What are the 4 Elements and How to Use Them
The four elements are present all around and within you. They are essential to all life. You and the universe are formed by these four elements: earth, air, water, fire. These elements go beyond the physical and manifest as personality traits and energetic forces too.The elements are here to bring balance. Fire needs water to be quenched and the earth needs wind to move it. Your personality might contain more fire and less water, contributing to specific distinctions in your outlook on life and how you express yourself. The elements of your personality can be balanced just like nature.Each element carries its own set of qualities. No element is inherently bad or good. They each carry an equal amount of positive and negative traits. Check out some of the attributes of each element here.
What are the 4 elements?
The four elements are present all around and within you. They are essential to all life. You and the universe are formed by these four elements: earth, air, water, fire. These elements go beyond the physical and manifest as personality traits and energetic forces too.
The elements are here to bring balance. Fire needs water to be quenched and the earth needs wind to move it. Your personality might contain more fire and less water, contributing to specific distinctions in your outlook on life and how you express yourself. The elements of your personality can be balanced just like nature.
Each element carries its own set of qualities. No element is inherently bad or good. They each carry an equal amount of positive and negative traits.
You can apply the four elements to your life in endless ways. Let’s start with why you’d want to use them!
Why represent the 4 elements?
Balancing your own energy
Did you know that your zodiac sign corresponds with one of the four elements? Check out the chart below to see what element you lean towards based on your sign.
One great way to employ the power of the four elements is to balance your own energy. If you lean towards the earth element you may find that bringing some fire energy into your life may energize you. Try wearing a symbol or object that represents the element you’re needing more of.
Bringing Elemental Energy into your space
Do you live or work in a space that’s really tense or competitive? The energy of the space might be overloaded with fire energy that could really benefit from some balancing water energy. By adding some simple symbols or objects that represent water you may find that the vibe of the space really mellows out.
Magical and ritual practices
Because the four elements are the building blocks of all things, inside and outside of you, they are essential for most rituals and magical practices. Think of them as energetic forces to employ for magical manifesting and ritual. Simply having all four of them represented on your altar or in a sacred space is a powerful balancing force.
How to represent the 4 elements
The four elements can be represented in physical form or non-physical form (a symbol) for different purposes. The symbols and representations of them can be placed in a variety of areas. You can wear them, put them on your altar, on your desk, in your car, or in a room. Here are a few ways that you can represent each of the elements.
Earth
The symbol for Earth element
Earthy stones like jasper, agate, amber, petrified wood, and malachite
Metal and wood objects
Green or brown candle
Plants and flowers
Pentacle
Water
The symbol for the Water element
Vessel of water
Blue candle
Shells, coral, sand dollars, etc.
Moon symbolism
Cauldron or chalice
Fire
The symbol for the Fire element
Burning herbs or incense
Matches or lighter
Fire opal and carnelian
Athame
Air
The symbol for the Air element
Smoke from resin, herbs, or incense
Wand
Yellow candle
Citrine and smoky quartz
Feather
Fan
Butterfly, birds, fairies, or dragonflies
You may have already noticed that many of these overlap. For example, burning herbs can serve for earth (the plant material), air (the smoke), and fire (as it burns). Add in an abalone shell (water) to the mix and you’ve got all four elements represented very easily!
Magical Meanings & Uses for Triangles & Pyramids
Have you wondered what all the hype is about triangles and pyramids? They pop up in images, tattoos, jewelry, and ritual practices. What do these symbols and objects mean, and more importantly, how can you use them for magical and spiritual purposes?Triangles and pyramids have a multitude of magical meanings and uses. I’m going to break down what these symbols mean and how you can use them to your benefit.triangle and pyramid jewelry
Have you wondered what all the hype is about triangles and pyramids? They pop up in images, tattoos, jewelry, and ritual practices. What do these symbols and objects mean, and more importantly, how can you use them for magical and spiritual purposes?
Triangles and pyramids have a multitude of magical meanings and uses. I’m going to break down what these symbols mean and how you can use them to your benefit.
Triangles
The triangle shape has more mystical meaning than I’ll be able to cover in this blog alone, but I’m going to hit all the highlights to optimize your magical uses for them.
Triangles = Strength
Triangles are the strongest shape! Any weight placed on them is evenly distributed between all three sides. A triangle in any fashion can always represent strength. Place a triangle symbol on your altar or wear one as a reminder of how strong you are.
Triangles & The Elements
The four elements (earth, air, water, fire) are another common use for the triangle. Each element can be represented through the use of triangles and each element has its own meaning.
