Elementals, What are they?

Have you ever heard of an elemental? Many people may have heard the term but have no idea what it may refer to other than perhaps the elements, which is not far off. An elemental is believed to be a spirit that embodies one of the elements such as Water, Earth, Air and Fire. In European tradition an elemental can refer to fairies, brownies, leprechauns, gnomes, pixies, goblins, mermaids, dragons and even trolls. It is believed that the Elementals are governed by Archangels and indeed for those not in the “know” it could be hard to distinguish an elemental from an Angel, but you need only remember that an Angel’s wings will appear more bird-like in appearance while an Elementals wings will appear to be more rounded like a butterfly.

Humans are however, very unlikely to ever see an elemental as they are usually invisible to us mere mortals. Seeing as how an elemental can range in size from a speck of sand to an entire universe even if we did see one would we know that is what we are seeing? Would we even believe it? Elementals can live just about anywhere, they may live in trees, plants, rivers, oceans, mountains and any other place connected to nature, which let’s face it, is everywhere.

It is rumored that the Earth Elemental most often referred to as the Gnome, is responsible for such things as earthquakes, landslides, wild-fire, floods and thunderstorms. The Water Elemental also referred to as Ondine or Undine is also known as the Nymph and is responsible for rivers, oceans, fog, ice, snow and all other things associated with water including drinks. The Air Elemental or Sylph is often called the Wind Elemental. Sylph is responsible for such things as wind storms, hurricanes, tornadoes; some also think the Air Elemental controls our blood. Last but not least, the Fire Elemental often referred to as Salamander is thought to represent lava, the sun and volcanoes, but is also and more often it seems thought of as a cleansing agent, as it is often referred to as a purifying fire. Fire is also associated with large predatory animals and the mythical dragon and Phoenix.

Elementals have been around since the beginning of time it seems as even the oldest of the world’s ancestors, the Australian Aboriginal tribes, make note of Elementals in their history. In more modern times Elementals are used often in the religion of Wicca, as the pentagram represents Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Each elemental has its own symbol, meaning, color, direction, energy, stone and star sign. It is possible in spells to call upon one or more of the Elementals for guidance and aide during spell castings or rituals but caution is advised as the Lords of the Watchtowers are forever watching the Elementals.