“What are the negatives and positives of each Element? For example, fire is warm and comforting, yet can be destructive,” one of my readers asked.
Let’s explore this.
Fire
A first thought that fire can be destructive can miss an important part of the picture. For example, fire can be used to purify something. This can be viewed as using fire’s “destructive side” for a positive outcome.
Water
Water is all about emotion. When water crashes, it might be associated with anger. Can the emotion of anger be used for something positive? One of my friends once did a silly stunt in college. He jumped to a balcony. He found himself dangling by his hands with the risk of death or grave injury. He got mad that his life might be ended if he didn’t muster the energy to pull himself up. He grunted a powerful curse word and pulled himself to safety.
One can use anger about how people are hurting our environment and then channel it into taking action to get elected officials to move forward to protect our environment.
Water is also associated with positive emotion, including love. Think of floating serenely on a lake.
Air
Air is about thought. We wouldn’t want to be stuck there. Action is required for positive change. However, thinking something through, which can invoke our intuition, can be truly necessary. Good thought and then good action.
Earth
Earth is the foundation. Traditionally, witches associate earth with abundance, strength and prosperity. However, Earth can be destructive in terms of earthquakes, mudslides and avalanches. Earth is the sustainer. I often think of Earth as connected to stillness. When you tune into the positive aspect of Earth think of how the Earth sustains and supports us.
When you cast your Circle you’re asking the Elementals, the rulers of the Elements, to help you out.
I’ve noticed that it helps to keep in mind the multiple aspects of the Elements.
“This is the time of increase?” my friend, Adam, asked.
“Yes. We’re getting close to Spring. This is a good time to cast a Prosperity Spell.”
Let’s look at what “prosperity” is. I don’t limit it to just a plethora of money. I am talking about your whole well-being. Prosperity is having an abundance of loving friends, family, good physical health, healthy finances and a good relationship to the God and Goddess.
Have you noticed that having some amount of all these things helps you feel more whole and happy?
I felt great when a sudden inspiration flowed to me from the Goddess to combine the four Elements in a coherent pattern that I call the Four Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity.
Here are the Four Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity in the terms of the four Elements/Directions:
Spiritual/East – Element: Air
Having a close relationship with the God and Goddess is key to a good and happy life.
Consider meditation as a helpful way to communicate with God and Goddess. In meditation, you can have your finger on the pulse with the Divine, which helps you create the balance your spirit craves. Your Spirit needs to be close to the God and Goddess. It hungers for a relationship with Them.
With this strong connection, the other Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity will come to you.
Health/South – Element: Fire
I’ve thought of the Element of Fire because the Spark of Life, as in good health, supports your prosperous life. Sleep enough, eat healthy meals and get appropriate exercise. After all, our bodies are temples to the Gods. Keep your body in good running order and cherish your body. Nurture your body by bathing regularly and do the rest to keep your body at its best.
We don’t need to fall for the media ideas of what a stereotypically attractive body looks like. You don’t need to be wafer thin. It’s reported that a number of models are actually unhealthy.
Take good care of your body—as the gift you have. Move in the direction of prosperous health.
Love/West – Element: Water
What does “prosperous in love” mean? I suggest we do what helps us have good relationships.
A friend asked, “What do you think is important to find in a romantic partner?”
My husband replied, “Find someone who is kind and flexible.”
I agree, and I’ve learned that it’s important for me to do rituals and meditation to keep myself strong enough to be kind and flexible. A dash of humor helps.
Taking good care of your relationships helps you support your overall prosperity.
Finances/Earth – Element Earth
A number of my friends complain and worry about their finances. I admit it: I get concerned, too. I’m doing fine, but I have this nagging concern about ending up a homeless person. My husband is ten years older than I am. How will things be after he passes on?
I’ve learned that meditation and rituals can bring about some peace of mind.
How about you? Would you benefit from doing rituals to enhance your peace of mind?
Doing a Prosperity Spell can bring in some income. Having the opportunity to do something nice for yourself (having a dinner, seeing a movie) can do wonders for your feelings and sense that we live in an abundant Universe.
Putting It All Together
Bringing together Spirit, health, love and appropriate finances enhances your experience of a whole and happy life.
Use this following is a spell to help you move forward.
