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The Other Elements

This is the fifth part of my elemental series! Today we will explore other elemental systems, possible other elements within the system, and other cultural explorations into elemental systems!

So, we have looked at the basic elements, earth, air, fire, and water, but what about the rest? What about all the other magical systems out there?

Why are there sometimes other elements?

Often times when we are researching the elements, a lot of spaces will have other elements that are important to their culture or religious framework. The most basic outline we can see across multiple cultures is the veneration of 'earth, air, fire, and water' but most cultures also venerate elements outside of that, whether its the concept of a spirit or another element that plays a role in life like snow, they will be venerated differently.

As science progressed, and as esoterica were working on an elemental system, they started grouping together things. An example is with snow, WE know that snow comes from water, so it has become an aspect of water in western systems, however to an ancient culture that may not have known that, it became its own element with distinct lore and features. This can stem from multiple reasons, like if its a cold climate so half of the year is covered in snow spawning a cultures need to venerate it differently. Additionally societies each had their own needs and philosophical beliefs which called for the addition of multiple other elements. We will explore more about the nuances of this later.

Another aspect that is worth exploring is that some systems do away with the 4 main elements all together, take Feng Shui or Wu Xing a 5 element system that composes earth of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Now, this system came from need and philosophy, it is a reflection of the culture it came from (9th century China) with strong emphasis on harmony and figuring out a place in the world.

Now that we have looked into what I am talking about, lets look into some nuance.

What are aspects and names? Why are they not elements themselves?

As we previously explored in an example, lets look at snow. Snow is now an aspect of water in western elemental systems because we know that snow directly comes from water, why isn't it an element itself anymore? Snow has become an aspect, or a form of the element of water with its own distinct name, associations, and lessons outside of the whole of water. What gives?

Similar to how gods have epithets (aspects of their character) and archetypes told in stories, the elements have the same thing, instead its observable traits that come from the whole. For example, fire is also ember, charcoal, and wands because fire is associated with all of those things, they are extensions of the whole that offer a unique perspective. It is an aspect you can work with, like picking an epithet to work with in deity work.

With this in mind, it explains how we get 'darker elements' or pieces of elements. Now some things cannot be classified in this way, so they become elements all on their own. For example, some groups will include elements like 'nature' to describe the living things and use earth to describe the unliving things, it is spiritually distinct from earth, and has its own associations. While in the west people lump that in with earth, it isn't true for every system and often times there is spiritual and religious significance to the distinction.

Because of all of this, personal elemental systems are extremely unique to someone's region and beliefs, Its why for some groups snow is still its own distinct element, or even sometimes considered a distinct byproduct of an element of a god, like a child, making it a distinct element. There is not right or wrong answer when it comes to the elements or elemental expression, what's important is that you find a system that resonated with you, the land you are standing on, and the lands that came before you.

Something important to recognize is that elements are very naturalistic and are intrinsically linked to human activity, things like climate change, terrain change, and more can influence how an elemental system evolves. It is why it matters that you research both the land you are standing on, and the land your ancestors walked on, so you get a more rounded view of how the elements have adapted and you start learning more about what resonates and connects with you personally.

What are some examples?

Keep in mind, these are just some examples and don't reflect every culture out there! I wanted to list a couple examples to get get you thinking about where these systems came from and why. As a reminder; people are not a monolith, lets not treat them as such, these are just a couple examples from around the globe, research is key when looking into personal associations. These are just some bite-sized beliefs Greek Classical Elements Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Aether Philosophy: Empedocles (5th century BCE): Proposed the four elements as eternal substances forming all matter. Aristotle (4th century BCE): Added Aether (divine, unchanging substance of the heavens). Celtic Traditions Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit/Otherworld Symbolized life’s cyclical nature and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

Hindu Panchabhutas Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), Space/Ether (Akasha) Foundational for Ayurveda and many spiritual traditions, they are the building blocks to life.

Hawaiian Elements Earth (ʻĀina), Water (Wai), Fire (Ahi), Air (Makani), Spirit (Mana) Reflects the balance of nature and spiritual energy (Mana) vital to Hawaiian culture. Native American Traditions Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sacred Directions or Spirit (varies by tribe) Can be tied to the Medicine Wheel but not always, with an emphasis on balance and harmony.

