’s ability to predict the future has waned in recent times its undeniable the planets roll in magic and the history associated with invoking them.

Sun

The sun is associated with the heart and spine as well as the bodies vitality.

Mercury

Mercury is associated with the brain, arms and hands, the five senses, the central nervous system, and thyroid gland.

Venus

Venus is associated with the throat, kidneys, thymus gland, the sense of touch and ovaries.

Mars

Mars is associated with the head, muscles, adrenal gland, and the sense of taste and touch.

Jupiter

Jupiter is associated with the feet and legs, liver, pituitary gland and growth.

Saturn

Saturn is associated with the skin, hair, teeth, bones, spleen and the body’s defense mechanisms.

Uranus

Uranus is associated with the Parathyroid gland, neural activity, and the aura.

Neptune

Neptune is associated with the Pineal gland and psychic healing.

Pluto

Pluto is associated with the Pancreas, metabolism and elimination.

Image Source: http://houseofdaedalus.blogspot.com/2012/06/astrological-body-part-one-planets-and_25.html

Setting up a workshop is a useful step for a Magus. it is not entirely necessary as there are many mages both past and present who have practiced mage craft without the aid of a workshop but for many mages it is a useful base and a safe haven for their craft.

The workshop is where a Magus keeps their Grimoires as well as the materials for their rituals. It is also a place for them to practice spells and channel energy.

It is best to set up your workshop in a place that you have a special connection to like a childhood home, somewhere that has a connection to nature, or has a potent history to draw from.

Altar

Once the location for the workshop has been chosen the next thing to do is to set up the Altar. The Altar is the center piece for magic spells and can be personalized to fit your needs. It can very in size from a dining table to a shelf or a mantelpiece depending on the size of your workshop or the location where you are casting the spell.

What you put on your Altar and how you decorate it is entirely personal. Whether you have a table made from natural wood or use a table that has been in your house for years, whether you decorate with a purple cloth or spread a variety of gemstones over it is completely up to the individual.

Pentacle

The five pointed star is one of the most important objects in spell casting. The Pentacle, or Pentagram, is believed to date back to Mesopotamia and has been an important symbol of spiritual protection for many religions including Alchemy. The five points on the star represent the key elements of magic: fire, water, earth and air while the top point represent spirit or in some cases void.

It is recommended to always have the Pentacle on you or your altar when ever you are casting a spell. It is best to charge it before use by leaving it in direct moonlight during a full moon to increase the potency of a spell.

Candles

Candles play an important roll in magecraft. They represent the elements of air and fire and most rituals require at least one or two candles, it is wise to have a variety of them in different colours in case a ritual calls for one in a specific colour.

Incense

Incense also plays an important role in rituals and helps to boosts a spells potency. There are many different kinds with many different effects.

Basil: Is used for prosperity and attracting wealth as well as being used in fertility rituals.

Eucalyptus: Used for balancing emotions and is helpful when making tough decisions.

Frankincense: It is a good spiritual cleanser and can be used to help people who are fighting off an illness.

Opium: Helps with sleep and psychic abilities and can help those dealing with Insomnia.

Sage: It is commonly used in smudge sticks and is burned to cleanse a space of negative energy.

Sandalwood: Has a pleasant, warm, gentle smell which is good for relaxation.

Ylang-Ylang: Is useful in love spells to attract love as well as harmonizing marriages.

Soil and Water

It is recommended to have soil and water on hand for certain rituals. Soil represents the element of earth and is used in spells for prosperity, material needs and stability. The soil should be from a place that holds a personal collection like your childhood home. Water is used for spells that relate to change or cycles and should be gathered from either a stream or rain.

Literary Source

Wiccapedia