Paganism is a term that encompasses various belief systems that are rooted in pre-Christian traditions. These traditions often celebrate the connection between nature, spirituality, and the divine. Pagan element symbols are a significant part of these belief systems, representing the different elements of nature and their corresponding energies. One of the most common pagan element symbols is that of the Earth element. Symbolized by an upright triangle with a line through it, the Earth element signifies stability, groundedness, and fertility. It represents the physical realm and is associated with attributes such as abundance, healing, and strength.
Representing the Elements on a Pagan altar
Connecting to the powers of the Four Elements is a foundational practice for many Pagans. Earth, Air, Fire, and Water move through us and inspire us. As ideas, they help us to make sense of and to describe a complex world. Even the simplest of Pagan altars usually have some representation of the Elements.
Some Pagans have specific ritual tools consecrated to each one of the Elements. (The Wand, Cup, Disk, and Sword are the canonical tools of the ceremonial magician.) Others take a more spontaneous approach, grabbing everyday items that symbolize the elemental powers. There are traditional and non-traditional ways to evoke the four elements.
Speaking of which, there are no rules when creating an elemental altar. There is no such thing as a “perfect” elemental tool. Remember that every object you might find on Earth contains more than one elemental energy blended together. Just choose things that are meaningful to you and that appear harmonious when brought together. The lists provided below are suggestions only. (Your tradition may have others.)
Here are some different ways to represent the Elements on a Pagan altar:
The Element: Earth
Traditional Tool: Pentacle or Disk
The meaning of Earth: Earth is perhaps the most overlooked Element in Pagan magick. Earth is everywhere, and it appears passive. It doesn’t really “do” anything with the same force as Air, Fire, or Water.
Yet the Earth gives us our birth. While we live, it sustains us. When we die, it covers us. Earth encompasses a multitude of magickal ideas: Nourishment, protection, obstruction, wholeness, stillness, plant and animal life, interdependence, prosperity and rest. The objects that can represent Earth are similarly diverse.
Altar Objects for Earth:
The altar (base) itself
Plate, paten, or disk
Dish of soil, sand or salt
Food (especially fruits, vegetables or grain foods)
Flowers or herbs
Gems (Garnet, Hematite, Jasper, Aventurine)
Candle (Green, brown, or black)
Deity statue (Gaia, Macha, Saturn/Chronos, Pan)
Images of trees and mountains
Animal art (Cattle, Tortoise, Rabbit, Deer)
Oil (Patchouli, Vetivert, Evergreen)
Altar tile decorated with symbol of Earth
Tarot Ace of Pentacles
The Element: Air
Traditional Tool: Sword (or Wand, in some traditions)
The meaning of Air: As Air passes over the still Earth, the world moves into action and consciousness. Air is the Element of communication, exchange, and ideas. Air is invisible—we know it only through its effects on the world.
Air is also swift-moving, changeable and self-aware. It is the most human of all the Elements. Choose your Air items based on what Air means to you at the time you’re assembling the altar.
Altar Objects for Air:
Athame or sword
Lamp or lantern (symbolizing knowledge)
Spoon or stirrer
Wind-blown flowers and seeds
Brightly colored ribbon or streamers
Crystals (Clear Quartz, Citrine, Smoky Quartz/Topaz)
Candle (Yellow or white)
Musical instrument (especially strings or woodwinds)
Images of clouds and sky
Animal art (Birds, Dragonfly, Butterfly)
Air freshener or diffuser
Deity statues (Hermes, Thoth, Saraswati)
Oil (Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender)
Altar tile decorated with symbol of Air
Tarot Ace of Swords
The Element: Fire
Traditional Tool: Wand (or Sword, in some traditions)
The meaning of Fire: Elemental Fire is the pure power of heat and light. The energy of Fire is strong, primal, and often dangerous. In Fire, we find the heat of passion and the warrior’s fighting spirit. Esoteric meanings of Fire include courage, willpower, lust, protection, spiritual aspiration, destruction and impending renewal.