Other System Ideas When in the process of researching, its possibly you will find other systems and beliefs, for example some sources online will say "The Norse believe in 12 classical elements" when in actuality it could be mistranslations, adaptations from medieval times, and so much more. Its important to consult with historical sources and people living within these cultures to make sure you are getting a full and accurate picture into their elemental systems! There are many, many others around the globe, with their own beliefs and systems, it is absolutely worth doing a deep dive to see what systems exist and why.

What is the western elemental system?

The western elemental system is a generalized system of elements (usually 4-5) that stems from ancient Greece, but was later expanded on by alchemistic and esoteric traditions! During the Hellenistic period, the Greek elemental system merged with Hermeticism and Alchemy in an attempt to build more with scientific practices, to which the western elemental system was finalized and integrated into western occult traditions during the medieval period! The things that made this system so unique is that it did not rely on any major mythology, but rather was used to explain concepts of the natural world. Because of the secular use, as well as a spiritual one, people began using this system to label tarot suits, herbs, astrology signs, and its where a lot of the 'elemental labels' come from today! A vast majority of sources you see use the western elemental system, which has its own pro's and con's especially when you cant pin point the origins to a belief, so remember to use researching skills when looking at these systems.

While we do have this system, we also began to see the spring of "cardinal witches", witches that use the cardinal directions to associate their practice to a certain element. The western system does attribute the elements to specific cardinal directions, so a west witch would mean a witch who delves into matters of water, the past, divination, and the psyche, because those are all associations with the western idea of 'west' These labels come from pop culture, folklore, and occult practices alike that have greatly shaped the way we view the western elemental system.

Final Notes

While no elemental system is perfect, we are exposed to it constantly on our spiritual and magical journeys. It can be a wonderful tool when learning about magic and how we interact with it on a worldly basis! I hope you found this informational piece as interesting as I did! Do you feel like you subscribe to an elemental system? where does it come from? Let me know in the comments below :) Fair Winds

Sources and Notes

On Verticality

Earth, Air, Water and Fire : The Verticality of The Classical Elements — On Verticality

Throughout human history, our ancestors have created myriad different theories and ideas to explain our world and how it’s composed. One the

en.wikipedia.org

Classical element - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Feng shui - Wikipedia

Tip Jar

Water Energies

Moon Water

It could energize crystals

Perfect for a magical bath

For bless yourself, your home or magical tools

Spring Water

Good for Fae work

Excellent for abundance

Used in love or fertility spell

Used in subtle magick

Snow Water

Recommended for spells that focus on purity endings and change

For slow working spells

Rain Water

Multi-purpose

Excellent for growth and rebirth spells

Good for spells that you want to keep gaining power over time

River Water

Recommended for rituals and spells that has to do with moving on.

Focusing energy

Breaking through rough times

Warding

Good for activating tools

Ocean Water

Good for cleansing

Healing

Banishing

Used for protection rituals and spells

Cleansing crystals

Thunderstorm Water

Add a magical boost to any work

Good for spells and rituals that has to do with emotional strengthening, confidence and motivation

Virtuous for hexes and curses

How to make...

Air salt

- Salt

- Lavender

- Willow bark

- Eucalyptus

Fire salt

- Salt

- Paprika

- Chili poder

- Red chili pepper flakes

Solar salt

- Salt

- Chamomile

- Orange peel

- calendula

Black salt:

- Salt

- Activated charcoal/ incense ashes

- Crushed eggshells

Water salt

- Salt

- Cornflower

- Damiana

Earth salt

- Salt

- Burdock

- Tulsi

- Peppermint

there is not only one way to make this types of salt, if you think or want to replace something with an herb, etc of that element, feel free to do so!!!

