Earth is the element we are closest to home with, since it is our home. Earth doesn't necessarily represent the physical earth, but that part of it which is stable, solid and dependable. Earth is the realm of abundance, prosperity and wealth. While it is the most physical of the elements this is not negative, for it is upon earth that the other three rest. Withouth earth, life as we know it could not exist.
Earth is the element of strength, prosperity, growth, and stability. It is a receptive element which means that it is governed by the female aspect. This is usually why it is called "Mother Earth". Earth represents growth and the commitment it takes to make things grow. It is a slow and methodical element, and when you use Earth in your rituals you will find that the energy is very smooth and brings lasting results.
We use the pentacle to represent Earth in ritual and it is usually placed in the Southern part of the circle. The pentacle represents the five points of fellowship in Wicca, and also the five outer points of the body (i.e. two outstretched hands, head, and two outstretched legs).
Stones and crystals fall under the element of Earth. They are good examples of how with time Earth can bring such beautiful and magnificent creations. Earth is also used for grounding. Sometimes after ritual there is excess energy that we do not use and we need to send this energy back to nature. Earth is the element we use to send this excess energy back. By grounding, we officially close our circle, and this helps to keep unknown energy from being attracted to us. Simply go outside, take off your shoes, stand on grass or dirt and visualize roots growing from beneath your feet into the ground. Use this technique whenever you feel spiritually uneasy or if you just encountered a very draining situation. It will help to ground the situation and the energy drain will be cut off.
Earth is an element of beauty, and it deserves your utmost respect. Planting rituals can be one of the most beautiful rituals performed. It shows true dedication and commitment to the Earth, and should give you an idea of how slowing down to enjoy life is absolutely necessary.
How you see the world around you is a direct indication of how others see the inner you.
Time : Midnight.
Season : Winter
Colours : Black, Brown, Green, White.
Zodiac : Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.
Angel : Ariel. . . he is a fearsome, quiet figure who offers justice.
Tools : Pentacle.
Musical Instruments : Drums, all percussion
Spirits : Gnomes. . .They protect outdoor circles and groves - they rule the forest.
Crystals/Stones : Rock crystal, Salt, Aventurine Coal Emerald Moss Agate Obsidian Peridot Turquoise.
Incense : Benzoin.
Metal : Iron, Lead
Sense : Touch
Point In Life : Advanced Life
Tree : Oak.
Herbs : Corn Fern Fumitory Honeysuckle Horehound Loosestrife, Magnolia Mugwort Vervain.
Planets : Venus, Jupiter
Places : Caves, Canyons, forests, groves, Valleys, Fields, farms, gardens, parks, kitchens, mines, holes.
Natural Symbols : Salt, clay dish of fresh soil, rocks, sheaves of wheat, acorns
Animals : Bison, Cow or Bull, Earth Dwelling Snakes, Stag. Dogs,ant cow,gopher, earthworm.
Goddesses : Ceres, Demeter, Gaea, Mah, Nephthys, Persephone, Prithivi, Rhea.
Gods : Adonis, Arawn, Athos, Cernunnos, Dionysus, marduk, Pan, Tammuz.
Magick : Gardening, magnet, image, stone, tree, knot, binding
Rules : The body, Growth, Nature, Material Gain, Birth, Death, Silence, Rocks, Mountains, crystal, Metal.
Rituals : fertility, jobs, promotions, money, business, investments, material objects, agriculture, stock market, old age, buildings, construction.
2 parts Colbalt
2 parts Mugwort
1 part Honeysuckle
4 drops Patchouli Oil
4 drops Cypress oil
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Go out in the woods, as far from civilization as possible, and find an old tree that you feel right about (this may be a quiet spot in the local park). Sit down close to it and make yourself comfortable. Relax, close your eyes and concentrate. Breathe slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth, When breathing, feel how all your blood and life is drawn to your heart, and when slowly breathing out, feel the life and blood spread throughout your body.
Stretch out your hand and touch the tree, sit for a while then ask the tree to share of it's wisdom and memory of ancient times with you. If it allows you, focus your mind on the tree, see it in front of you in your mind. Feel it. Follow it's roots down in the earth, feel how it gets it's life from the earth. Open your mind and enter the tree, become one with the tree, share your emotions and thoughts with it and feel the calmness that a long and still life gives. Feel the tree's thoughts and memories and search for tim's far away and long, since forgotten. Drink water and life from the earth and feel how you get stronger. When you feel ready, bid the tree farewell and thank it for it's help. Slowly open your eyes and rise.
Be sure to have much time when doing this, as trees has a different apprehension of time than we and you could easily be sitting there for some hours without noticing the time going by.
