The Elementals
By Lisa Stardust
Each of the classical elements — fire, earth, air and water — are embodied by mythological creatures that reside within them, unseen to the eye. These are spirits which share our world with us, invisible to humans as we tend to not see beyond our five basic senses. All four Elementals cannot exist without each other and are all essential to human life. These supernatural entities wield the power of their respective element and are chronicled in folklore, mythology and occult literature. First introduced by 16th century alchemist Paracelsus, and later explored by authors like Hans Christian Andersen through a Little Mermaid that delves deeper than her Disney variety.
The Elementals are spirits who reside on the astral plane, using their sorcery to control our sphere through their mystical powers. Their purpose is to protect all living creatures who reside in our realm, acting as our guardians from evil. Their love of nature enhances our daily lives as they cleanse the environment, making the Earth a habitable place for the living. A “familiar” force in Medieval Witchcraft, Elementals were used as the physical understanding of the world in ancient times. Many believe Elementals are recognized as the natural force of energy in the magical world. Awakening the four elements and calling upon them to help with magical tasks, allows the magician or Witch to access and connect with the full power of nature and spirits in their Craft.
The Elementals remind us of the importance and influence nature has upon us. Acting as catalysts, the four spirits are essential to both, planetary existence and the cycle of life. Salamanders represent the act of creation through the element fire, Gnomes represent the desire to work through the element earth, Sylphs represent the element air which brings words and thoughts to life through clarity of the mind, and Undines represent the element water which heals the soul and gives us access to our emotions, and help transmit our psychic and intuitive abilities.
The Elementals are broken down and categorized the following way. While they are all equally powerful, the list below shows the hierarchy based on the circle of life:
Fire: Salamanders (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Salamanders! While these critters are undeniably “real”, they are believed to be mystical creatures that purify the Earth through the heat of their fire (excretions from their skin can cause burns) and cleanse mankind of sin. The slithery salamander also acts as the spoke-spirit of assertion, sexuality, activation, cleansing, creation and consumption (think in terms of digestive fire). Salamanders are the inspiration, the spark that comes from initiating and manifesting creative desires, as well as the ability to carry out such endeavors. By offering transformation to those who feel lethargic, Salamanders provide divine wisdom and a moral compass to those who call upon its fiery energy — giving others the opportunity to embrace change, moving toward a more truthful place, and personal evolution.
Earth: Gnomes (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Gnomes or Pygmy are small human beings that live underground. They are hard workers and full of personality, translated in time as the Seven Dwarfs from the fairy tale Snow White. Gnomes are the tireless workers who carry out the inspiring spark of Salamanders. Found amongst the green trees in forests, preserving the purity of Mother Nature. They act as a grounding force of nature, allowing mortals to feel stable and secure in the routine of day-to-day life. Playing tricks on those who do not respect Mother Nature, their love affair with the beauty of Earth allots mortals protection of crops, harvests, gardening, homes, material possessions, money and pleasures.
Air: Sylphs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Sylphs are mythological air spirits, flower fairies, spirit guides, Valkyries and Griffins. However, they are more connected to the world of Fae — shape shifting flying beings of the sky. Soaring through the sky, hiding in clouds, while being invisible to the eye of mortals, the Sylphs are able to spread news, inspire art, give breath to all living creatures and even cause mischief amongst us earthlings. When they are not causing miscommunications, being busy bodies or playing tricks, Sylphs act as protectors of women, occult secrets and the environment — safeguarding us all from destruction. While Sylphs are amazingly intelligent, they also have a childlike sense of wonder, allowing them to gain insight and act with diplomacy. Their only downfall is that they cannot exist in any element other than air and have mortal souls, only gaining immortality by marrying a human.
Water: Undines (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Undines/Nymphs are water maidens who love to sing. Lacking a soul, they need to marry a human to receive a soul and immortality — a tale popularized by The Little Mermaid. Undines are female creatures (nereides, limnades, naiades and mermaids) mostly found under waterfalls. Protectors of all sea dwelling creatures, Undines like to soothe and heal human pains and woes when they enter bodies of water. Marrying a man is the only way they can live and be immortal — through love (Hello, Ariel!). They exist as the personification of love, drawing men to them through their beautiful voices, causing sailors to abandon their ships in pursuit of these bathing beauties. Ruled by Neptune, God of the Sea, Undines live in sea caves and under lily pads, their echoing song entrancing humans and other creatures. Their element, water, is essential to all life — from plants, to animals, and humans. Each crashing wave against the ocean shore represents the undines song of pure, raw love and emotion.
Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer who has been part of the astrology community for over 10 years. Acting as a guide for her clients, Lisa Stardust can provide insight & answer questions relating to relationships, finances, and other important facets of life, follow her on Instagram for her daily scopes!
Illustrations by Amanda Valdes — to see more of her work visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
