How to Use Moon Phases

Whether doing a full moon esbat, a dark moon meditation, or a spell casting, one should know and understand the moon's influences in each of its particular phases. Working with the moon's energies instead of against them only helps to ensure the best results for your efforts.

However, emergencies often arise that can't be postponed until the proper moon cycle. The question then becomes how to work with the current moon's energy to bring about that which we need to have happen. The essence of the answer to this question lies in the basics of magick.

Essentially, all magick can be broken down into two types, drawing and banishing. During the waxing moon cycle, our work should be concentrated on drawing what we want towards us. During the waning moon, our work should be pivoted primarily towards banishing that which we want out of our lives.

Therefore, if a sudden illness strikes during the time of the waxing moon, work to draw health rather than banish illness. If an emergency situation calls for a heavy prosperity spell during the time of the waning moon, work towards banishing poverty and need. As you can see in these situations, the immediate need is accomplished by working with its opposite. In this way, you utilize the energies from the current moon cycle (either drawing or banishing) to ultimately realize your goal.

There are, of course, other lunar energies beyond simple waning and waxing moons. These include each of the phases of the moon within the cycle, as well as special moons, such as the Blue Moon or the Harvest Moon. It's also a good idea to craft your working towards the correct astrological placement of the moon.

None of this is absolutely necessary. By sheer will and personal energy alone, especially if you live in constant awareness of the sacred in everything, you can set events in motion. I liken it to going through a locked door, though. You can ram the door enough times with your body that eventually it will open. However, opening the door is much simpler (and less harmful to the body) if you have a key. The lunar energies we work with are simply keys that we can use to craft our workings for the best assurance of success.







New Moon Used for personal growth, healing and blessing of new projects or ventures. It's also a good time to cleanse and consecrate new tools and objects you wish to use during rituals, ceremonies for an upcoming festival.

Waxing Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of attraction, or positive magic, are typically performed. In other words, it's a time when you can do workings to draw things to you. Rituals for love, prosperity, healing energy, or wisdom are all appropriate at this time.

Full Moon, this is known as an Esbat ceremony. The time of the full moon is when the lunar energy is at its most powerful. It's also known as a time of enhanced intuition and wisdom. Used to banishing unwanted influences in your life. Creating protection magik and performing divination. Setting up plans and releasing old patterns or issues are all. Full Moon magik can be conjured during the 3 days prior to the rise of the Full Moon, the night of the Full Moon and during the 3 days after.

Waning Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of banishment are appropriate. Use this time to send things away from you -- eliminate a toxic relationship, send away your financial problems or cast off all the things in your life that are negative. Negative emotions, diseases, ailments, and bad habits can all be let go and special spells for clearing can be performed at this time.

Dark Moon, this period occurs 3 days prior to the New Moon. This is the time when you can't see the moon in any phase. Typically no magik is performed during this time. This is the time to give yourself a break, to turn to self and pamper or replenish your own energies. Vision quests and deep meditations are called for at this time to focus on personal matters, questions and answers.

Lunar eclipse, this occurs when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. This type of eclipse does not occur every year. But when it does, it's a wonderful and magikal night. When it does occur it lasts for only a few hours, so you need to plan your rituals well in advance. This one night is perfect for all purposes. Simply plan your spells to coordinate with the passing shadow. When the moon is in full eclipse, treat those few moments as if the moon was in it's Dark phase. Some witches forego magik work all together and use this time to honor the Goddess in a special ritual.

When you're planning your magical workings, take the time to look at a moon phase calendar and plan accordingly. Whether you're working under a waxing, waning or full moon, take advantage of the magical lunar energy that is available to you.

Moon's Phases

Listed below are each of the moon phases, the "special moons," and the lunar/astrological correspondences. Use these to craft and time your workings for the best possible outcome.

Moon Cycles


New Moon
Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Waxing Crescent
Light crescent on right side of Moon.

First Quarter
The right half of the Moon is lit (ninety degrees from sun, end of first quarter, beginning of second quarter).

Waxing Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now lit.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit.

Waning Gibbous

Three-fourths of the Moon is now dark.


Third Quarter

The right half of the Moon is now dark (ninety degrees from sun, end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter).


