So I had come across an old Forum about elements and people talked about finding the right elements and being able to control them for a lack of better words. Does anyone know how I can figure out what elements are right for me and how i can learn to use them, control them? Or even as some people would say get in tune with them? I can't seem to find any other info on this else where. Help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Something to understand about working with the elements is that you are not working with literal fire, water, earth, and air (or others, depending on the system you're using). You're working with archetypes: These elements represent sets of qualities people have associated with each element. For an easy example, if someone says, "My sister has a fiery personality," most will understand she has a fast and hot temper, is probably talkative or full of energy.
I do believe that a person may choose to work with one element at a time, and some books walk their readers through the elements individually. Also, many practitioners may focus on a given element to accomplish a working. For example, working with water to wash away an emotional situation (this sort of works with two aspects of the idea of water under one specific tradition). However, a person is not one element, as we all possess aspects and qualities of all of the elements, each of which may be used to describe some part of our selves.
As for controlling elements, tread with caution. Again, the elements, as far as magic is concerned, are more about their archetypal qualities than their physical representations. Attempting to make pebbles dance might be cool (if you ever actually achieve success, which is unlikely), but it has very little to do with working with the elements. Control could be better expressed as influencing those qualities in the subject of a working. Using water from a swift river (as a physical representation of the non-physical change desired) to supplant to stagnant emotions in someone's life could be an example, from a witchcraft perspective. A person seeking to stir the winds in their own intellectual lives would be another example.
As always, I would suggest study. Always be cautious and critical, and don't buy into every source as the absolute truth. There may very well be a few authors who present related information in a way which makes more sense to you, and works better for you, than most other authors' advice.
Do you know in any way I can get in toch with "my" elements or practice a way to get better with them? If that makes sense. If not let me know and I'll try to clarify. Help would be Much Appreciated! Thanks!
