Welcome to Gaia! ::

Spirit

Direction : Center and Circumference, throughout and About.
Time : Beyond time, All time is one.
Season : The turning Wheel.
Colours : Black , Purple, Clear
Tools : Cauldron.
Incense : Mastic
Animals : Sphinx
Places: Outer space, vacuums, the void
Goddesses : Isis, The secret name of the Goddess, Shekinah.
Gods : Akasha, Ioa, JHVH.
Magick : Ruled, religious
Rules : Transcendence, transformation, Change, Everywhere and Nowhere, Within and Without, The Void, Immanence.
The Elements emerge from Akasha, the immutable, changeless sourcre of all energy, It is the top point of a pentacle that represents Spirit. The primal source of energy that creates and fuels the elements. It is seen as the Mother of the Elements.

Air

Air is the element of the intellect; it is the realm of thought, which is the first stop toward creations. Magicakally speaking, Air is the clear, unclutters, pure visualization which is a powerful tool for change. It is also the movement, the impetus that sends the visualization out toward manifestation. It rules spells and rituals involving travel, instruction, freedom, obtaining knowledge, discovering lost items, uncovering lies and so on. It can also be used to develop the psychic faculties.
Spells involving air usually include the act of placing an object in the air or dropping something off the side of a mountain or other high places so theat the object actually connects physically with the element. Air is masculine, being dry, expansive and active. It is the element that excels in places of learning, and which is at work while we theorize, think and ponder. Air rules because this is the direction of the greatest light, and the lift of wisdom and consciousness. Its color is yellow, the yellow fo the Sun and the sky at dawn. Air governs the magick of the four winds, most divination, concentration and visualization magick.
Air is the element of justice, change, swiftness, and the intellectual. It is a projective element which means that it is governed by the male aspect. When you call upon Air in your ritual, you will find that it has the most crisp, refreshing, and renewing energy. It brings about almost immediate change, and can get you past any difficult blocks in your path. We use the Athame to represent Air in ritual, and it is usually placed in the eastern part of the circle. Air is of the intellect, which means that some find it a challenge to accept because it requires thought and determination. It is this reason alone that makes its acceptance all the more important. Air represents change, and change is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth and achievement. Air also brings about freedom, and freedom of choice. It brings about uniqueness and it is this quality that separates our individual path from others.
Air traditionally is called upon first during ritual. This is done because it helps change our spiritual state which is needed before we can proceed any further. If you are in need of change in any area of your life, then call upon the spirit of Air. Air will bring about any change you ask, but it will do it in a fair and justified manner. Air gives us the ability of rebirth, and renewal. It is the energy of rebirth that gives us the opportunity to advance (springtime and reincarnation), and the opportunity to grow beyond what others perceive of us. Air will bring many opportunities to us, but it is important to recognize those opportunities as they come in. Air usually moves very quickly and will bring refreshment, and renewal where you need it most.
Spiritual change requires thought, determination, acceptance, and willingness to let things go.
Direction : East
Time : Dawn
Season : Spring
Colours : White, Bright Yellow, Crimson, Blue-white,Pastels.
Zodiac : Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.
Angel : Raphael . . . he rules science, knowledge, compassion and healing.
Tools : Atheme, Sword, Censor.
Musical Instruments : Flute - all wind instruments
Spirits : Sylphs. . . Granters of wishes, dreams and knowledge.
They rule the weather. Protectors of magickal workings. Seen as fairies or white light.
Crystals/Stones : Topaz, Aventurine, Azurite, Celestite, Kyanite, Mica, Pumice.
Incense : Frankincense.
Metal : Tin, Copper
Senses : Hearing, smell
Point In Life : Infancy
Tree : Aspen.
Herbs : Acacia, Bergamot, Clover, Hops, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Marjoram, Mistletoe
Planets : Mercury, Uranus
Places : Mountain tops, wind swept plains, cloudy skies, airports, schools, librarys, travel agencies.
Natural Symbols : A feather, incense smoke, fragrant flowers
Animals : Birds, especially the eagle and hawk, insects and spiders.
Goddesses : Aradia, Arianhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania.
Gods : Enhil, Khephera, Mercury, Shu, Thoth.
Magick : Divination, Concentration, Visualisation, Wind magick
Rules : The mind, , all mental, intuitive, and psychic work, knowledge, abstract learning, wind and breath.
Rituals : Schooling, memory, teaching, divination, breaking bad habits, communication, travel, writing.
AIR INCENSE
2 parts Gum Mastic
1 part Lavender
2 parts Sage
1 part Marjoram
AIR OIL
5 drops Lemongrass Oil
2 drop Lavender oil
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Connecting With Air
Air is probably the hardest element to gain contact with as it is the only one that you have no real physical contact with.
The best place for this is atop a mountain or cliff of some sort. If none are near, the highest place you can find will work. You need to be up higher for this one so you can catch some breeze or wind.
Find a comfortable position to sit or stand in and raise your arms to the sky as if trying to catch the wind. Remember to breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel the breeze flow past your fingers, feel it as it touches your skin, caressing it softly. Now concentrate and follow the air as it flows past your fingers and into the sky, follow it in your mind, see all it can see below as it travels through the skies. Ask the Air to share with you and if it accepts, give yourself to it. Enjoy the freedom as you drift along the air waves, Feel as free as a bird, gliding through the sky, look below to see the earth below, give yourself to this freedom, let it inspire you to be all you can in your hopes and dreams.
When you are ready, thank the Air and slowly come back to Earth.. Thank the Air for it's time and wisdom. It is time now to bid farewell.