Waning Crescent
Dark crescent on right side of Moon.
New Moon
Sun and Moon in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.


Special Moons

The Full Moon
The Full Moon actually covers three days, including the night of the Full Moon, itself. This is a time for action, for harvesting the fruits of our labors, for realizing that which we began at the last cycle, and of giving thanks.

The Dark Moon
The Dark Moon is the three day period from the last sliver of moonlight to the first sliver of moon light. This is the time of introspection; of looking within and meditating on the shadow self.

Moon Void of Course
As the moon orbits the Earth, it passes in and out of the 12 signs of the zodiac. A void-of-course moon is the time period when the moon makes no major aspect with other planets before entering another sign. The duration of this period can be as little as a few seconds or it can be longer than a day. The Moon rules the emotions, so one can expect to experience feelings of "disconnectedness," as well as emotional upsets, turnarounds, and variability. Therefore, it's a good rule of thumb not to sign contracts, start rituals, cast spells, or begin anything that would require any degree of emotional commitment until the Moon is aspected once again.

Blue Moon
A Blue Moon is that wonderful occurence when the Full Moon shows us her face twice in one month. Also known as a Goal Moon, it's an excellent time to set new goals for yourself.

Eclipses
As Lunar Eclipses represent the perfect union of the Sun and Moon, any type of magick worked or energy sent out during this time will be amplified.

Moon Signs
The moon circles the Zodiac every 28 days, merging the influences of each of the astrological signs with its own lunar nature. It manifests those influences in subtle ways through an individual's emotional nature, and through the general vibratory level present in daily life. In order to assure the best chance of success, one should work with these vibratory influences when planning a ritual or a magickal working.

Pantheons & Concept of Deity

Over the centuries similar concepts of Deity have been identified and grouped together as sharing certain characteristics. Some of the more common of there are monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, and animism.

A monotheist believes there is only one Deity. This Deity may or may not be alone in the cosmos, and may have a variety of spirit helpers. A monotheistic Deity may express itself in only one form, or its essence may be split across several forms, which still reduce back to only one Deity. The Trinity within Christianity is an example of the latter.

A polytheist believes in more than one Deity; that is, divine power that is spread and shared among other Deities.

A pantheist believes that all the created world together equals Deity. There is a little bit of the Divine in your arm, some more in the grass, and so on, and when combined all together, it adds up to Deity. In these systems, Deity may or may not exist as a separate being or personality.

An animist believes that every part of creation - both animate and inanimate - is filled with the Divine or has a soul. Deity is equally present everywhere, but is usually not divided into parts as with pantheism. Depending on the tradition, Deity may or may not also exist as a separate being.

These are some of the terms you are likely to hear in a Pagan discussion about the Divine. These terms include mythology, deity, and pantheons.

A mythology is a collection of stories created by a culture to explain how and why things are as they are. A religion’s mythology tells the stories of the gods, deities, spirits, and important people that relate to that religion. Sometimes these stories are legend, and sometimes they are part history and part legend. From the Pagan perspective, the stories of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus are a religious mythology. From the Pagan perspective, the stories of Yahweh, Satan, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are a religious mythology.

Deity is another word for God or the Divine and describes any energy or being that is ascribed supernatural powers. Deity can be a catch-all word that includes gods, goddesses, angels, guardian angels, spirits, spirit guides, elves, fairies, elementals, higher selves, future or probable selves, and nature spirits, among others. Since the word “God” with a capital G is assumed by many non-Pagans to mean Yahweh, a specific Deity of the Judeo-Christian pantheon, Pagans tend to use the word Deity instead to avoid any confusion.”

“A pantheon is a collection of Deities connected by a common culture or mythology. You might on occasion hear Pagans refer to the “Roman pantheon,” the “Norse pantheon,” or the “Hindu pantheon.” Pagans often study pantheons in order to learn about a philosophy more completely. (1.)

“The Gods and Goddesses on the lower branches of the deity tree belong to a specific pantheon, therefore you would have a tree symbolizing each magickal system if you were to draw it on paper.

