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 Air
is one of the four classical elements (air, fire,
water, and earth). It is a messenger element,
carrying sounds and scents from near and far.
Psychologically, it is the element of communication
and thought. Physically, of course, it is essential
to life. This is bound into the metaphors of our
language: breath is synonymous with life itself,
and the words for spirit and breath are connected
in most languages.
These days,
we spend so much time in climate-controlled
environments that we may take the air for granted.
Outside air is full of personality and
changefulness - stormy, gusty, breezy, heavy, hot,
cold, dry, moist, fragrant, silent, whispering,
howling, swirling. Air conveys the changes of the
seasons and the diurnal cycle of night and
day.
For a number
of years (with varying degrees of dedication), I
have made it a habit to greet the morning outdoors,
without clothing, doing yoga or perhaps giving an
offering to the Goddess and speaking a prayer of
gratitude. It is my time of communion with the air,
when I am fully aware of the temperature, the
motion, and the quality of it. One can also connect
with air through focused breathing, singing, or
speaking with attention to the breath.
Air is a
carrier for the other elements as well, it conveys
heat and light from the sun, carries water in the
form of vapor and clouds, and picks up earth as
dust. The entire atmosphere of the planet is in
circulation. It brings us into contact, whether we
know it or not, with places in distant parts of the
globe.
Incense and
fragrant oils can symbolize air in magical work,
because it is air that carries them to our senses.
Birds (and feathers), airborne seeds (such as
dandelions), insects (butterflies and dragonflies),
and bells and chimes also symbolize air. In
traditional forms of Wicca, air is associated with
the direction east (and hence morning), the color
yellow, and the wand as a magical tool. Air is
considered a masculine element.
Astrologically,
the signs associated with air all relate to thought
and communication: Gemini (dialog and debate),
Libra (harmony and fairness), and Aquarius
(idealism and innovation). People who are strongly
aligned with the element of air tend to be verbal,
sociable, and reflective, living in their heads
more than in their hearts or bodies.
The
elemental creature traditionally associated with
air is the sylph, a fairy-like being with insect
wings. Air elementals are noted for the
restlessness and unpredictability. They delight in
blowing out ritual candles at critical moments,
scattering papers, and creating other
distractions.
For magical
work, air and its symbolic counterparts can be used
to enhance communication, planning, exchange of
ideas, knowledge, clarity, intellect, teaching,
learning, inspiration, and skill. Air is also a
cleansing element, like water. Air magic can help
us mediate disputes, become better informed, or
reveal truth.
I have
always thought of myself as an air witch, a weaver
of thoughts and words and a teacher and mediator.
Whenever I find myself getting trapped in my own
thoughts, I take a walk outdoors and let the
air remind me that everything is in motion, and
that a new wind blows in and out each
moment.
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