The Elementals and the Guardians of the WatchtowersWhen we cast a circle (sphere), we pay tribute to the Elements and the Watchtowers of each. Most of the time we ask that the Guardians come as a witness to our rites, occasionally we ask that they lend strength to our purpose and our magick. We recognise these elements because without them, life could not exist for us here on earth. Generally speaking, not acknowledging things that allow you to live is rarely a smart idea. :o)
I've said it before and I will say it over and over again; There is no wrong way to talk to g-d. Your relationship with the Infinite belongs to you alone; even if the person sitting beside you shares most of your ideas there will be places where your dogmas cross. I've written the basics of the elements and provided an example of a calling to the Guardians.
I would feel happier as a teacher knowing that you looked at my paragraphs and used them as an idea to write your own greeting to the elements. I would feel more successful knowing that you feel there is absolutely no reason that you can't reject my form of poetry.
Air: The direction is East and the most common tool used in circle to represent the Air is the Censer. The ritual tools that are also associated with Air are the Athame and the Sword. In the Tarot it is represented by Swords. It's human characteristics are thought and intellect. The times are sunrise and autumn. The colour is yellow.
The Elementals for Air are called Sylphs. Sylph is from the Greek silphe, a butterfly; they are depicted as beautiful, delicate forms with light wings. The King of this element is Paralda.
When you first call the Guardian of the Watchtower of the East, it is best if you can use an incense that is designed for them. Since there is usually either a rite or a play that will be done after all the quarters and the gods are called, you will likely be changing incense after the summoning. A lovely incense that celebrates Air is One Part Lavender, One Part Mint and Two Parts Almond however there are many different herbs that are associated with Air and you aren't limited to this combination.
You can mix and match any of these herbs for a tribute to Air:
Acacia; Anise; Almond; Benzoin; Bergamot; Citron; Lavender; Lemon Grass; Lemon Verbena; Mace; Marjoram; Mastic, Gum; Mint; Parsley; Pine; Sage and Star Anise.
"From the Dawn of Time where light originates and the wind blows across the land I light this candle to summon those who would protect me from the blast Serve and protect me as I serve and revere you Spirit of the East come and guard this circle from all who would harm us."
Fire:The direction is South and the most common tool used is the candle. The Wand is the ritual tool associated with Fire and the Cauldron is also used but most of us are stuck in apartments now and are don't have the luxury of having a nice little fire in the south. In the Tarot it is represented by Wands. The human characteristics associated with it are passion, willpower and change. The times are midday and summer. The colour is red.
The Elemental for Fire is the Salamander. The origin of this word is less certain than the others but a strong theory is that it is based on the Greek word salambe, a fireplace. The King of this Element is Djin.
When you call the Guardians for Fire the easiest and safest method is to walk your circle carrying a candle. Use a taper to light the fire candle from the source candle on the altar or, if you prefer to always start things from the east regardless of which element you are paying tribute to, you can take the candle to the altar. Other reasons for using the candle to represent this element are a) the cauldron itself is also associated with water and b) you may need the cauldron for flowers or some other aspect of your rite. If you tie it up as the quarter, it is useless to you in other areas.
If you wish, you can pay your herbal tribute to the Fire by dressing the candle with an oil. If you are using the cauldron for the element, you can throw the oil/herbs into the fire. Plants associated with Fire are:
Allspice; Anemone; Ash; Bay; Carnation; Cedar; Clove; Copal; Coriander; Deerstongue; Dill; Dragon's Blood; Fennel; Frankincense; Galangal; Ginger; Heliotrope; Juniper; Lime; Marigold; Nutmeg; Orange; Peppermint; Rosemary; Sassafras; Woodruff
"From the dawn of time where light originates and the spark that is in our souls I light this candle to summon those who would protect me from the blaze Serve and protect me as I serve and revere you Spirit of the South come and guard this circle from all who would harm us"
Water: There are those who say that the water is in the South and that Fire is in the West. The logic runs for some that the Sun sets in the West so to have Fire there makes more sense. Just so you know.
