The Element of Air
Air represents the conception of a new idea, the seed of knowledge, and the freedom to choose which direction to move. It is the element of the intellect; the first step towards creation. It is the unbridled passion of daydreams, blowing free through the recesses of the mind. Knowing no constraints, it flings snippets of thoughtforms into the world to germinate and bear fruit, as the wind o' the wisp wills.
Air, then, is associated with knowledge and all matters related to knowledge and learning: perception, analytic thought, communication, memory. The emotions that go along with Air include the surrealistic feeling you get from daydreaming; the sense of intense concentration when you work on a difficult problem; an abstract appreciation of mathematical elegance, artistic skill or superior craftsmanship; as well as a sense of distance and detachment.
Magically speaking, Air is the pure, clear, uncluttered visualization that's so important in affecting change. It is movement, the catalyst that sends the visualization out toward it's first steps in manifestation.
Air is a masculine element - dry, expansive, and active. It rules spells and rituals that involve travel, instruction, freedom, learning, discovering lost items, and uncovering lies. It can also be used to develop the psychic abilities.
Air rules the East because this is the direction of the greatest light, the birth direction of the light of the new day; the light of wisdom and consciousness. It's color is the yellow of the Sun, and its season is Spring, the season of new shoots and buds
.Table of Correspondences for the Element of Air
| Direction | East |
| Rules | The mind, all mental, intuitive and psychic work, knowledge, abstract learning, theory, windswept hills, plains, windy beaches, high mountain peaks, high towers, wind, and breath. |
| Essence | Logos, the switching mechanism |
| Energy Flow | Crown downwards |
| Feeling | Free |
| Direction of View | Outward |
| Part of Person | Mind |
| Consciousness | Intelligence |
| Physical State | Gas |
| Image | Billowing Clouds |
| Word of Power | Yod-Eh-Vav-He |
| Posture | Arms raised, parallel |
| Affirmation | I am intelligent. |
| Virtues | Intelligence, practical, joy |
| Vices | Impulsive, frivolous, easily fooled |
| Time | Dawn |
| Season | Spring |
| Colors | White, bright yellow, crimson, blue-white |
| Zodiac | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius |
| Tools | Athame, Sword, Censer |
| Spirits | Sylphs |
| Wind | Eurus |
| Sense | Smell |
| Jewel | Topaz |
| Incense | Sandalwood, any incense that's cool and fresh |
| Plants | Frankencense, myrrh, pansy, prmirose, vervain, violet, yarrow |
| Tree | Aspen |
| Animals | Birds |
| Goddesses | Aradia, Arianrhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania |
| Gods | Enlil, Khephera, Mercury, Shu, Thoth |
| Quarter | East |
| Quarter Candle | Yellow |
| Chakra Candle | Green |
| Chakra | Heart |
| Idea | Thought, Imagination |
| Visualization | Green Semi-Circle |