A pantheon is a set of human images designed to serve a specific culture of people. These images are sometimes called the Old Ones, or the Ancients. When choosing a pantheon for yourself, you must become your own detective. If your parents belong to a coven already, you will most likely have a pantheon that has been selected for the group mind. Likewise, if you work with a teacher or High Priestess, that individual will teach you what they know best and what images they are familiar with. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you keep in mind that if a particular set of images does not basically appeal to you, even though they are wellaccepted by someone else, it is more than acceptable to choose something different. The process of unification with the Divine is a very personal experience. There is not right or wrong set of images as long as those you choose reflect positive energy. As a solitary Witch, you have the privilege to design your own pantheon and determine how you will work with it. Some examples of pantheons are: Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Nordic, Native American, Mayan, African - just to name a few. And don’t forget Fairy Tradition, either; that’s an interesting one as well.

What is important is that you pick a pantheon and stick with it while you are learning the Craft. Do not mix pantheons or interchange deities from different pantheons in the same ritual; you are likely to screw up your magickal satellite if you do. In the future, after you have thoroughly studied the different images it is possible to mix deities, but I would save that endeavor for later on. In time, you will learn who matches whom and which ones react like oil and water.

Visit your local library and the library in the biggest city near you. Hound the local Craft and metaphysical stores. Use your networking contacts to learn more about the deities you have chosen. Ask others how they celebrate holidays, what rituals they use and what personal experiences they have had with the deities you are interested in.

Visualizing and talking with the members of your chosen pantheon is the next step. Sit quietly where you know you will not be disturbed, for at least half an hour, and meet each image, one at each sitting. Carry on a mental (or verbal) conversation with them. Outline your reasoning for seeking them. Let them know exactly why you have thought of them above all the others. Do not force conversation; let it drift to you.” (2) Keep the research you accumulate from your search for your chosen pantheon. This information could be invaluable to you in the future as you begin to gain more knowledge and explore other paths.

Now let’s list a few pantheons and Gods and Goddess within those pantheons.

Greek Pantheon

Zeus: Divine god
Apollo: God of prophecy, archery, and music
Aphrodite: Goddess of love
Artemis: Goddess of hunt and protection
Athena: Goddess of war and wisdom
Eros: God of love

Roman Pantheon

Bacchus: God of liquid spirits, fruits, and parties
Cupid: God of love and passion
Diana: Goddess of the moon, hunting, children, and Witches
Mars: God of war and action
Venus: Goddess of love

Celtic Pantheon
Dagda: Father god
Brigid: Goddess of healing, fertility, poetry, and the forge (Irish)
Belenus: Sun God (Welsh/Irish)
Lugh: God of the sun (Irish)

The Morrigan: Goddess of war; original goddess of the earth and agriculture

Norse/Germanic Pantheon
Freyja: Goddess of fertility
Loki: God of fire
Norns: Goddess of fate - Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), Skuld (Future)
Odin: Father of the gods; gifted in eloquence
Thor: God of Thunder

Egyptian Pantheon

Anubis: God of the dead and protection
Bastet: Goddess of cats, fertility, music, the moon and protection from evil
Horus: God of the sky, divine child
Isis: Goddess of all; Divine Mother
Osiris: God of vegetation and the dead.

As Good As Your Word (Promises)

Ever since human beings could speak to one another, they have been making promises and keeping them or not keeping them. Those who keep their promises are regarded as people of integrity, while those who don’t keep their promises are regarded as people who at best can’t be taken seriously and at worst can’t be trusted. Sometimes we forget how powerful our words are, and we use them haphazardly or unconsciously, creating expectations that are never fulfilled, leaving disappointment and distrust in our wake.

On an even deeper level, there are promises we may have made to ourselves that we don’t remember because they have slipped into our unconscious. An early heartache may have been followed by a promise never to trust love again. Without realizing it, we may be fulfilling that promise and wondering why our love life looks so grim. At an even deeper level, many people who recall past lives become aware that they made a promise lifetimes ago that they are still keeping. For example, a vow of poverty taken in a lifetime as a monk may be holding someone back from fulfilling his earning potential now. Upon realizing that we have made a promise we no longer wish to be beholden to, we can perform a ritual of requesting release from that bond. In doing so, we clear ourselves of outmoded connections and patterns, returning ourselves to a clean slate. Then we can resolve to remember that our word is sacred and to be very conscious of any promises we make to ourselves or to others.

