Elemental Affiliations：元素背景.doc

Elemental AffiliationsMarch 2008 Learning CircleShanda/Keirah1. Activity:Have 4 separate areas one for each element. Have people go to the element they think they are and remain there until later.2. Introduction and basic infoThe four elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water describe the universe and everything in it. Everything can be understood as taking part in one or more elements. Everything that is whole contains all four and can be understood more deeply by dividing it into four and viewing it through that lens. The four elements give us a way of thinking about the world. They give us a structured approach to knowing the unknowable. They provide us with a system of interrelations and magick is all about interrelations. The elements form cycles compass directions, time of day, creation process and love/romance that end at the beginning and start all over again. The elements are in nature as well as in us. Within a person, often one or two elements dominate. (Terms like, “earthy,” “airy,” “watery” and “fiery” are used in casual conversation to describe someone and should not be overlooked as coincidental.)AIRFIREWATEREARTHWITCHES PYRAMIDTo knowTo willTo dareTo be silentDIRECTIONEastSouthWestNorthCOLOR(S)Yellow, blue, whiteRed, orange, yellowBlue, green, silverGreen, brown, blackTIME OF DAYMorningNoonTwilightMidnightSEASONSpringSummerAutumnWinterTAROT SUITWands/Swords*Wands/Swords*Cups/ChalicesPentacles/DisksCREATION PROCESSBeginnings, originating ideasEmpowerment, growth, taking action, transformationIntuition, go with the flow, let the process flow through you, becomingManifestation, outcome, the finished productLOVE/ROMANCEObservation, crush, hopeLustLoveCommitmentMAGICKAL ENTITY/ELEMENTALSylphSalamanderUndineGnomesGUARDIANParaldaSeraphNiksaGhobMAGICKAL ENERGY MOVEMENTOutward-focused (projective), Male, YangOutward-focused (projective), Male, YangInward-focused (receptive), Female, YinInward-focused (receptive), Female, YinMAGICKAL/RITUAL TOOLSWands/Swords*, incense, feathers, fans, burning incense*Candle, flame, bonfire, burning incense*Water (generally in a bowl or shell)Pentacle, saltSENSESmellSightTasteTouchLOCATIONSThe sky, mountain peaksThe desert, volcanoesAll bodies of waterRolling hills, fertile fields, caves and other buried placesASPECTSWind, cloudsHeat, bright sunlightRain, tides (and therefore the Moon)Soil, stones, earthquakesANIMALSBirds, especially hawks & eaglesBig cats, salamanders & other dry-land lizardsFish, eels, crustaceans, all creatures of the seaBears, pigs, boars, cattle, goatsPARTS OF BODYLungs, breathFever, body temperature, nervous system, immune systemBodily fluids: blood, sweat, tears, amniotic fluid, menstrual blood, sexual fluids, urineAll solid parts of the body: flesh, muscle, bones, organs, tissuePART OF SELFThought, intellectWill, life forceEmotions, the subconsciousPhysical body*Rider-Waite (Air = swords, fire = wands); Golden Dawn (Air = wands, fire = swords)*Much like above, its often a personal preference*Burning incense reps both Fire and Air incense (A) put on censor (F) to make smoke (A) rising from the burning ember (F); Salt and water often mixed to represent both Earth and Water.Basic sun sign/astrology associationSIGNELEMENTAriesFIRETaurusEARTHGeminiAIRCancerWATERLeoFIREVirgoEARTHLibraAIRScorpioWATERSagittariusFIRECapricornEARTHAquariusAIRPiscesWATERHowever, you should not just consider your sun sign but also you moon sign and rising sign/Ascendant. This may make you a “double earth” sign or even a “triple water” sign and it is the people that possess these traits that often show that elements qualities with intensity. To discover your moon and rising sign, have your natal chart done. /freechart/ My sun sign is Taurus (Earth), my rising sign is Virgo (Earth) and my moon sign is Sagittarius (Fire) making me a “double Earth.”3. ActivityHave people now move to the group the above info (Sun Sign) provides them. Remain there for time being.4. Further determining elemental affiliations*Meditate to meet your Earth, Air, Fire and Water guide. It is an effective way of uncovering deep-seated elemental influences. Visit with your guide to help further see where you connect the most.