Altar Objects for Fire:
Flame (candle, lamp, or brazier)
Lighter or matches
Cactus or thorns
Candle (Red, orange, or gold)
Images of flames or the sun
Volcanic stones or ash
Bright yellow or orange plants
Gemstones (Ruby, Carnelian, Amber, Opal)
Oil (Cinnamon, Frankincense, Dragon’s Blood)
Deity statues (Ra, Vulcan, Brigid, Pele, Sekhmet)
Animal art (Lion, Lizard, Phoenix)
Altar tile decorated with symbol of Fire
Tarot Ace of Wands
The Element: Water
Traditional Tool: Cup
The meaning of Water: Water is the great partner of Earth in creating life as we know it. Like Earth, Water appears gentle, but contains immense potential power. It is cleansing, calming, and healing. Elemental Water also governs the magick of love and emotion, intuition, pleasure, and introspection.
Altar Objects for Water:
Chalice, cup, or goblet
Beverages (especially water or wine)
Scrying bowl or crystal ball
Blessed or holy water
Driftwood or seaweed
Gemstones (Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Amethyst)
Images of ocean, rivers, or lakes
Oil (Rose, Lotus, Jasmine)
Animal art (Fish, Dolphin, Frog)
Deity statue (Poseidon, Aphrodite, Yemaya)
Altar tile decorated with symbol of Water
Tarot Ace of Cups
I hope you enjoy putting together your elemental altar! Read more articles here, or go to the main store page.
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It represents the physical realm and is associated with attributes such as abundance, healing, and strength. The Air element is another prominent symbol in paganism, representing freedom, intellect, and communication. The symbol for Air is an upright triangle with a line extending upwards, signifying movement and expansion.
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Elements & Correspondences
The four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, are the four classical elements celebrated in Wicca. A fifth element, Ether/Spirit/Akasha, is also used in many Wiccan traditions.
These elements are symbolic of physical, spiritual and emotional attributes and are part of nature and ourselves. Ancient Greeks believed these four elements were at the root of all existing matter. Some see the five points on the Pentacle as representing the five elements.
The elements are commonly invoked at the beginning of rituals or used in their physical forms to symbolically purify the ritual circle. Each element has associated symbols, rituals and meanings, which are outlined below. Note the correspondences below are in reference to the Northern Hemisphere.
Earth represents permanence, stability, strength, security, wisdom, practicality, materialism, wealth, abundance, prosperity, patience, truth, and responsibility.
Earth symbols include the earth, soil, rocks, mountains, trees. Types of magic using earth energies include gardening, grounding, working with stone/crystals, knots, binding, money spells, and runes. Rituals include burying objects in the earth, herbalism, planting trees/plants, and making images out of wood or stone.
Gender | Feminine |
Direction | North |
Energy | Receptive |
Symbols | Rocks, fields, soil, salt, caves, clay |
On Pentagram | Lower left |
Goddesses | Gaia/Gaea, Ceres, Demeter, Mah, Nephtys, Persephone, Rhea |
Gods | Adonis, Athos, Arawn, Cernunnos, Dionysus, Pan |
Spirits | Gnomes, Dwarfs, Trolls |
Time | Midnight, Night |
Cycle of life | Old Age |
Season | Winter |
Colours | Black, green, yellow, brown |
Zodiac signs | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn |
Sense | Touch |
Stones and jewels | Amethyst, angelite, azurite, celestite, agate (green, moss), cat’s eye, coal, emerald, geodes, halite/salt, jasper, jet, obsidian, olivine, onyx, peridot, quartz, tourmaline |
Magick tools | Pentacle, pentagram, salt, stones/gems, cords |
Metals | Iron, lead |
Herbal | Ivy, grains, oats, rice, patchouli, lichens |
Trees | Cypress, Honeysuckle, Jasmin, Lilac |
Animals | Cow, bull, dog, horse, ant, bears, wolf, deer/stag, buffalo |
Instruments | Drums and percussion |
Type of magick | Gardening, magnet images, working with stones/crystals, knots, binding, money spells, grounding, runes |
Ritual Action | Burying objects in the earth, herbalism, planting trees/plants, and making images out of wood or stone |
Air represents the mind and intelligence, knowledge, communication, inspiration, imagination, intuition, illumination, ideas, freedom, clarity, telepathy, psychic powers, dreams and wishes, travel, finding lost things, ability to know & understand, brainstorming, and new beginnings.