Here are the shapes for each element:
Here are some meanings for each element:
Earth: Stability, grounding, and fertility
Air: Intellect, communication, and imagination
Water: Purification, healing, and peace
Fire: Courage, strength, and passion
These symbols are perfect for use in rituals or magic when you need to represent a specific element. Check out this blog post to learn more about the four elements.
Triangles & The Number 3
Three is an auspicious number in numerology, and the triangle can be used as a way to depict the meaning of the number. Here are some of the meanings behind the number three.
Luck! Have you ever used the term “third time's a charm”?
Creativity and expression
Inspiration and optimism
Triangles & Important Trinities
There are many meanings in history, different religions, and spirituality that reference trinities. Here are a few, but there are many others:
Mind, body, spirit
Past, present, future
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Life, death, rebirth
Three bodies of Buddhahood: Dharmakaya or "truth body,” Sambhogakaya or "bliss body," Nirmanakaya or "emanation body"
Triangles & the Sri Yantra Symbol
The sacred geometry symbol, Sri Yantra, is comprised of nine overlapping triangles that create a total of 43 smaller triangles. Sri Yantra can be traced back to Hinduism, and the pattern is said to be the visual expression of OM.
Meditate on this symbol to inspire enlightenment. The Sri Yantra has been referred to as “tuning fork” that can help connect you to the universe. It also correlates to the balance of feminine and negative energy, which I'll dive into more below. Wear a Sri Yantra charm necklace for wealth, strengthened relationships, peace, and alignment with the universe.
Triangles & Male/Female Energies
A downward pointed triangle represents feminine energy, as it mimics the triangle shape of a woman's sacral region. An upward-facing triangle is associated with more masculine energy and is sometimes referred to as a blade. Using triangles to represent male or female energy is another great use for representing specific energies for rituals or magical work.
Pyramids
Triangles are more about symbolism while pyramids are all about action! Sure, they are symbolic too, but the real magic is in using pyramids for charging, attracting, meditation, and healing.
Different levels of research have been conducted on the efficacy of pyramids and their energy. As with most topics in the metaphysical realm, not all things can be proven but are simply felt or known, though there are some interesting finds! I’m sharing what I found to be the most interesting uses, that being said the writing done on the power of pyramids goes deeeeeep. If you’re interested in this topic I encourage you to do more research of your own!
Charging & Cleanse with Pyramids
Small copper pyramids are perfect for cleansing and charging your crystals or any item with some positive and bright energy. Place crystals, jewelry, herbs, fruit, water, essential oils or pretty much anything you want to instill some higher vibes into under your pyramid for a night or day to rejuvenate them.
Attracting & Manifesting with Pyramids
Because pyramids amplify energy they can be powerful aids in manifesting and attracting. This can be done with a copper pyramid but will be easier with a small handheld pyramid. Follow these steps to use a pyramid for attracting and manifesting something you desire.
The new moon or waxing moon are ideal times to perform this ritual. Take a few quiet moments to reflect on what you’d like to manifest, so you are clear about what it is.
Write down what you’re trying to attract or manifest on a piece of paper.
As you write and then place your paper into your pyramid, visualize your end goal. Continue this as you hold the pyramid in your hand for a few moments and continue to visualize what you’d like to attract and manifest.
Place any additional herbs or crystals in your pyramid that you feel would amplify your desire.
After you’ve placed your paper and any other objects in the pyramid take a moment to thank the pyramid, the Universe, Goddess, or end with any closing sentiments that express gratitude.
Your altar will be a good resting place for your pyramid, but anywhere that you’ll see it regularly will work.
Make contact with your pyramid daily. Hold it, place your hand over it, or simply look at it at least once a day.
Keep your pyramid and its contents intact until your dreams are manifested or you feel it’s time to move on.
Pyramid Meditation
Many claim that meditating in a pyramid shape or with one on your head can have powerful effects on your mental state and psychic abilities. Full triangles to sit in can be rather costly, but smaller ones are much more affordable. If you already have a small pyramid, try placing it on your head for your next meditation and see for yourself!
Some people even sleep under a pyramid form, saying that it can help heal and optimize the body. Though there’s not hard scientific proof about this yet, I sure wouldn’t mind sleeping under one!
Rituals for an Abundant New Year
What does abundance look like or feel like for you? Maybe it is money, but maybe it’s not. Abundance can come into our lives in a multitude of forms: health, equality, love, beauty, or money. What is it that you’re hoping to manifest more of in the new year? More specifically, what do you want an abundance of?
What does abundance look like or feel like for you? Maybe it is money, but maybe it’s not. Abundance can come into our lives in a multitude of forms: health, equality, love, beauty, or money. What is it that you’re hoping to manifest more of in the new year? More specifically, what do you want an abundance of?
