Greetings all. I am often asked the question, "How do you find your element?". I was asked this question so often, that i decided to make this thread.
First, let me start off by defining the four elements. In many pagan belief systems, there are 5 elements, but one cannot be obtained as a possessive element. That element is the Spirit. On the pentacle, the five pointed star, each point represents an element. The top is spirit, the top right is Water, the bottom right is Fire, the bottom left is Earth, and the top left is Air. Paganism uses the four elements often in many magickal workings. Infact, there is a whole section of magick for the study of the elements called Elemental Magick.
There are many different ways to find your element. Many people believe that your element is determined by your zodiac sign. Others believe that you must find out what your element is through expirimentation. Both of these claims could have so much validity, but it is up to you to decide which one you want to believe in.
Some people say that your zodiac sign determines your element. Here is a chart of what your element would be according to the zodiac sign you fall under:
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There are many people who use these correspondences to determine their element, and they believe that that is their true element for their entire life (which it could be)
However, Many other people would disagree with this. Those who disagree believe that you find your element through experiences and experimentation. What that means is that in order for somebody to find their element, they must go out and be around the elements and feel for which one they are in tune with, or feel closest to.
For example, if somebody wanted to test for their element, they decided to go swimming to see if it was water. They have a fun time in water, but they really do not feel like it is a safe place for them. The person does not feel as though water can protect and shelter them. This would be a sign that water is not their element.
Another example would be: Say it is a really windy day, and for some reason you have this itch to go outside. So, you do. Once out there, you feel a surge of refreshing and life-giving energy that no other element can give you. This would signify that your element is Air.
There could possibly be other methods of determining your element. Finding your element is not a set in stone practice. Try to find your element, and see what works best for you.
some sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology_and_the_classical_elements