Air symbols include the sky, wind, clouds, vibrations, smoke, feathers, plants, trees, flowers. Types of magic using Air energies include divination, concentration, visualization, wind magick, feather magick, prophecy, and karma work. Air related rituals include playing a flute or wind instrument, tossing objects in the wind, burning incense & aromatherapy, hanging objects in trees/high places.
Gender | Masculine |
Direction | East |
Cycle of Life | Birth, Infancy |
Moon Phase | New, Waxing |
Season | Spring |
Symbols | Sky, wind, clouds, breath, vibrations, smoke, feathers, plants, herbs, trees, flowers |
Sabbat | Imbolc, Ostara |
Wind | Eurus |
Goddesses | Danu, Athena, Aradia, Arianrhod, Cardea, Nuit, Urania |
Gods | Mercury, Thoth |
Spirits/Elementals | Sylphs, Zephyrs, Fairies of trees, flowers and winds |
Magick tools | Censer, athame, sword, wand |
Rule of Magnus | To Know |
Zodiac Signs | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius |
Planets | Mercury, Uranus |
Chakra | Heart |
Animals | Doves, hawk, eagle, foxes, turtle, raven, spider |
Trees/Plants | Wildflowers, lavender, clover, lemon balm, ash trees, birch, aspen, beech, acacia, almond, hazel, linden, maple, pine |
Herbal | Frankincence, myrrh, pansy, primrose, vervain, violet, yarrow, dill, clove |
Gems & Stones | Fluorite, moonstone, turquoise, amethyst, rhodochrosite, silver, topaz, pumice, alexandrite |
Metals | Tin, copper |
Instruments | Flute, wind instruments |
Type of magick | Divination, concentration, visualization, wind magick, prophecy, karma work |
Ritual Action | Playing a flute/wind instrument, tossing objects in the wind, burning incense & aromatherapy, hanging objects in trees/high places, discovering lost items, developing psychic abilities |
Fire represents change, energy, inspiration, love, sexuality, passion, life force, spirit, will, leadership, faith and trust, elusiveness, innocence, physical and personal vulnerability, relationships with others and self, renewal, self-healing, stress, courage, strength, protection.
Fire symbols include the sun, stars, volcanoes, lava, eruptions, heat, flame, candles, bonfires, saunas, lightning, heated objects (stones in particular), fire forged objects, red feathers, blood, and sap. Types of magick using fire include healing and destroying, purification, love spells, and energy work. Fire related rituals include burning objects, lighting candles and fires, cauldron work, and baking.