We may ask to be released from any promises made to ourselves or others in our present, past, or future lives, consciously or unconsciously, that are holding us back from fulfilling our greatest good. We may ask that love, light, and healing be sent to any souls who have suffered from our inability to be true to our word, including ourselves. We can ask for the wisdom to do our best and from this point forward to be true to our word, promising only what we truly intend to deliver. The resulting clear conscience and liberated energy will illustrate this truth: We are only as good as our word.

Circle Casting

Circle casting is an important, and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless, if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you know if you've done it?

What is a Circle?

A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world. That's the basics; more on this later.

Why do you need a Circle?

A circle is cast to create a clean space in which to do ritual and magickal workings. It creates an area in which both worlds are present; in a very real sense, it is between the worlds. To invite a Deity, or an Elemental, etc. without a circle (into the mundane world) isn't always such a great idea. It's easier to interact inside a circle. It also acts to keep magickal energy inside until it is ready to be released, or to keep negative energy outside.

What do I need to know to cast a circle?

Well, you must have a lot of focus. You must be able to clearly visualize what you are doing, and how you are doing it. You should be able to feel the energy you are attempting to move, and have a clear idea of where you want to put it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. What is the purpose of your circle? To protect from outside negativity; to contain magickal energy; to create a space between the worlds; another purpose; a mixture? The nature of your circle will depend on the ritual you are planning on doing.

2. How big will your circle be? If you are casting the circle for practice, then all you need is a circle the size of your own body. For a larger group, no big surprise, a larger circle. In my personal opinion, it should be large enough that you don't keep wandering to the edges and sticking your head through it.

3. How will you visualize your circle? If you are just learning, it might be best to stick with simple colors. Later on, you can learn funky patterns and effects. Practice casting a circle in your mind during meditation. You must learn how to visualize things clearly, hold them in your mind, and focus while you rotate and move them. At the beginning, stick to the basics: there's no substitute for them.

4. Can you keep your focus for as long as it takes to set up the circle? If you are constantly second-guessing yourself, you can't maintain your concentration. Trust yourself.

5. Treat it with respect. Constantly walking in, through, and out of the circle without cutting a door, or otherwise ignoring its boundaries doesn't really help you much. You can't really expect to cast strong circles if you can't create and keep it in your mind first. The circle is real because you make it real. You make it real by believing in it and acting on it.
6. Finally, don't be disappointed if you don't get it the first time. Or the second. Or the 30th. It takes time; it takes self-trust; it takes PRACTICE.

When do I cast the circle?

I've found that the best time is right after you have cleansed the space (by blessing, sweeping, or making lots of noise), and before you invoke any elements or Deities. If you have others with you for the ritual, save up jokes, and try to make each other laugh really hard just before you create the circle. This further gets rid of any negativity that might be present, and provides enough positive energy to cast a good circle.

So, how do I cast a circle, exactly?

Well, there are many ways. If you're reading this for information, then you'll probably want a simple one. First, ground and center yourself. Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you. Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand. Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your palms outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of color that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner. Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy as a thick, fluid stream of color. It also flows under the ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together, like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set', all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn.

How do I know if I did it?

This is the fun part. Everybody has their own unique way of sensing circles. Some people can see the circle; as a band of color, or a thickening of the air. Some people can feel it as a spark of electricity, or again as a thickening of air. Some people can hear it as a low hum. Everybody is different. One thing is certain, however: circles get really hot. In a strong circle you can feel the cold air rushing in when you cut a door. When you take it down, you can practically feel a breeze. In the beginning, you may not be sure whether or not you've succeeded; don't let that bother you. When you really get the hang of it, you'll know for sure.

What's this about cutting a door?

Cutting a door basically means opening a hole in the circle so you can leave it. It's best to stay in the circle the whole time it's up, but there are times when you've forgotten something important in another room (like a lighter), or there's something you have to deal with. My personal favorite way of cutting a door is to hold your fingers and hand in a straight line, and move your hand around a rectangular outline large enough for you to walk through. Visualize the energy of the circle inside that rectangle being sucked into your forearm where you can store it until you get back. When closing the door, do this in reverse, and then smooth out the edges of where the door was. Visualize the energy of the circle swirling around until the location of the door is lost. Still, cutting too many doors in a circle can also weaken it eventually.