*Vision Questing is not an easy task but can be very productive in determining your elemental affinity.*Exercises to get out and experience the element (an example of each: Air stare into the sky, Fire gaze into flames, Water walk in the rain, Earth gather stones)*See file “elemental affiliation quiz2” answers on Page 47 in “The Way of Four”5. ActivityAgain move to your element group as based on your quiz answer. Give each group their descriptions on separate paper (all descriptions are below.)Key words, descriptions, characteristics Air:*Mental stimulation & expression*Poets, writers, actors & dreamers*Creativity*Intelligent but lacks common sense/social graces*Uncomfortable with silence*Chatterbox*Makes others laugh & smile*Flexibility*Work in progress never done*Inquisitive & bubbly*Angers quickly*Nasty temper*Blunt*Easily over being angry & lets go of past*Change & new beginnings*Open-minded & sees alternate views*Claustrophobic*Clean picky about dirt & dust*Easily distracted*Lots of half-finished projects*Sweet tooth*Once betrayed, he/she wont trust again*Optimistic & energetic*Starts off strong but energy may dwindle*Loves a challenge*Manipulative*Independent & hard on self*Thrilled by compliments but being thanked embarrasses*Happy & Social*Meditation*Insightful into past lives*Mysterious & unpredictable*Protective*Emotions need to run their course*Bad judgments*The catalyst needed to create a change*Abstract thinkers*Think before feel, sometimes instead of feel*Scholars, educators, students, communicators, writers, politicians, *Knack for saying wrong thing at the wrong time*Cheerleader/Inspire others to do their best*Large ego & not good with authorityPositive characteristicskind, joyful, communicative, intelligent, intuitive, diligentNegative characteristicsgossipy, boastful, spendthrift, untruthful, selfish, fickle, inattentiveAir Witch Lore: Thunder, Bells, Wind chimes & Musical Lore, Birds, Bees & Butterflies, Sylphs & Faerie Folk, Weather & sky, Ghosts, Dragons & SerpentsAir Magick: Aroma magick, Auras, Feather & Fan magick, Smudging ceremonies, Balloon magick, Sacred rattles, Flying ointments, Invisibility, Dream magick, Ouija, Air Gods & Goddesses: The Japanese Wind Gods (Shina-Tsu-Hiko & Shina-Tsu-Hime), Lono, Oya, Yaponcha, The Four Winds (Boreas, Zephyrus, Notus & Eurus), Shu, OdinEarth:*Grounded in home & family*Protection magick is strong *Informal, basic rituals*Grounded in reality*Open minded*Homebody*True friend*Nurturing, protective, loyal & dependable*Organized*Lax on housekeeping*Often overweight loves food*Big on textures*Dresses for comfort*Stones & crystals*Herbs & plants*BoS is organized & detailed*Represses feeling*Work field improve the world*No regrets*Only cross them once*Teacher & good example*Actions speak louder than words*Shares*Keeps his/her cool*Takes responsibility for actions*Rebirth*Foundation stability*Motto: “All in good time”*Resists change*Kitchen or Green witch*Frugal*Treasures family heirlooms*Not argumentative*Sculpting*Learns by doing*Touchy-feely*Social workers, teachers, architecture, banking, homemakers, parents, farmers, builders*Base for other elements so generally magickal workings that coincide with fire & water*When he/she does speak up, his/her word carries great weight*Forgiving of those he/she loves & trusts no matter what*Prefers to remain silent rather than say it wrong*Likes to find scientific proof before calling it supernaturalPositive characteristicsReliable, punctual, stable, perseveringNegative characteristicsGreedy, sensualist, materialistic, stodgy, unprogressiveEarth Witch Lore: Caves, Bridges, Trolls, Sacred Circles, Mountains & Mounds, Earth Spirits (Gnomes, Dwarves & Leprechauns), CrossroadsEarth Magick: The importance of Salt, Magickal gardening, A seed blessing, A garden dedication, Tree Magick, An Earth wand, Earth charms, Magickal powders, Edible Earth Earth Gods & Goddesses: Flora/Chloris, Fauna/Bona Dea, Demeter, The Dagda, Corn Woman, The Green ManFire:*Strong & courageous*Rebels, impassioned with ideas, causes, goals*Very social*Confident*Very