The Whole Life Prosperity Spell
What you will need:
Altar and regular ritual tools
Image (as seen above)
1 small rough pebble (North)
1 unused easy light match (south)
1 thimble of water (West)
1 Incense cone and holder (Air)
Do this spell on a waxing moon, closest to the full moon. Focus on this spell to enhance prosperity in various facets of your life.
Cast Circle in the normal manner.
After cleansing and consecrating the items representing the four elements, place the graphic/picture (with this post) on the altar. Set the items (that represent the elements) on their representative cardinal points.
Meditate on your life being full of what you desire. Once you have a firm feeling about what you want, continue with the next steps.
(Light the match on the rock.)
Fire burns in my veins with health,
(Dip index finger into the thimble of water, touch the water to your lips, and say)
Water surrounds me with the love I desire,
(Tap the rock three times.)
Earth provides that I am financially secure, and I enjoy financial abundance,
(Light incense from the working candle.)
And Air sends this spell and my love to the God and Goddess.
Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony
Close your Circle.
May this Prosperity Spell enhance your life and happiness.
Have you had moments, like me, of thinking, “Change is hard.”
I like this quote:
“Magic is natural. It is a harmonious movement of energies to create needed change.”
– Scott Cunningham
This idea “magic is natural” can transform how you look at change.
Recently, I realized that the path of “harmonious movement of energies to create needed change” is a path that focuses on the pentagram and the 4 Elements plus Spirit.
As Wiccans we can use the Elements in magick to help us. Each Element is a step toward change.
In the process, each Element serves as a step to the next one.
Air
The first step for making real change relates to the Element Air. Air represents thought. We need to know that we truly want to change in the first place.
Wanting change is not enough. In order to create real change, we need to know that change is needed in our life. This knowing helps us make a real commitment.
Simply wishing for change does not get you where you need to go.
Begin with the idea and firm it up. An idea is a powerful thing. Just like a seed has the potential to grow into a beautiful rose, an idea can manifest into something great.
A well-formed idea includes specifics. You want a target that is sharp like a tack. Something you can measure and see. I will use my weight loss of 42.3 lbs. as an example during this post.
In January, my doctor told me I needed to lose the weight. Now, usually just telling someone to lose weight doesn’t work. They need to want to lose the weight. They need to want to make a permanent change in their life. So where could I begin?
Meditation served as my starting point.
Try it. Burn some incense and meditate on your idea. (By the way, burning incense relates to the Element of Air.)
During meditation, let your mind flow. Ultimately, you take that vague idea you have and shape it into a solid idea.
Losing weight was too vague of a target for me. So, I brought it down to a solid number. I wanted to lose five pounds. That’s it. Just five pounds. It’s something small, measurable, and it can be recorded by tracking my weight on a scale.
Fire
Having a firm idea is a good start. But you need the Element of Fire to get your will into the process. Fire helps give you that push, that extra oomph.
Fire gives you the passion to fulfill your idea.
Use passion to help you form a plan of action. For example, my plan was to focus on dropping five pounds. Using the passion of Fire, I did a Weight Loss Spell:
What you will need:
One seven knob, green candle
Banishing oil
Candleholder
Lighter
Warning: Be sure to do this spell during the waning moon.
Cast the Circle.
Cleanse and consecrate the oil and candle. Set the candle in its holder. Sit and meditate on your losing weight. See the candle as a representation of the excess weight. When you’re ready, light the candle and say three times:
Little knobbed candle of green,
With powers, great and unseen.
I light you in the vast darkness so,
Illuminate health for me to know.
Bad eating habits and lethargy, I rip out
Of my life within and without!
Let this my prayer be answered now!
I pray that you will, I pray that you must,
For me to lose weight high water or bust!
As you my little green candle melts,
So too does my weight and waistline melt.
So mote it be!
Now sit and meditate on losing weight until the first knob is burned completely. Then put out the candle with a snuffer.
Repeat above spell for the next six days.
Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony.
Close the Circle.
Taking action is a great step. Next, you’ll need to marshal positive emotion.
Water
The Element of Water is associated with emotion. We’ve progressed from idea to passion to a plan of action.
Now, let’s be sure that you keep yourself emotionally healthy during the process.
Losing five pounds was all and good, but I could derail my efforts if I drove myself nuts trying to be perfect. To take care of myself emotionally, I created a tool for myself—the Goddess Style Weight Loss method. (See below for my Online Course Goddess Style Weight Loss.)
Take your plan of action and make a tool/method to help you emotionally.