Water

Water is the element of purification, the subconscious mind, love and the emotions. Just as water is fluid, constantly changing, flowing, from one level to another, so too are our emotions in a constant state of flux. Water is the element of absorption and germination. The subconscious symbolized by this element because it is rolling, always moving, like the sea which rests neither night or day.
Water is the element of love, peace, purification, and healing. It is a receptive element which means that it is governed by the female aspect. Water to most people represents love, but actually water governs all emotions. Just the same as water itself, emotions are best dealt with if they are allowed to simply flow on their own. Allowing a relationship to come in naturally will have a much greater chance of success. When you call upon Water in your rituals, you will find that it has a smooth, calming effect. Its energy is crisp, cool, and refreshing. It tends to have a ripple vibration which means that its effects are long lasting but can have a few waves here and there.
Water tends to have an initial impact, and then it slowly dissipates. Relationships are generally brought into your life so that you may experience the many different feelings of the heart. These feelings are very important when it comes to understanding love, compassion, and empathy. Water is also a giving element, and it usually gives unconditionally. Any gift of love should usually come with no strings attached. We use the cup to represent Water in ritual and it is usually placed in the western part of the circle. Water teaches us to feel on an inner level, and this is why Water is usually associated to intuition. Using this inner intuition almost always leads to success, and it a crucial aspect of gaining faith and self-confidence.
Water rituals include bathing, baptizing, cleansing, and purification. Perfumes are a perfect example of a small Water ritual. We generally accept that spraying scented water upon the skin tends to attract others. Other rituals include having a home sprinkled with blessed Water, spaying oneself with charged Water to restore energy vibrations, and soaking in a charged bath to draw in or release energy. Water has many uses, your body itself is made up of ninety-eight percent Water, so be creative when you call upon this energy.
When your cup is full, have a drink in honor of life.
Direction : West.
Time : Twilight.
Season : Autumn.
Colours : Blue, Blue-Green, Green, Gray, Indigo, Black.
Zodiac : Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.
Angel : Gabriel . . . he rules birth, death and transformation.
Tools : Cup, Cauldron, Broom
Musical Instruments : Cymbal - bell, all resonant metals.
Spirits : Undines. . . granters of love and friendship. They protect the gates of death and karma.
Crystals/Stones : Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone
Incense : Myrrh.
Metal : Mercury, Silver, Copper
Sense : Taste
Point In Life : Maturity
Tree : Willow.
Herbs : Chamomile, Feverfew, Lemon Balm, Moonwort, Myrtle, Myrrh, Skullcap, Thyme, Willow.
Planets : Neptune
Places : Lakes, springs, rivers, beaches, oceans, wells, swimming pools, bathtubs, showers, fountains.
Natural Symbols : Shells, a cup of water
Animals : Dolphins, Porpoises, Fish, Seals and sea mammals, Water dwelling Snakes
Goddesses : Aphrodite, Isis, Mari, Mariamne, Tiamat, Yemaya.
Gods : Dylan, Ea, Llyr, Manannan, Neptune, Osiris, Poiseidon.
Magick : sea, ice, snow fog, mirror, magnet.
Rules : Emotions, Fellings, Love, Sorrow, oceans and tides, Intuition, the unconscious mind, Fertility.
Rituals : Purification, love psychic awareness, dreams, sleep, peace, marriage, friendships
WATER INCENSE
2 parts Myrrh
1 part Chamomile
2 parts Lemon Balm
1 part Thyme
WATER OIL
3 drops Jasmine Oil
2 drop Ylang Ylang oil
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Connecting With Water
Find a place by a lake, sea or ocean that you like and sit or lie down so close that you can touch the water with your fingers. If you feel comfortable enough with it, you can be in a boat or even in the water. The important thing is that it feels right. Urbanites and those not near water can use a large mixing bowl filled with water.
Relax and look into the water, touch it with your hands. Breathe slowly. Breath in through your nose and feel the smell of the water, let it fill you, relax and let go as you breath out through your mouth. Feel it as it touches your skin and stretch out for it. Concentrate your mind and follow the water as it moves away from your skin. Ask the water to share with you and if it accepts, let your mind follow it. You are water, feel how you flow and touches Earth, sand and beaches everywhere. Hear the sound you make as you hit stones and earth around you. You are movement and beginning of all life. Feel it.
Let the water fill up your consciousness and lead you. Let it clean away all sorrow from your mind and soul. When you feel ready, draw your mind away from the water and back into your body, take your hands away from the water and take some deep breaths. Take some water in your hands and move them to your face and hair letting it out over you. Bid the water farewell and rise.
If you are inside, empty the mixing bowl in the water.