Don't forget to join our discord server to get more info! All Spiritual things

Stratosphere Echoes

Constellation Correspondences

A

Andromeda - power, removing barriers, release, letting go

Aquarius - new beginnings, luck, wishes

Aquila - guidance, psychic work, astral travel

Ara - hearth, home, devotion, refuge, protection 

Aries - fertility, abundance, protection, banishing 

Auriga - wisdom, knowledge, storm warding 

B

Boötes - inspiration, nature, storm warding 

C

Cancer - astral travel, dreamwork, psychic abilities, imagination, creativity, subconscious desire 

Canes Venatici - companionship, faithfulness, protection, healing 

Canis Major & Canis Minor - death, renewal, new beginnings, protection, purification

Capricornus - harvest, energy, abundance

Cassiopeia & Cepheus - balance, relationships, love, union, healing, maternal conflict (Cassiopeia), and familial/home conflict (Cepheus) 

Centaurus - balance, duality, healing, wisdom

Cetus - power, intelligence, communication, change, growth, happiness

Columba - peace, relaxation, fidelity, devotion, marriage, union

Corona Australis - emotions, love, spirituality, success, manifestation of goals 

Corona Borealis - guidance, protection, knowledge, divination, success, manifestation of goals

Corvus - wisdom, secrets, duality, prophecy, divination

Crater - life, emotions, abundance

Crux - elemental energy, crossroads, decision-making 

Cygnus - light, death, transformation, prophecy, self-esteem 

D

Delphinus - intelligence, wisdom, truth, releasing negativity, fertility, safe travels 

Draco - wisdom, power, knowledge, prosperity, luck, protection 

E

Eridanus - life, health, abundance, power, wisdom, transformation, meditation 

G

Gemini - balance, change, transition, increased power, banishing

Grus - death, rebirth, mysticism, truth, divination  

H

Hercules - wisdom, creativity, strength, energy

Hydra/Hydrus - life, reproduction, forces of nature, power, healing, transformation

L

Leo - power, protection, courage, strength 

Lepus - abundance, swiftness, wisdom, divination, hidden knowledge, transformation, lunar magic 

Libra - balance, healing, legal matters 

Lupus - power, purpose, loyalty, protection

Lynx - isolation, purification, cleansing, illumination, insight, hidden knowledge, swiftness

Lyra - underworld, enchantment, immortality of the soul, music 

M

Monoceros - beauty, freedom, love, luck, spirituality, transformation, wisdom, creativity 

O

Ophiuchus & Serpens - healing, balance, the flow of energy 

Orion - self-confidence, strength, victory, winter storms 

P

Pegasus & Equuleus - travel between realms, contacting the dead, astral travel, divination, psychic abilities 

Perseus - hope, desire, wishes, manifestation, power 

Phoenix - change, cycles, transformation, rebirth, renewal, personal growth 

Pisces - creation, fertility, union, creativity 

Piscis Austrinus - prophecy, divination, inspiration, astral travel, wisdom, otherworldly knowledge 

Pleiades, the - mysticism, power, higher consciousness, wisdom, awareness

S

Sagittarius - mental stimulation, virility, sexuality, physical energy, power, skill, manifestation of goals

Scorpius - protection, the underworld, creativity, transformation, psychic abilities 

T

Taurus - abundance, regeneration, power, strength, potency 

Triangulum - balance, change, transformation

U

Ursa Major - healing, protection, survival

Ursa Minor - renewal, rebirth, awakening

V

Virgo - rebirth, harvest, regeneration, prosperity 

source

© 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 𝙰𝙳-𝙲𝙰𝙴𝙻𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙰

Celebrating Beltane: A Neo-Technomancy and Chaos Magick Perspective

Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, marks a pivotal point in the pagan calendar, symbolizing the peak of spring and the hint of summer on the horizon. This festival, rooted deeply in Celtic traditions, is rich with themes of fertility, fire, and renewal. It's a time when the veil between the natural and the supernatural feels particularly thin, making it ripe for magickal endeavors.

Historical Roots and Modern Interpretations

Traditionally, Beltane is a fire festival. Ancient Celts lit bonfires to honor the sun and encourage its growth in the coming months. This act of lighting fires was also symbolic of purification and protection. In the context of neo-technomancy—a blend of technological insights and magickal practices—these fires can be seen as a metaphor for sparking new innovations and transformations in the digital realm.

How Neo-Technomancers and Chaos Magicians Celebrate Beltane

Digital Fire Rituals: For the modern magick practitioner, the Beltane fire can be reimagined through the glow of our screens or the electricity coursing through our gadgets. This could involve creating digital artworks that incorporate fiery visuals or programming dynamic fire simulations that serve as focal points for meditation or ritual work.