When and how do I take the circle down?

At the very end of ritual. After the Deities are gone, the Element/als have returned to their respective realms, etc. etc. etc. The only thing that generally follows taking down the circle is eating, drinking, and chatting. Take the circle down exactly the same way that you set it up, in reverse. Take as much time to take it down as you took to set it up. Send the energy back into the Earth, the Sky, or wherever you chose to get it from. If you used the energy from the Earth and Sky, then it's a good idea to change it into healing energy for our planet and our skies before you channel it back.

What's the best way to practice circle casting?

Actually: alone. If you can do it alone, then you can do it in a group; it doesn't always work in reverse. Working alone also lets you develop your own style, and you don't need to worry about people staring at you. You can work on your concentration more easily by yourself, and you don't feel like you're boring people if you take a while. Write your own visualizations and keep track of your results in a journal. But above all, learn to trust yourself and your instincts; it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.

Storm Moon (March) 19th, 2011

Also known as: Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Worm Moon, Hrethmonath (Hertha's Month), Lentzinmanoth (Renewal Month), Lenting Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Moon of the Snowblind

Nature Spirits: Mer-people, Air and Water beings who are connected with spring rains and storms

Herbs: broom, High John root, yellow dock, wood betony, Irish moss

Colors: pale green, red-violet

Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet

Scents: honeysuckle, apple blossom

Stones: aquamarine, bloodstone

Trees: alder, dogwood

Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar

Birds: sea crow, sea eagle

Deities: Black Isis, the Morrigan, Hecate, Cybele, Astarte, Athene, Minerva, Artemis, Luna

Power Flow: energy breaks into the open; growing, prospering, exploring. New beginnings; balance of Light and Dark. Breaking illusions. Seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.

Ritual Etiquette

Because there are no set of Pagan rules it does not mean there are not guidelines that should be followed any time you attend an Event, Sabbat, or Ritual. Rule of thumb, if you would not do it at any other religious ceremony, you probably wouldn’t want to do it at a Pagan or Wiccan one. Common sense is always a good guide and Respect is the Important key. Watch how others conduct themselves and align your behavior accordingly. Let’s break it down to some Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s:

_ If you’re asked to do anything to help out, please do it.

_ Do compliment the Mistress/Master of Ceremony on the Ritual.

_ Bring your own supplies or a donation for supplies used.

_ Be respectful of presenters or those leading Ritual.

_ Make a donation. There’s usually a Coven Donation Basket sitting around.

_ Bring a covered dish if asked to do so.

_ Pay attention to the rules concerning “Sky Clad”. Wear clothes if asked to.

_ Be respectful of others beliefs, always.

_ If children are allowed and yours attend, attend to them. Babysitting not provided.

Don’ts:

_ Do not take pictures without getting permission. Respect others privacy.

_ Do not touch other peoples stuff. Tools, jewelry, anything...get permission.

_ Do not be late. Once Circle is Cast stand outside respectfully.

_ Do not criticize the performance of any at the Event. Mind your own manners.

_ Don’t throw anything into the ritual fire unless asked to.

_ Don’t drink or take drugs. Circle is for clear minds.

If you are feeling uncomfortable or ill during Circle and need to leave, do so quietly and respectfully and always move clockwise to the person assigned to Guard the Circle and cut a door for you. Please follow their instructions with as little disruption as possible.

Here are some of the people who make up the Structure of Ritual and Circle

“The entire act of designing, implementing and completing a ritual is actually a set of various procedures and thoughts, culminating in a single magical endeavor. From the point of determining the need to the receipt of the desired goal is ritual. On the surface a ritual is a tool that can be used to focus the mind and energies of the body. It can be a singular practice, or one done with several individuals. Flowing below, however, is the provision to merge your own energy with that of the Divine or Cosmic Consciousness.”


