I strongly disagree with your take on the elements. I have yet to see any tradition that disregards the spirit and replaces it with lightnif. Or a tradition that combines them. Since you brought up that you are sticking to the facts, I would love to see your sources, for the sake of learning.
I do not believe your five elements are fact, but opinion.
As are my five elements. I stick to the traditional air, fire, water, earth and spirit. You are free to choose whatever 5, 10, 23 elements that you want, but your opinion is still not fact.
Shyla, from my understanding, "above" is spiritual existence, the higher self, and the realm of "father sky" (native american) or in many other ancient beliefs "the heavens".
"Below" is physical existence, the biological/body self, and the realm of "mother earth".
So by saying "as above, so below" you're basically ignoring a separation between the two existences, causing them to be whole within your circle and inside yourself. At least that is how I interpret it. I've never heard of it as "elements" and I wouldn't consider them so either, but I do see them as important.
As for the rest of this thread. You guys have this topic on lock down. You don't need my help.
the reason people say the five elements are fire, water, earth, wind, and spirit is because of the pentagram and the only reason spirit is on the list that it is the convergent top-point of the pentagram. And you're also right Imma spirit is not technically an element but neither is lightning. Lightning is likeJoulentropy said "it is created by a combination of air and fire.. and on that note, clouds are derived from air and water" or more specifically air, fire, and water. As for Spirit it is the central force the element used to create the physical realm it is nothing and everything magic users apply it to their practices because it is the beginning and one day will be the end.
Look we all have our own opinions, but I strongly dissagree with that....Lightning is part of fire. Its like saying the elements are: Rocks, plants, dirt, sand, earth, wind, tornadoes, clouds, air, oxegyn, waves, rivers, water, trees, etc..... Its rediculous.
As for your combinations....that is quite a sight. It all seems to be taken right of off: http://s4.zetaboards.com/Fallen_Heroes/topic/7925351/1/