Virtual Maypole Dancing: The maypole dance, a traditional part of Beltane known for its intricate weaving of ribbons around a pole, symbolizes the entwining of energies and the fertility of the earth. Neo-technomancers might recreate this dance in a digital environment, perhaps through a collaborative online platform where participants from around the world contribute to a virtual maypole, weaving together digital threads to create a communal art piece.

Energetic Device Blessings: Just as tools and personal items were often passed through the Beltane fires for blessings, technomancers might hold a ritual to cleanse and empower their electronic devices. This could involve using electromagnetic fields or specialized software designed to 'purify' and optimize the functionality of their gadgets, aligning them with the owner’s magickal and mundane needs.

Sigil Creation for Growth and Prosperity: The creation of digital sigils to harness the energy of Beltane is another powerful way for technomancers to blend magickal intent with their technological skills. These sigils, designed using graphic software, can be used as part of digital wallpaper, shared on social media, or even integrated into user interfaces, continuously radiating magickal energy.

Chaos Magick and the Spirit of Spontaneity: Aligning with chaos magick principles, Beltane is a perfect occasion for spontaneity. This might involve using algorithmic generators to make unexpected choices or to create random, yet meaningful, magickal symbols or spells.

The Broader Implications of a Technomantic Beltane

Celebrating Beltane in this contemporary magickal-technological hybrid manner not only honors its ancient origins but also reinterprets its significance for the digital age. It’s about integrating the primal energies of old with the innovative potentials of today—using technology not merely as a tool, but as an extension of the practitioner’s will.

As we stoke the fires of Beltane in our digital hearths, we are reminded that the essence of magick lies in transformation—whether of ourselves, our environments, or our societies. And in this transformative process, technology becomes our ally, helping to manifest our deepest desires into the physical and virtual worlds.

So, this Beltane, let’s ignite the old fires with new sparks. Let's celebrate with a spirit of innovation and a respect for tradition, blending the two into a unique expression of our time. Through these practices, Beltane becomes more than just a date on the calendar—it becomes a moment of personal and communal alchemy, a time when we can truly connect the dots between the magickal and the technological, and perhaps, transform the world one byte and one spell at a time.

#BeltaneMagic #NeoTechnomancy #ChaosMagick #DigitalDivinity #MagickalInnovation #EcoTechWitch #SpiritualTech #MagickalCommunity #ModernWitchcraft #PaganTraditions

Energy Shields - Basic and Advanced Techniques

Psychic Defense Technique One – White Light

This technique is widely accepted and utilized within the new age and mainstream avenues involving metaphysics. The initial concept is about surrounding ourselves with white light encompassing positive energies relating to protection and love.

White light often is associated with illumination, purity, harmony, and wholeness. It raises our awareness and energy vibrations as a whole while neutralizing negativity away from us.

Visualization Remedies

Imagine yourself in the center of the room illuminated by light bulbs providing warmth and security to you and your home.

Find yourself standing under the shower waters or next to a waterfall. Seeing and feeling the waters turn into light illuminating over you and around you are becoming a protection barrier.

Visualize angels watching over you and the light is radiating and forming just the right kind of shields.

Psychic Defense Technique Two – Bubble Shields and Layers

Bubble Shields

The Bubble Technique uses the idea that we can mentally surround ourselves with either a bubble or shield itself that will reflect and absorb negativity, so we do not feel the full effects. It is useful when having to learn shielding techniques because the bubble or shields themselves can feed on the negative energies directed at us, but only if there is a filter being used.

Filters

When it comes to energy filters try to think of it like this. We use coffee filters to take in all the good stuff leaving behind the coffee grounds or else it slows down our intake and is more like sludge that we are drinking. Some of us are left feeling nauseas and will end up sick if this keeps happening.

Throat Chakra

The color blue is associated with the throat chakra and this energy point represents will power. Whenever an individual visualizes their personal shield try combining the associated color and chakra point energies because directing willpower and your voice to the shield strengthens it.