Consider:
A weekly meeting with a friend to “rally the troops” and to keep you strong and consistent in your efforts
A pamper yourself day to help keep you calm. Or one simple, nurturing action just for you: like getting a massage once a week.
Consider the possibility of getting pastoral counseling from a fellow Priest or Priestess. Your fellow Priest of Priestess has a unique insight into your journey as a Pagan. This can be especially helpful. Doing a ritual together can be just what’s needed to have you move forward faster.
In some cases, working with a therapist related to emotional healing can help you stay on track. You may not realize that a past trauma may be influencing your behavior. I found that working with a therapist helped me deal with details from my past.
Earth
Stay grounded through the Element of Earth.
Part of grounding is to keep silent about your plans when in the presence of naysayers. Guard your energy against intrusions by naysayers, who can ruin one’s magick work.
Imagine that you ground your plan of action into reality. Take the seed of your plan and plant it in the earth.
Let your seed of intention grow strong and create the change you desire.
At the core of Wicca—it is a joyous union with nature. The Earth is a manifestation of divine energy. – Scott Cunningham
This leads right into Spirit.
Spirit
Spirit is an essential facet of your journey to create positive change.
With Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, you have stepped into a new life. You’re using the tools of change.
The last step is Spirit in which you manifest a permanent, positive change.
If that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee. – written in the voice of the Goddess (found in The Charge of The Goddess by Doreen Valiente)
Your Spirit is within you, always. Your Spirit is your true connection with the God and Goddess.
Change fundamentally comes from within. When we do our magick and create change, we don’t necessarily change the outer world, but we really change our inner world.
“Moonwater was telling me about her weight loss program, and it sounded like something I could do that didn’t cost me more than the normal groceries I buy, anyway. I started with an egg omelet in the morning with mushrooms and spinach. … In two weeks, I lost 7 lbs. I had a couple of days of eating what I wanted but not overeating. Then right back to Goddess Style. I feel great and eat what the Goddess gives us.” – Denise Kopplinger
As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro
I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks
This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.
Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.
This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.
MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer
This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air
Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman
“I really could use a simple format for making a spell, Moonwater,” my friend Anita said.
“Okay. I can give you the basics with a 6-Step Formula for Making a Spell,” I replied.
It comes down to these steps or what I call the “6 What’s”:
What do you want?
What element?
What will represent that element?
What do you have at hand?
What words?
What Timing.
What do you want?
Seems simple enough, right? Still, many people hold the thought “I want more money.” That’s too vague. What do you want the money for? Some people have a job that pays well enough but they hate that job. So what do they do? They buy expensive stuff and vacations. Perhaps, what they really want is a job that they feel good about.
Now, ask yourself: What do I want? Then ask yourself, No….What do I really want? Keep refining it until you have it. Finding the root of the need is important.
What element?
How do you pick the appropriate element? Think about your need. What element is connected to it?
Do you want to flow better at work? That relates to Water.
Do you want to think more clearly? That’s related to the element Air.
If you want more energy, you likely want to connect with the spark – with Fire.
Do you feel scattered? To connect with being grounded, focus on Earth.
Questions like these will help you pick what element is best suited for your problem or desire.
What will represent that element?
What object would make a good representation of your element? If it’s Fire, perhaps, a lit candle. If it’s water, you could use a sea shell because it comes from the sea.
What do you have at hand?
With a list of objects that can represent your element, take a look and see what you have on hand that would fit the bill. Perhaps your first thought was to use a shell as part of your spell. However, you do not have one in your home. You could simply grab a bowl and fill it with water.
What words?
The words you choose are important.
Here are three details to help you.
Choose an opening
Here’s an example:
By the powers of the Sun and Moon
Give a deadline
Here’s an example:
So make this happen nine days or less
Put in the protection phrases
Here is an example:
An it harm none.
I also include “This or better.” There are times with the God and Goddess know better than we do what would be good for our overall journey of life.
6. What Timing – moon phase?
Waxing is for gaining or adding something to your life and waning is for decrease or getting rid of something.
Additionally, give a time period for the spell to stop. You can say something like may it come to passwithin three moons. (Spells usually come to pass within one moon cycle.)
May the above details help you in forming your spell. It’s true that one may add other details to a spell. Still, the above provides you with a good start.
The various parts of your spell are like the pieces you put together when sewing a quilted blanket.
“My life’s just too busy. I’m juggling everything. Trying to keep my husband happy and our two children. Work is getting worse, too,” Nadine told me.