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks sharing ways to energetically prepare for the new year. First I shared a closing ceremony using Runes to help you energetically clear for newness, and last week I focused on gratitude rituals to start the year with an open heart. Now, the new year is here and it’s time to think about what you want an abundance of in the year to come.
Embarking on a new year can feel overwhelming, or if you’re like me you might have a touch of FOMO (fear of missing out) in regards to what methods are the best for planning out a new year.
I’m going to share some of my personal tried and true tips for embarking on a new year that have served me well and some new ones that we can explore together! As with all of my ritual suggestions, take what you like and leave the rest. Do what feels good to you, and modify any of the steps to suit your needs.
Warning! This post is packed full of gems and is a bit longer than most of my posts, BUT it’s a topic I’m very passionate about so brew a big cup of tea and dig in!
Heart Opening Exercise
In order to receive abundance, you must be open to the abundance. So, let’s ditch the slumped-over shoulders and rounded spine and start by getting your body in touch with the abundant energy of the universe with some heart-opening poses.
Think of opening your heart center as dis-armoring yourself. Follow along with me for a simple, heart-opening exercise.
In a seated position (cross-legged on the floor or in a chair), imagine a golden thread of energy traveling through your body, your seat, and into the core of the Earth. Feel grounded and weighted to the Earth.
Take 3 deep breaths here acknowledging how grounded you feel. In each breath that you teak feel your spine elongate. Imagine that the air you’re breathing in is expanding the discs in your vertebrae and making you taller from the ground up.
In your next inhale bring your shoulders up by your ears, and as you exhale draw your shoulder blades down your back. Repeat this three times.
On your last exhale place your hands on your thighs, gently squeeze your shoulder blades together on your back to broaden your chest, and feel your spine expand and open in your heart center.
Take several breaths here. Feel the expansion in your heart center while simultaneously acknowledging how grounded you are to the Earth. Welcome any feelings and ask for openness.
Ask for What You Want
If you want the universe to bring you abundance, an essential step is to ask for what you want. This may seem glaringly obvious, but it’s a simple step that many neglect.
There are several ways to tackle this step. You could simply announce out loud what it is you want to manifest in 2017 or you could invest in a workbook to help guide you through the process.
I use Leonie Dawson’s “Shining Biz” and “Shining Life” workbooks at the start of the year and LOVE them. Want to sprinkle some miracle grow on your year? These workbooks will do the trick, plus they’re beautiful and interactive. Click here to grab your own workbooks
UPDATE (2021): we're updating all our blog posts and now the workbooks have changed from the "Shinning Biz" and "Shinning Life" to the "Goal Getter". I suggest following Leonie on Instagram to make sure you don't miss out on any of her new year planners.
There are countless, amazing workbooks out there and if rainbows and fairies aren’t your jam, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a workbook that’s perfect for you. The main points: get clear about what you want, ask for it, and plan it out!
Let Your Higher Self Guide You
No ritual from me would be complete without some oracle card action! Once you’ve got some clarity on what you want to manifest in the new year, grab your favorite oracle card deck, or if you don’t have one you can get our free one here.
Close your eyes and focus your mind on what you want to manifest, then ask your spirit guides or higher self what you need to focus on in order to manifest your 2017 dreams. Spread out your cards face down, and choose the card you’re called to. Personally, I like to place important cards like this on my altar for some time to allow time for the message to really sink in. Reflect on how you can use this information in the year to come.
Follow the Moon
I’m sure you’ve set intentions for the New Year before, and come March they’re a distant memory. I’ve been there too. The phases of the moon are a potent tool for goal setting, abundance bringing, and manifesting.
Of course, you’ll need a moon phase calendar to do so, but don’t worry I’ve got you covered! You can purchase a digital copy of the moon phase calendar here (Each year we update the moon phase calendar, so don't worry if you're reading this in 2022)
A quick guide for using the moon to bring abundance:
New Moon: Focus on your new year's intentions. This is a good time to focus on some of the smaller steps you need to take to get to where you want to go.
Waxing Moon: Take actions towards your goals
Full Moon: Let go of things no longer serving you.
Waning Gibbous: Be grateful for any gifts that have come your way as a result of your work in the previous phases.
Waning Crescent: Rest, renew, restore
These small actions can have a profound effect on your year to come. I know, because I’ve had years that I’ve done nothing and years that I’ve taken the time to dig deep and think about how I want to feel in the year to come. You deserve all of the gifts the universe has to offer but you have to ask!
Have a favorite New Year ritual that you use? I’d love to hear about it!
Tarot vs. Oracle // What’s the Difference and How to Choose
Aside from being beautiful works of art in and of themselves, Oracle and Tarot cards can be powerful divination tools. But, if you’re not familiar with these tools, deciding which deck to choose may have you stumped before you even start.I want to give you the confidence to choose what works best for you. So many big questions present themselves in life and, you need to know how to prepare yourself! Today I’ve got the skinny on the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards, and info on how to choose a deck that will work best for you.