Layers

When it comes to the bubble shielding technique it is a good starting point for beginner energy workers, but there are advanced methods one should learn to further reinforce themselves.

The easiest way for me to explain this is an individual should start out by visualizing the sphere around them and from there adding more layers. You can be creative with this, and the bubble method doesn't always have to be utilized in this way. Some practitioners visualize a suit of armour or an actual shield that will aid in their personal protection. So, my question is what do you think would work best for you? Is the armor or bubble surrounded by elemental energies that correspond with you as an individual? What about colors and their metaphysical meanings? Are there any plants or animals that work with you in order to properly create these shields?

It doesn't always have to be the bubble method or suit of armour either. The shield can be a triangle like a pyramid or walls built around you. The creativity is left up to you as the author.

My best advice for trying out advanced shields and adding in layers is to write and / or draw it out physically for yourself. Do not show anyone else because this is for your eyes only. Having an actual physical visual for yourself helps because you can look at this and change things around at any given time.

Psychic Defense Technique Three – Shadow Shields

Like the bubble and light variations of shields the shadow shield can be formed as either a barrier, fog, mist, or utilized as a combination. For focus and laying out the basic foundations visualize yourself in a dark room so that there is a perpetual shadow. This will familiarize you with how you may look in the darkness of a room or another way to achieve this is by going outside and peering down into your own shadow visualizing it as a suit of armor or your shield.

The shadow shield can be turned into an offensive weapon as well if the magician visualizes additional parts to their own shadow such as spikes, barbs, or tendrils. It's also an effective cloaking method if one wishes to remain unnoticed by people around them. The shadow when visualized properly can create a camouflaged space around you, but this method requires more energy and focus to maintain. Remember and think of things like this as well. It's easier to hide behind shadows than in a clear or colored shield.

Psychic Defense Technique Four – Physical Body Positions

Certain body positions can act to close off the energy circuits and protect chakra points depending on where the arms and legs are crossed. Next time you are around someone that seems to be draining and pulling at your energy or spewing a bunch of negativities try sitting down and crossing your arms and legs. Simply listen, but do not give into their issues.

Another way to try this is to think about your chakra points along the human body. If you are unable to sit down, think about the throat and heart chakras. Visualize slowly closing the chakras off temporarily while around these types of people.

Psychic Defense Technique Five – Reflections

Mirrors

The visualization technique here is to imagine mirrors facing outwards so that energy is reflected away from you. This is a good method to try whenever keeping unwanted energy out. Everything will be reflected return to sender.

Another way to utilize this is by visualizing mirrors around someone else facing inward. Whatever they try to send at you will return to them. The cause and effect will be that they themselves get to deal with their own energies instead of causing harm to your own.

Negative Bubbles

Visualize a bubble around the person that is being negative. Similar to the mirror method, whenever the individual in question tries to throw negative energy or use negative emotions to their advantage, the energy won't be able to escape the bubble. The person will feel everything for themselves versus harming you. They will learn to be nice or be zapped by their own negative energies.

Hallways And Doors

Remember that person throwing negative energies at you? Instead of visualizing mirrors or bubbles to return to sender you can also try this. For any psychic attack being thrown in your direction visualize and redirect those energies by looping hallways with doors or imagine whatever it is attacking you on fire before giving the outside energies a kick to the curb.

Psychic Defense Technique Six – Salt

Kosher Salt or Sea Salt works the best for protection because these types of salt absorb negative energies and will ground them or take it away from you. There are many different ways to use salt. How does this help in shielding yourself one might ask? Simple. Sea Salt can be used as a physical or energetic barrier. It is also good for grounding your own energies because it is an element from the earth.

Salt Remedies

Salt in a small cup around a busy room and where you work the most will help by absorbing the negative energies. Make sure to flush and change the salt out every month.

Sprinkle salt into bath water and soak. The salt will absorb and take negative energy from you while also grounding your energies. Add a touch of baking soda if you need to kickstart your own energies and revive what has been lost.

Dilute salt and mineral water into a spray bottle. In each room that has been overloaded with negativity I want you to spray mist into the air. This will cleanse and clear your home. Alot of people tend to try this if they cannot or will not use smoke cleansing methods.

