So far you have learned about the root magical tools, about beings, places, etc, and you have begun to practise the basics of working with the elements, both in a simple alchemical way (water) and by simple communion with their deeper consciousness. Now it is time to expand upon those experiences and learn how to work with the elements directly in different ways so that you can apply these techniques in your magical practice.

In truth, the natural elements are the strongest magical tools you can work with in magic, as they have the full force of nature and creation within them, and in a balanced way. But as in all magic, you need to learn both ends of the spectrum in order to produce balanced magic that actually achieves something. As you go through your training, you will work with different and deeper layers of the elements. By the time you finish your adept- level training, you will have a full understanding of all octaves of the elements, both in nature and in magic.  

In this module, we will look at the ‘classical Western’ four elements of air, fire, water, and earth. We will also look at time as an element. When you work with time, substance, and consciousness, you create a magical har- monic that is powerful and lasting.

The elements do not exist in clear individual units; rather they are all of each other, and each of the four elements can be reached and found in a single element. In magic we tend to organise them into clean, easy to under- stand single units in directions and with a list of colours and attributes—the usual trap for a magician. In truth, the elements are far more mutable and dynamic, and are a part of a much larger harmonic that includes lots of other forces and dynamics.

The separating out of the elements is a useful tool for apprentices, as is an understanding of the four-directional ‘homes’ of the elements. But as your learning progresses, you will begin to understand the subtleness and complexity of these forces and how they shift around, blend, and entwine with each other.