Aside from being beautiful works of art in and of themselves, Oracle and Tarot cards can be powerful divination tools. But, if you’re not familiar with these tools, deciding which deck to choose may have you stumped before you even start.
I want to give you the confidence to choose what works best for you. So many big questions present themselves in life and, you need to know how to prepare yourself! Today I’ve got the skinny on the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards, and info on how to choose a deck that will work best for you.
The Basics
Let’s talk about the basics of Tarot and Oracle cards to help you find the best way to connect with the greater knowledge of the universe when life’s big moments pop up!
Tarot Cards
78 cards
Prim & proper
Organized into different suits
Each tarot deck has a unique energy depending on where they came from, such as their design and printing process
Measure outcomes and influence
Can be lengthy and detailed
Offers insight on situations
Only images on the card, takes some studying
Oracle Cards
Any number of card per deck
Rebel deck
Designed around a theme or deity
Use your intuition to guide you rather than the structure of the deck
Meant to give advice
Quick and more open to individual interpretation
Easy for beginners. Includes thoughtful phrases
How to Choose
Trust your intuition. You might lean towards either method on a given day, or you might use one method over another for a certain question you have.
Try them out. Which deck feels right? Is Tarot too grave, or are Oracle cards not enough for you? If you are seriously in the sticks with some relationship drama, the Tarot deck might offer the ins and outs you are searching for. If you’re less phased by this relationship woe, then a simple “You’re free to do what you choose,” might be all you need from an Oracle deck.
Structure. Do you need it or do you run from it? When I’m in a place where my internal compass is all out of whack, I know I need to use my Tarot deck as my guide. If my gut has been pretty spot on, I’ll use my Oracle cards as my quick spot-checking guide.
Sacred Geometry Symbol Meanings
Divine spiritual connection, that’s what you strive for, right? Complete and inner peace. The contentment of your place both in and out of, this world. The sensation that you are divinely cared for. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for meaningful ways to energize your spiritual connection. Think of sacred geometry as your doorway to the light of the universe. Gazing at sacred geometry during meditation, wearing it, and drawing it can all be used to make you feel more in tune.But, I’ve got more than enlightened know-how for you today! Read on to learn more about sacred geometry and receive your free printable coloring page to get you in the zone.
Divine spiritual connection, that’s what you strive for, right? Understanding the meanings of different sacred geometry symbols can help strengthen your connection. The contentment of your place, both in and out of this world. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for meaningful ways to energize your spiritual connection and the sensation that you’re divinely cared for. Think of sacred geometry as your doorway to the light of the universe. Gazing at sacred geometry during meditation, wearing it, and drawing it can all be used to make you feel more in tune.But, I’ve got more than enlightened know-how for you today!
Read on to learn more about sacred geometry and get a printable seed of life coloring page here.
What is Sacred Geometry?
This yearning for closeness is nothing new. Some believe that a form of communication can be found from reconstructing geometric patterns found in the natural world. These patterns present themselves in the nautilus shell, the human eye, and molecules of our DNA, snowflakes, even the air we breathe. When these patterns are replicated it is called Sacred Geometry.Sacred Geometry has been used in the making of the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, Stonehenge and the Mayan temples (to name a few). Sacred Geometry is thought to be the blueprint of creation and the language of the gods. So, it’s no wonder that these symbols have become admired and replicated all throughout human history.Without having to go so far as visiting the pyramids, you can apply sacred geometry in your everyday life! Here are a few patterns to get you started.
The Flower of Life
Holds within it the basic information of all living things. It is the visual expression of the interconnectedness of all life forms.
See this symbol in your mind’s eye during meditation, or while chanting, as a reminder of your connections with all other humans and this world.
The Seed of Life
Card features from the discontinued Ritual Deck
This universal symbol for creation is thought to represent the seed from which all life was made. This seed holds the intelligent blueprint for all life.
Color this pattern to depict the colors of your seven chakras! The way the colors overlap is referred to as the soul spectrum. Use your soul spectrum pattern as a crystal grid or to charge your crystals prior to chakra work! Let your colorful soul shine!
Click here to get your printable Seed of Life coloring page.
Sri Yantra
Traced back through Hinduism, this pattern is said to be the visual expression of OM.
Meditate on this symbol to inspire enlightenment. Attune yourself to the universal consciousness or wear a Sri Yantra charm for wealth, strengthened relationships, peace, and alignment with the universe.
I can’t wait to see your soul spectrum pictures, be sure to tag @cassieuhl so I can check them out!