Fire

Fire is the element of change, will and passion. In a sense it contains withing it all forms of magick, since magick is the process of change. Fire magick can be frightening. The results manifest quickly and spectacularly. It is not an element for the faint-hearted. However, it is the most primal and for this reason is much used. This is the realm of sexuality and passion. It is not only the "sacred fire" of sex, it is also the spark of divinity which shines within us and all living things. It is at once the most physical and spiritual of the elements.
Fire is the element of spirit, courage, will, and desire. It is a projective element which means that it is ruled by the male aspect. Fire represents the will and drive of each individual spirit. Fire is represented by the wand during ritual and is usually placed in the southern part of the circle. Fire will help manifest truth, and tradition in your life, but it takes strong drive and an even stronger will.
Fire can have both a smooth, methodical energy (a candle flame), and a swiftly moving one (forest fire) depending on individual circumstances. When you call upon fire in ritual, you will feel a strong sense of tradition, and overwhelming purity. You cannot deceive Fire, it always knows your spirits true desires. Its energy is one based in truth and honesty, and therefore it will always bring results of genuine intent. Fire cannot only manifest things in your life, but it can help rid you of any unnecessary issues you may be dealing with. Banishing with Fire is very effective and brings immediate and long lasting results. Fire is the element of transformation and can help change old worn out habits or patterns into strong, healthy traditions that produce beneficial results. Fire is also the element of desire, and it will help to bring about any desire that you may have. If you are unsure of any situation focus on Fire for the strength and courage needed to bring the situation to light.
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Direction : North
Time : Noon
Season : Summer
Colours : Red, Gold, Crimson, Orange, White.
Zodiac : Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
Angel : Michael. . . he dispenses justice, balance and protection.
Tools : Censer, Wand.
Musical Instruments : Guitar, all stringed.
Spirits : Salamanders. . . Granters of creativity and passion. Protectors of the hearth, home or business.
Crystals/Stones : Amber Apache Tears Carnelian Citrine Garnet Tiger's Eye, Fire Opal.
Incense : Copal, Olibanum.
Metal : Gold, Brass
Senses : Sight
Point In Life : Youth
Tree : Almond, in flower.
Herbs : Dragon's Blood, Frankincense, Garlic, Hawthorn, Marigold, Saffron, St. John's Wort, Sunflower
Planets : Sun, Mars
Places : Deserts, Hot springs, volcanoes, ovens, fireplaces, weight rooms, locker rooms, saunas
Natural Symbols : Flame, lava, a heated object
Animals : Fire-breathing dragons, Horses, Lions, Snakes. Shark, scorpion, Bees, Lizards.
Goddesses : Brigit, Hestia, Pele, Vesta.
Gods : Agni, Hephaetus, Horus, Prometheus, Vulcan.
Magick : Candle, storm, time and Star
Rules : Energy, Spirit, Heat, Flame, Blood, Life, Bonfires, Candles, Sun, Eruptions, Explosions.
Rituals : protection, courage, sex, energy, strength, authority, banishing negativity.