Direction | South |
Gender | Masculine |
Energy | Projective |
Colours | Red, green, gold, crimson, orange, white |
Time of Day | Noon |
Cycle of Life | Youth |
Moon Phase | Waxing to Full |
Season | Summer |
Sabbat | Beltane, Litha/Midsummer |
Wind | Notus |
Goddesses | Brigit, Hestia, Pele, Vesta |
Gods | Mars, Agni, Horus, Prometheus, Vulcan, Ra, Lugh |
Spirits/Elementals | Salamanders, Firedrakes |
Magick tools | Athame, sword, wand, candle, censer, lamps, daggers, spear, staff (Some traditions align the Wand with Air) |
Rule of Magnus | To Will |
Zodiac Signs | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius |
Planets | Mars, Sun |
Chakra | Solar Plexus, Heart |
Tarot Cards | Wands (Inspiration, Spiritual), Knights |
On Pentagram | Lower right |
Animals | Phoenix, squirrels, tigers, lions, porcupine, badger, coyote, fox, cats, bear, rabbit, snakes, hawk, dragon, horse, snake, cricket, mantis, ladybug, bee, scorpion |
Trees/Plants | Alder, Ash, Cashew, Cedar, Chestnut, Fig, Juniper, Mahogany, Oak, Holly, Rowan, Walnut, Maple |
Herbal | Nettles, sunflower, garlic, hibiscus, red/chili peppers, cinnamon, coffee, beans, seeds, nuts, mustard, onion |
Incense | Sweetgrass, myrrh, cedar, frankincense, dragon’s blood, juniper, sage, clover, thyme, cinnamon, cedar |
Gems & Stones | Jasper, ruby, fire agate, blood stone, garnet, fire opal, pink carnelian, red carnelian, red amber, amber calcite, blue amber, yellow and gold fluorite, citrine, lava |
Metals | Gold, brass, iron/steel |
Instruments | Guitar, string instruments |
Sense | Sight |
Positive Traits | Energetic, daring, passionate, enthusiastic, intelligent |
Negative Traits | Resentful, angry, jealous, stubborn, greedy, arrogant |
Water represents emotions, feelings, courage, absorption, subconscious/ unconscious mind, intuition, purification, cleansing, eternal movement, wisdom, the soul, vision quests, self-healing, sorrow, reflection, psychic ability, emotional aspects of love and femininity, the womb, menstruation, fertility, marriage, happiness, friendship, dreams, sleep, and healing.
Water symbols include oceans, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, springs, wells, pools, fog, or rain. Types of magick using water include mirror divinations, magnet work, love magick, lucid dreaming, cleansing, or protection spells. Water related rituals include ritual bathing, dilution, washing, sprinkling, brewing, or tossing objects into water.
Direction | West |
Gender | Feminine |
Energy | Receptive |
Colours | Blue, turquoise/aqua, green, grey, indigo, black |
Time of Day | Twilight, dusk, evening |
Cycle of Life | Maturity |
Moon Phase | Full, Waning |
Season | Autumn |
Sabbat | Lughnasadh/Lammas, Mabon |
Wind | Zephyr |
Goddesses | Aphrodite, Isis, Marianne, Selene, Arianhrod, Hecate, Persephone, Inanna |
Gods | Dylan, Ea, Manannan, Osiris, Neptune, Poseidon |
Spirits/Elementals | Undines, Nymphs, Mermaids, Fairies of ponds, lakes or streams |
Magick tools | Cup, goblet, chalice, cauldron, mirror, water |
Rule of Magnus | To Dare |
Zodiac Signs | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
Planets | Neptune, Venus, Moon |
Chakra | Heart |
Tarot Cards | Cups (Emotion, Feeling), Queens |
On Pentagram | Upper right |
Animals | Whales, albatross, fish, water snakes, dolphin, cat, frog, turtle, swan, crab, dragon |
Trees/Plants | Willow, magnolia, lavender, water plants, gardenia, apple, apricot, birch, elder, elm, rose |
Herbal | Water plants, ferns, lotus, mosses, bushes, water lilies, gardenia |
Incense | lotus, sandalwood, myrrh, mugwort, camphor, vanilla, violet, chamomile, jasmine, raspberry, catnip, cherry, hibiscus |
Gems & Stones | Aquamarine, amethyst, blue tourmaline, pearl, coral, blue topaz, fluorite |
Metals | Mercury, silver, copper |
Instruments | Anything resonant, harmonica, cymbals, harp, lyre |
Sense | Taste |
Positive Traits | Forgiving, easy going, sensitive, gracious, compassionate, wise |
Negative Traits | Overly emotional, weepy, lazy |
The element of Spirit, or Ether or Akasha (Sanskrit), represents the universal inner space, the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere. (Wiki)
Spirit represents the prime element present in all things, providing space, connection and balance for all elements to exist. It is essential to our sense of connectedness with spirit and well-being. Spirit represents represents the sense of joy and union, transcendence, transformation, change, everywhere and nowhere, within and without, immanence. It represents the human spirit and energy of the Goddess and God.
