The Elements

The elements are a powerful source of energy utilized in spells and rituals, and other magickal workings. When calling the quarters during circle casting, many people invoke the elements in some way or another. Each element is representative of each direction, and so when calling upon the stones, (old ones, watchtowers, wise ones, spirits, whatever...) something is usually stated about their elements as well. (A simple example would be: "I call upon the stone of the east, of wind and air, attend our circle wise ones!") Below are explanations of the elements and their corresponding uses.

The Five Elements

Earth is the element of the North. This is usually the first corner you call when casting the circle. The alter usually (not always) faces north, because the Earth is our home, and we feel a special bond with it. The elements of Earth is the stones, the soil, the mountains, the plants and all living things. We are closely connected to the Earth, because without it, we wouldn't be alive. (So by polluting the Earth, we're ultimately killing ourselves, but who gives a shit... :( ) The colour for Earth is green. (When invoking the north, you may want to visualize a green mist.) The Earth is good to call upon when you need to find answers, and is the element used for recovery and healing.

Elementals: Gnomes, Trolls.

Magickal uses for Earth: Creation, shielding, blessing, knowledge gain, healing and recovering, fertility, birth, wealth, money, job, business, industry, ecology, stability, mystery and growth.

Tools: Salt, Pentagram, Images, Stones, Gems, Trees, Cord (for cord magick).

Air is the element of the East. If you were casting your circle deosil (common north of the equator, the opposite usually for southern continents), then this would be the second corner you call. The elements of Air is all movement, the storms, the wind, and noise. Air is good to call upon when you need inspiration, new ideas, or you simply need to "break free."
The colour for Air is yellow. (When invoking the east, you may want to visualize a yellow mist.)

Elementals: Sylphs, Zephyrs, Fairies of flowers, winds, mountains, and breezes.

Magickal uses for Air: Moving (things) and breaking, creation of life, inspiration, wisdom, knowledge, comprehension, concentration, memory, intellect, tests, psychic powers, divination, prophecy, travel, movement, communication, karma, drug addiction and telepathy.

Tools: Incense, Wand, Visualization.

Fire is the element of the South. It is the third corner you call upon when casting the circle. Fire is associated with power, determination, and strength, because of it's somewhat chaotic and erratic nature. It is also associated with passion and energy. It's elements are the Sun, the Stars, and the heart or center of the earth. When you need protection from evil forces, power, or strength, call upon fire. You will gain energy, and be able to protect yourself against any ill entities/spells from others. The colour for fire is red. (When invoking the south, you may wish to visualize a red mist.)

Elementals: Salamanders, Firedrakes, the consciousness of flames.

Magickal uses for Fire: strengthening/weakening, cleansing, creation, protection, healing, courage, success, sex, legal matters, competitions, strength, energy, purification, creativity, refinement, arts, transformation and loyalty.

Tools: Athame, Candles, Lamps, Burned Herbs.

Water is the element of the West. It is the fourth and last corner you call upon when casting the circle. Water is the beginning of life, and is sometimes described as the womb of the Goddess. It's elements are the sea, the rain, and the snow. If you feel tired or weak, call upon water, it will revitalize you. The colour for water is blue. (When invoking the west, you may wish to visualize a blue mist.)

Elementals: Nymphs, Undines, Mermaids, Fairies of lakes, streams and ponds.

Magickal uses for Water: shielding, change, removing curses, cleansing, creation, love, emotions, sympathy, friendship, healing, purification, meditation, dreams, clairvoyance, intuition, reflection and childbirth.

Tools: Cauldron, Goblet (filled with water or wine), Mirror.

Spirit/soul/akasha/ka/chi or whatever each tradition calls it, is the fifth element. You are the fifth element. Life and Death are the fifth element. This is the element that binds all the others into one form, to make them one. It is the Mother and the Father of everything, and all magick. Spirit is the alchemical Quintessence. The element of spirit is very strong in your blood. I caution you, however, when using blood magick. Using the blood of an unwilling is, first of all sick and "evil." Magick at it's lowest. It is extremely dangerous. It will strike back. Have no doubt about that. When you are ill or weak or tired, it will strike you back threefold.
Don't "toy" with the element of spirit. Use it for positive purposes and you will get positive results. Using it for negative is, well, in my opinion, not a great idea. (I don't mean to scare you off of invoking spirit, but you just need to know just how powerful it can be. When used correctly it can be very helpful!) The colour of spirit is questionable. I consider it to be lucid and transparent. Others envision it as white, black, gray, or many other colours. Look inside you for which colour to envision when calling upon spirit.

Magickal uses of Spirit: Spirit is used in all magick, change, foreseeing the future, creation, and dream magick.

Tools: This will depend on what type of ritual you are doing. Some use a pentacle, (representing the perfect human, or alchemically the Homunculus or the Quintessence.) You pretty much have to go with what you feel. Spirit is after all, you.