The direction is West and the ritual tool is the Cup. The most common thing to do is to take your water dish and go around your circle sprinkling it with your fingers. You can also get something similar to a censer that will sprinkle the water for you. I have a plastic bottle that says Holy Water for when I am in a more mischievous mood. In the Tarot it is represented by Cups. It's human characteristics are emotions and healing. The times are sunset and spring. The colour is blue.
The Elemental for Water is the Undine, from the Latin unda, a wave. They are the Creatures of the Waves, the nymphs of the waters. The King of this element is Niksa.
You can add your herbal tribute by having a separate water dish or cup just for this quarter and adding them to the water. In theory, I guess, you could also prepare an herbal tea to use but tea can stain clothes or your carpet so I wouldn't recommend it. The plants associated with Water are:
Apple; Balm, Lemon; Calamus; Cardamom; Chamomile; Cherry; Coconut; Comfrey; Eucalyptus; Gardenia; Grape; Heather; Hyacinth; Iris; Jasmine; Lemon; Licorice; Lilac; Lily; Lotus; Myrrh; Orchid; Orris; Passion Flower; Peach; Plumeria; Rose; Sandalwood; Spearmint; Sweet Pea; Tansy; Thyme; Tonka; Vanilla; Violet
"From the depths of the cool sea where you are rocked as a babe in the womb I light this candle to summon those who would protect me from the depths Serve and protect me as I serve and revere you Spirit of the West come and guard this circle from those who would harm us."
Earth:The direction is North and the ritual tool is the Pentacle. To represent the Earth, many will use salt (iodized, rock or sea) and sprinkle it by hand around the circle. In the Tarot it is represented by Pentacles. It's human characteristics are stability and dependability. The times are midnight and winter. It's colour is green.
The Elemental for Earth is the Gnome. Gnome seems to be derived from the Greek word gnoma, meaning knowledge. So the gnomes are the "knowing ones". The King of the Gnomes is Ghob. The King's name may be the origin of the word goblins for small, tricksy spirits.
As with the Water, you can add your herbs to the salt for a tribute if you wish. Or instead of using salt, you could use the herbs to spread around the circle. After all, what better represents the earth than her bounty? Herbs associated with Earth are:
Bistort; Cypress; Fern; Honeysuckle; Horehound; Magnolia; Mugwort; Patchouly; Primrose; Rhubarb; Sagebrush; Vervain; Vetivert
"From the crown of the world and the glory of all she can be I light this candle to summon those who would protect me from the cold Serve and protect me as I serve and revere you Spirit of the North come and guard this circle from those who would harm us."
These aren't traditional summons. They are ones I wrote over 20 years ago ( translate - they ain't so hot ) when I was just starting out. Oddly enough, I am not one who quarters by the elements. I quarter by the Gaelic Airts; tuath, north, black for midnight; aiet, east, red for dawn; deas,south, white for noontime (midday); and iar,west, grey for twilight. I simply say that at every time of the day, I remember and worship my g-d.
After the Quarters is when you usually light the candles for your gods. You can summon gods. I find that requesting goes over better and achieves more consistent and friendly results.
" I beseech you, Brigid and Bres ( my "patrons" )to honour me/us with your presence and your attention. To witness these rites made for your approval."
And, just to make it complete - be sure that you have your copy of the self-blessing:
"Bless me, mother, for I am thy child,
Bless my eyes that they may see the Truth
Bless my lips that they may utter the sacred names
Bless my heart which is thy temple and shrine
Bless my womb which has brought forth life (for men - the phallus which gives life; for maidens, the womb which is the cradle of life)
Bless my knees that they may rest at the altar
Bless my feet that they may ever walk the Path."
References and recommended reading: The Magic of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham. Published by Llewellyn Books; The A B C of Witchcraft by the late Doreen Valiente. Published by St. Martin's; The Way of Goddess by Ly Warren-Clarke. Published by Prism Press