FIRE INCENSE
2 parts Frankincense
2 parts Marigold
1 part Dragon's Blood
1 part St. John's Wort
Pinch Saffron
FIRE OIL
1 drop Clove Oil
2 drops Rosemary Oil
3 drops Ginger Oil
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Connecting With Fire
Fire is the easiest element to gain contact with, but if you are not careful, it might draw you too far. A candle is more than enough flame to start with, as this will give you more control.
Find a quiet place, indoors or outdoors, where you can be alone. Bring a candle and a match and sit down. Make yourself comfortable and breathe slowly and deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel your toes and spine rooting in it's home, the Earth.
Light the Candle
Relax and put your arms or hands on your legs. Concentrate and focus all of your will on the flame. Gaze into it and let it fill you. When it draws you to it and wishes to share with you, accept and follow the flame with your mind and soul. You are no more flesh, you are the flame, you are fire.
You are calm and strength. You are determination and a will that will never give in. Feel how you live and expand everywhere. Give yourself to the fire and let it give itself to you. Feel how you receive the defenders wisdom and knowledge. Let it fill your mind, it's memories become your own.
If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.
When you feel or if you feel that you are loosing yourself, give thanks to the fire and bid it farewell, draw your mind back into your body and blow out the flame. Now close your eyes and open them again. Rise and feel how you are filled with new power and determination.

Earth

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. Without 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.
Direction : South.
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.
EARTH INCENSE
2 parts Colbalt
2 parts Mugwort
1 part Honeysuckle EARTH OIL
4 drops Patchouli Oil
4 drops Cypress oil
1 ounce Carrier Oil
Connecting With Earth
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 time'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.

This is a good starting point for those beginning their wondrous journey into the magikal realm. Do not just read it, get out and study, feel them, write everything down in your Book of shadows. That way, when you need to call upon something
that uses an element, you can look back in your BoS and recall what those feelings you had were. It helps to get out in Mother Nature everyday too, welcome each days feelings. Once you have learnt this, you can harness the energies.

I found a page with some pretty elemental prayers like this one:

Prayer to The ELEMENTS

Great Spirit that binds the Elements of Life
Lend me your wisdom in my times of great strife
Guide my feet upon my path this very day
Illuminate my Heart and show me the way
By the Earth, the Water, the Air and the Fire
Bring me round to my hearts deisre
Your Strength and Fortitude I need
Your ancient words I honor and heed
Thy great protection I humbly ask
As I embark on my life and fulfil my tasks
As you bind and encircle and unite
Aid me throughout the day and the night
With great reverence I honor thee
Encircle me now!

Source: http://www.legionofpagans.com/element-magick/2328/prayer-to-the-elements