neat & clean*Individuality*Quality over quantity*Loves dance*Seductive & passionate*Active*Pushes things to the limit*Possible addictive personality*Open-minded*Values honesty & courage about all else*Hates liars most*Magick is second nature*Prefers a dramatic, structured ritual*Generous with time & money*Creative*Constant process of growth*High code of honor & ethics*Sticks to his/her gut instinct*Loves numbers*Law & justice*Attention seeking*Playful*Regeneration*Detests censorship*Pushy*Sarcastic & stubborn*Relies on intuition*Obsessive*Impulsive*Charismatic*Usually sees things as black or white (no greys)*Leaders, warriors, salespeople, healers, artists*Active in life & will try to change what is not working*Learns best by doing own thing*Beautiful life with an undercurrent of tragedy*Hotheaded & temperamental but always in control*Weight issues either under or over*Burns bridges because its easier to move on*Quick-witted, think on your feet & brightPositive characteristicsenergetic, enthusiastic, daring, stubborn, faithfulNegative characteristicsstubborn, greedy, jealous, vengeful, aggressive, possessive, egotisticalFire Witch Lore: The Aurora Borealis & Other Natural Lights, Lightning, Fireflies, The Phoenix, The Eighth Chakra, Hearth & Home, Djinn Fire Magick: Candle magick, Vinegars, Magickal bonfires, Metal magick, Prisms, Magickal Lamps, Fire Gods & Goddesses: Pele, Loowit, Brigid, Loki, Helios, Re/RaWater:*Very closely aligned with Earth*Reflective*Takes responsibility for actions*Sight*Much more than what we see*Good at divination Tarot preferred*Superstitious & intuitive*Doesnt admit weaknesses*Doesnt see obstacles*Creation*Healing, energy & emotions*Will not be rushed into a decision*Hold things together*Generous & hospitable*Sparkly things*Blues & Greens*Cannot stand clutter*Clean but okay with a bit of a mess*Quirky sense of humor*Light-hearted*Wise*Looks younger than he/she is*Long memory*Good attention span*Open-minded & fair*Flexible*Enjoys helping others*Serenity & comfort*Often in motion*Great moon connection*Thinks with heart not head*If crossed, holds a grudge forever*Wall builder*Justice*Revenge*Associates with the feminine side of nature*Feels first and foremost*Dreamy & mystical*Therapists, Psychiatrists, doctors, Service personnel, clergy, midwives, morticians, theatre*Considers all sides before taking his/her position*Enjoys all forms of water including rain, ice & snow*Karma treats you as you treat him/herPositive characteristicsForgiving, easygoing, gracious, sensitive, modest, flowing, compassionateNegative characteristicsoverly emotional, weepy, lazy, insecure, sly, frigid, indifferent, dependentWater Witch Lore: Rains, Merfolk, Wishing wells, Miracle springs, Legendary fountains, Legendary rivers, Water horses, The Lady of the Lake, AtlantisWater Magick: Holy Waters, The importance of Sea Salt, Shell Magick, Potions, Brews & Elixirs, Floor Washes, Magickal baths, Water Charms, Mood ring magick, Simple water magick, Floating candles, Water Gods & Goddesses: Tara/Kali, Poseidon/Neptune, Yemaya, Ochun, Ganga, Sedna, Kanaloa6. Elemental pairings In regards to personality traits, two elements often pair up and the four elements may look like two pairs of opposites. Rational but Unconventional: Air & WaterIrrational but Conventional: Fire & EarthFire & Earth have more interest in rules, laws and traditions. Air & Water march to their own drumbeat and might not even be aware of the expected way of doing things.High libido: Fire & EarthAverage or low libido: Air & WaterFire is lustful and Earth is physical. Both value sexual contact for their own reasons. Water can see sex as a distraction from real or spiritual love and Air can become disconnected from the body entirely.Creative: Fire & WaterMethodical: Earth & AirFires burst and Waters flow can be seen as creative; Earths structure and Airs logic can be seen as methodical. Projects “just happen” with Fire and Water, whereas Earth and Air tend to follow a systematic approach.Impulsive: Fire & WaterPlanned: Earth & AirSimilar to creative/methodical but relates to behavior rather than projects.Verbal: Air & FireSilent: Water & EarthAir is naturally verbal and Fire likes to make bold statements. Both Water & Earth are more comfortable with silence.Social: Fire & WaterSolitary: Earth & AirFire & Water gain energy from being around people. Earth and Air need solitary time to rejuvenate.Abstract: Air & FireHumanistic: Water & EarthAirs ideas and Fires ideal are abstract; looking past the human to the “big picture.” Water & Earth relate and connect. For Water, its empathy and emotions and for Earth, it is touch and family.7. Wrapping up*If we have time, can take this quiz to further define your elemental affinity as it relates to your current life stage/life role. Questions on Page 59 and answers on Page 60 in “The Way of Four.” If we get to this point, Ill post the descriptions.*Take home questionnaire to give you more things to think about. See file “elemental affiliation quiz1” to do after you learn more of the characteristics. This will help you further define your elemental affiliation.*Once you feel you have identified you elemental preference, give it a try. How does it feel? If it doesnt feel right, try another (maybe that which was second by questions.) Follow your gut instinct and do what feels right to you in the end.Bibliography:“Elemental Witch Fire, Air, Water, Earth: Discover your Natural Affinity” by Tammy Sullivan“The Way of Four” by Deborah Lipp My own BoSWhich element are you? elemental affiliation quiz1Quiz taken directly from “Elemental Witch” by Tammy SullivanYou can discover your personal element affinities by asking yourself several simple questions. By writing out your answers on a single sheet of paper, one element will often reappear once you learn more what further defines that elements characteristics. No right or wrong answers.1. What element do you feel you align with?2. List any hobbies you have. Is there a recurrent theme?3. Are you basically happy and content or restless and bored?4. How are you when it comes to money matters?5. Do you have a sharp nose for business?6. What are your favorite food groups or preferred taste sensations? (Sweet, salty, etc.)7. Are you an artist? If so, what medium do you prefer? (Words, paints, sculpture, etc.)8. What is your preferred divination method? (Tarot, scrying, pendulum, etc.)9. Do you know your aura colors?10. Do you have past life memories?11. What are your preferred textures? (Satin, cotton, etc.)12. How would you describe your musical tastes? What is your favorite type of music?13. What is your favorite kind of mood enhancer? (Aroma, music, stones, etc.)14. Do you have any physical impairments? (Hearing, sight, smell, etc.) Do you have asthma or other type of health conditions?15. Do you have any phobias?16. What is your favorite activity?17. What is your preferred reading genre? (Fantasy, horror, non-fiction, etc.)18. How old are you?19. What kind of imagery do you prefer? (A waterfall, roaring fire, sky scene, gardens, etc.)20. Do you collect anything?21. What is your favorite color?22. Do you have a weight problem? (Are you overweight or underweight?)23. Tell me about your spaceis it organized or is it cluttered?24. Do you have any bad habits?25. What color is your car?26. Do you follow the Wiccan Rede or the Golden Rule?27. Do you believe in the threefold law?28. Do you have an altar? What is on it?29. Are your rituals formal or informal?30. Tell me about your Book of Shadows. Is it organized? Divided into sections? How many sections?31. How do you handle anger?32. How do you handle love?33. Are you methodical or more free-spirited?34. What is your Sun Sign? Moon sign? Ascendant?35. What is your profession? What do you want to be?36. Do you believe in ghosts? What would you consider to be “proof” of a haunting?37. Do you have a totem animal? If so, what is it?38. Is there a season of the year you feel most in tune with?39. Do you consider yourself a day person or a night person?40. What mythical or fantasy creatures do you love? Which ones scare you?41. Looking in your Book of Shadows, what type of spells are dominant? (Candle, herb, etc.)42. What color are your eyes? Your hair?43. Where are you most comfortable? (At home, in the forest, o