Types of magick include enlightenment, findng your life path, spiritual knowledge, seeing and understanding karmic paths of life.
Direction | Centre, circumference, complete lack of direction and dimension |
Gender | Universal |
Energy | Universal |
Colours | White, Black, Purple |
Season | The turning wheel of the year |
Goddesses | The Lady, Isis |
Gods | The Horned God, Akasha |
Magick tools | Pentacle, robe, cord, rope |
Rule of Magnus | To become perfected |
Symbols | Infinity, the cosmos, godhead, the creator, infinity sign, wheel, pentacle |
Chakra | Crown, Third Eye |
Animals | Dove |
Trees/Plants | Mistletoe, the flowing almond tree |
Gems & Stones | Quartz, diamonds |
Sense | Sixth sense, intuition |
Positive Traits | Wisdom |
Negative Traits | Self-destruction |
Colors and Symbols of the Four Classical Elements
Sally is a prolific non-fiction and fiction writer, who has appeared in multiple print and digital publications.
Updated May 9, 2019The colors and symbols of four classical elements represent the different aspects of nature and the forces of energy that control the world according to classical philosophy. You can incorporate these triangle element symbols in your daily life, your home and work environment, and even your attire.
This element is associated with attributes such as inspiration, creativity, and intuition. Fire, with its transformative and powerful energy, is symbolized by an upright triangle with a line that extends downwards. It represents passion, growth, and purification. Fire is associated with attributes such as courage, enthusiasm, and leadership. Water, symbolized by an upright triangle with a wavy line through it, represents emotions, intuition, and healing. It signifies the fluidity and adaptability of life. Water is associated with attributes such as cleansing, love, and compassion. These four elements are often depicted in a circle or a pentacle, which is a five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. The pentacle is an important symbol in pagan traditions, representing the harmony and balance between the elements. Pagan element symbols hold deep spiritual significance for practitioners of pagan and nature-based belief systems. They serve as reminders of our connection to the natural world and the divine energy that flows through all things. These symbols are often incorporated into rituals, spellwork, and magical practices to invoke the energies and qualities associated with each element. In conclusion, pagan element symbols are a vital aspect of pagan and nature-based belief systems. They represent the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire, and Water – and their corresponding energies and attributes. These symbols serve as reminders of our connection to the natural world and are used in various spiritual practices to invoke the power and wisdom of nature..
Reviews for "Ancient Traditions: Pagan Element Symbols in Modern Practice"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was disappointed with the "Pagan element symbols" book. Firstly, the symbols presented in the book were not historically accurate or well-researched. As someone who is passionate about paganism and its rich symbolism, I was expecting a more in-depth exploration of the subject. Secondly, the layout and formatting of the book were subpar. The images were blurry and poorly printed, making it difficult to decipher the symbols. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in substance and quality.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - I regret purchasing the "Pagan element symbols" book. The content was shallow and superficial, merely scratching the surface of what could have been an interesting topic. Furthermore, the information provided seemed to be a mix of personal opinions and generalizations, rather than accurate and well-researched facts. The lack of proper references and citations was also a letdown. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and accurate exploration of pagan element symbols.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - The "Pagan element symbols" book fell short of my expectations. While I was intrigued by the concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The descriptions of the symbols were brief and lacked depth, leaving me unsatisfied. Additionally, the book could have benefited from more illustrations or diagrams to better explain the symbols. Overall, the book felt rushed and incomplete, failing to provide a comprehensive understanding of pagan element symbols.