Psychic Defense Technique Seven – Protection Symbols

Protection symbols come in many different forms but will only work if you believe in them. Your belief in the symbol actually working will give the best results. Confidence is always the key whenever one is working in metaphysics, period. Belief is the most important, and when it comes to protection symbols, they can be utilized as an additional method to your energy shields. The symbol can act to strengthen the subconscious mind which adds to your defenses.

What works best for you? Many people believe in different things and any symbol can be used for protection as long as the symbol means something to you. What may work for you might not work for the next person due to having different beliefs.

Psychic Defense Technique Eight – Prayer and Affirmations

Prayers are good for building positive energy, amplifying protections, and adding layers of defense to your energy system. It's a good way to get to know your deities and spirits as well. While this may be a good tool for building a relationship with your spirits, please remember to not fall into the habit of doing this and becoming too dependent. Deities and Spirits are there to help guide you. They are teachers and sometimes will become your friend -but like all other mentors they want what is best for you so that you will grow. This includes being able to protect yourself without aid at some point as you progress in your metaphysical workings.

Affirmations are about bringing positivity to yourself as a person.

Simple affirmations include:

"I allow only positivity around me."

"My vibrations grow stronger every day."

When writing out an affirmation try to keep it in the first-person perspective and stay in the present. Do not sink into the past and think about all the negatives. Affirmations are about all the positives one possesses. Adding this right after a prayer is a good way to boost relationships with your spirits.

Psychic Defense Technique Nine – Crystals

Crystals can be used for various workings and amplify your protections or work to protect you on their own accord. Many crystals are already attuned to certain metaphysical properties and each stone holds its own meaning. There is even a way to use crystals and lay out a grid for bigger spell workings or intentions. To provide some great examples; black tourmaline and most obsidian stones are great for protection aid and are good choices for crystal grids when seeking out protection and absorbing negative energies away from you. Most crystal grids rely on a bigger crystal that is central to the rest being used because they act as a generator giving power to the grid itself and amplifying the other crystals within the line up. A lot of people use clear quartz for generator crystals, however if this type of crystal is under too much strain or absorbs too much negative energies they are known to chip and crack. Darker stones are your friend.

Psychic Defense Technique Ten – Sounds

Using sound as a means of defense can be effective and primarily it is used more so as a warning or deterrent within an outer to middle layer of your shields. Sound distracts and thus scatters a target's focus on the original intent. With this obviously there is a source of irritation present rather than direct counter attacks.

Various sounds that can be used are high pitched ringing, alarming bells, constant chatter of people as background noise, nails on a chalk board, etcetera.

Which sound you choose for yourself is entirely up to your imagination and as always one method may not work for all attackers.

At times, this is a temporary idea for whenever you need to craft your shield and get other layers up.

100 posts!

🌟So, what happens to a Sun Witch at night?🌟

I’ve gotten this question before, from other witches and myself: what do you do when your main power source sets for the night?

 Nighttime is for shadows, things that are fundamentally different from who I am. The moon is my friend but also not my patron, so what’s there for me to draw strength from? 

Well, like most things, it’s complicated. Every witch is an individual, and every sun witch will cope with the disappearance of the sun in a different way. Some will charge sigils or crystals during the day and use that as a back up until the sun rises. 

Personally, I transfer my energy from the sun to the stars. All energies have at least some form of duality in their nature, sometimes many more facets than just duality. 

The sun is no different, and for me, the star girl comes to life at night. 

  The stars are her cold light from eons away. I can feel weaker, true, but I accept that darkness is a welcome part of our being, and necessary for us to rest. I feel like some separation from the sun mother is good for me to recharge. 

  The stars are a much more gentle energy, cool and refreshing. I shine with a colder, white light, and I am much less grounded mentally. This is the time to think about the vastness of the universe beyond us, perhaps about how small we are, also shining like stars in the dark with our different energies. 

The only time I am uncomfortable at night is when clouds cover the moon and stars. When I look up a see nothing but a black void bearing down on me. I become uncomfortable with no lights in the darkness. 

I’d love to hear from other sun witches about what they do at night! Do you transfer your power to the moon? Do you just wait it out? Or don’t even think about it at all? I’m curious! 

-Solarian