There are many reasons why we Ritual. Connection with Spirit/God and Goddess/The Universe would be one of those. Another would be specific need or intent that needs to be petitioned or worked for, to honor of a Sabbat or Esbat. or Coming of Age ceremonies such as Handfastings or Elevations. Sharing time and thoughts with people of a more open mindset is also a valid reason to Ritual. There are basic components to most all rituals. There are also key players in the Circle and how it flows and remains protected. Here are some of the people who make up the Structure of Ritual and Circle.

High Priestess: She is the embodiment of The Goddess once Deity is invoked. She is sometimes the leader of a Coven, but she can be Mistress of Ceremony for the Sabbat. She guides the group in ritual and monitors the energy flowing in Circle. If she leads a Coven she has responsibilities that include teaching and counseling.

High Priest: He is the embodiment of The God once Deity is invoked. He also guides the group during ritual and always provides support and guidance for the High Priestess. He helps in all phase of ritual and can be Master of Ceremonies for a Sabbat. He is the long arm of The God and protects his High Priestess and fellow coven mates with his trust and honor.

The Maiden: She is the Embodiment of The Goddess in her Maiden form. She is the right hand of the High Priestess and assists in ritual set-up, performance and completion. She is like a High Priestess in training and she learns as she performs her duties. She is sometimes in charge of monitoring the Coven supplies, if she is The Maiden for a Coven. She can step in to be High Priestess if the need should arise. The

Summoner: He is the right hand of the High Priest. In the case of a Coven Summoner, he is record keeper, messenger, and organizer. His duties mirror those of The Maiden. Within small groups he is sometimes The Waylander as well. The Waylander: They are the guardians of the energy inside and outside the Circle. They monitor the well-being of all in Circle and assist anyone leaving to do so safely and with as little disruption as possible. They monitor the energy in Circle and follow the lead of the High Priestess or High Priest in the flow and security of Circle.

The Watcher: This person is like the sheriff of a small town. They monitor the safety of all in Circle or at a Sabbat. They should be knowledgeable in how to interact in a legal manner with authorities or anyone not following the guidelines expected of them at a Ritual. They should be able to set wards and provide all levels of protection needed.

The Wayfarer: Most often this is a person who organizes travel and events for a Coven. They can also be responsible for making meal plans for big events.

Seeker or Dedicant: This is a person who is in early stages of studying a SpiritualPath. They are searching for their own path and direction. Elder: This usually is a person who has attained all three levels of initiation and is of the Wise Ones. They are to be respected and honored and one could learn much from these people.

Earth, Air, Fire and Water

Each of the elements is necessary for human life. All have positive and negative aspects, and each acts as a check for the other. The Earth without Water to moisten it, without Fire to warm it, and without Air to surround it would be a lifeless planet. The elements are present in physical form (such as a hand of soil) and in an un-manifested, non-physical form.

In modern day Wicca and Paganism, there is a good deal of focus on the four elements - Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Some traditions of Wicca also include a fifth element, which is Spirit or Self. Each of the elements is associated with traits and meanings, as well as with directions of the compass.

Earth

Earth is associated to North. Earth is considered the ultimate feminine element, and is our Mother. It is fertile and stable, associated with the Goddess. As the wheel turns we can watch all the aspects of life take place in the Earth: birth, life, death, and finally rebirth. “by the Earth which is Her body”

Color - Green
Gender - Female
Direction - North
Tarot Suit - Pentacles

Air

Air is the element of the East and is connected to the soul and breath of life. It is the power of movement, of freshening and of intelligence. Air is the power of the mind and the force of intellect. Air promotes gradual change. “by the air that is Her breath”

Color - Yellow
Gender - Male
Direction - East
Tarot Suit - Swords

Fire

Fire is the element of the South. It is a purifying, masculine energy connected to strong will and energy. Fire both creates and destroys and symbolizes the fertility of the God. It promotes swift and sometimes catastrophic change and should be treated with the utmost respect when utilizing it’s energy. “by the fire that is Her Spirit”

Color - Red
Gender - Male
Direction - South
Tarot Suit - Wands

Water

Water is the element of the West. Water is feminine energy and associated with aspects of the Goddess. Used for healing, cleansing, and purification. It is associated with passion and emotion. It is also associated with intuition and transformation. Water brings about change, but it is a slow process. “by the water that is Her blood.”

Color - Blue
Gender - Female
Direction - West
Tarot Suit - Cups