“It sounds like you need a little ‘silence’ in your life,” I suggested.
“Don’t I wish!” Nadine confirmed.
In today’s post, I’m talking about the element Earth, represented as North of the Witches Pyramid.
In the previous post, we explored West and Water. Water was about to dare.
There is a different type of strength that we can find helpful: the strength known as to Remain Silent, as manifested as Earth.
Many of us find our thoughts racing all day long. It would really help if we could calm down our minds. As Wiccans, we find that quieting our minds helps us focus our thoughts and our magick. When you bring your mind to quiet, you can focus and manifest your desire into reality.
Furthermore, when we talk about to Remain Silent, we actually refer to literally being silent. For example, we stay silent about what happens when we conduct ritual. Everything done and said in Circle is sacred. This means that we Wiccans keep the details locked in our hearts and away from the mundane world.
Sure you might be tempted to share details of life-transforming occurrences in Circle. Instead, be sure that you keep silent! Keep the details as a precious, sweet experience all your own.
So how do you bring the element Earth and to remain silent into your life?
A Meditation to Celebrate Sacred Silence in Your Life
Find a quiet place where you will be alone and relaxed for five or ten minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Picture a pyramid in your mind. Gently explore your answers to these questions:
What is this pyramid made out of?
What color is it?
What is the texture of your pyramid?
Imagine viewing the pyramid from various angles. Focus. Concentrate until you can even see the pyramid with your eyes open.
This pyramid process helps you focus your mind and clear it of extraneous thoughts.
Repeat this practice whenever you feel overwhelmed. Practice focusing, calming down and experiencing Sacred Silence.
More feelings of calm and peace are just a brief pyramid-meditation session away.
Blessings,
Moonwater SilverClaw
P.S.
If you have a question about Wicca and would like me to reply, please fill in the request form below.
For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:
When I first started to learn from my mentor, it took me forever to remember where everything went on my altar. I would feel self-conscious about making mistakes. My mentor smiled and simply moved the item I had misplaced to where it should reside on the altar. So don’t beat yourself up if you need to use this picture for a while.
There are about just as many ways to set up an altar as there are people. Each person or group may have a certain way of doing an altar setup. Here’s an example of a Wiccan altar. Let’s start with the right side of the Altar.
As you can see at the top right is the “Cakes/Bread” You can use bread, cupcakes, cookies or a power bar for that matter. It should contain carbohydrates to nourish the body to replenish the energy you used during ritual.
Below that you can see the “Censer & Incense“. This incense burner has cone incense inside it. However, you can burn any kind of incense in this burner. Remember that incense, when burned, represents air on your altar.
You can see the “Taper (a long wick),” which is used to help light the candles. You light everything from the working candle. You can use the Taper to transfer the flame to another candle to light it.
To the right is the “Lighter” which is used to light the working candle.
Below that is the “Bell/Chime” that you use for ringing, when appropriate.
Continuing around in a clockwise direction is the “Pentacle”. You use the pentacle to help you focus your attention on your goal.
To the left of the pentacle is the “Athame” used to cast circle and to direct power.
Above the athame is the “Water in Bowl.” Water is one of the four elements and is used with the salt to make your holy water.
Continuing around we have the “Salt in Dish“. Representing Earth, Salt is put into the water.
Above the salt is the “Wine Filled Cup”. The cup as you remember is a female symbol and holds the wine/juice to be blessed.
Above this are the “Offering Dishes.”
Next you see in the middle the “Goddess Candle” and the “God Candle,” which are used to represent the deities.
Between the God and Goddess candles, find the “Working Candle,” which you use to light everything else during ritual. The Working Candle represents fire on your altar.
And flowers are always a nice touch for nature and the goddess.
We will discuss more on how to use an altar later. Have a great week!
In the last post we looked at the cup and its use. Now we will look at water.
Bowl of Water
Water is one of the four elements on our altar. As a feminine element, water represents the embryonic fluid of birth. It represents not only birth but also death–in the cycle of life. Both Death and water are associated with the West, which in turn is associated with the Summerlands. People of many cultures think of the afterlife and the need to cross water in some fashion to go the other side.
We use the water in conjunction with blessed salt to make our holy water. In turn, we use this holy water to cleanse objects and people. Holy water represents the salinity of the oceans and of the womb we all come from.
In the next post, I will discuss fire and its properties.
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