Correspondences such as the four elements of magic, planets and signs of the zodiac can be used in your practice to add to your magical power. They should be treated as supplements to your own power. As you practice more you will be able to feel the subtle differences between various correspondences. Pay attention to these feelings, the more you recognize them the quicker you will learn.
In some workings you may find it is best to use a singular celestial body or zodiac sign, in others you’ll want to combine a little of everything. These decisions will come more naturally to you as you continue practicing and working. You’ll soon discover what works for you and what doesn’t. The following is what these correspondences traditionally symbolize. You may find that they don’t quite fit with what you see in your practice. Eventually, you’ll discover you’re own correspondences. Magic really isn’t about what’s right or wrong, it’s about what works.
The Four Elements
Fire, earth, air and water are fundamental energies that operate in the physical world. They are the building blocks of life. Rocks and soil, wind, the sun, lakes and streams. These are examples of the physical form in which we see the elements. Equally, if not more important are the vibrational qualities of these four elements.
Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures — pretty much everything — can be grouped into one of the elemental categories. When you begin to understand these connections you can learn to draw upon these elements to produce the results you desire. Part of your development as a witch involves using these elements to your advantage. You may use them singularly or combine two or more elements to create balance. Each element has its own properties, and it’s up to you to decide how to use them.
Correspondences of the Elements
Signs of the Zodiac
The word zodiac comes from the ancient Greek phrase kyklos zodiakos, “circle of animals.” Ancient people who watched the sky saw a pattern: the sun took the same path through a twelve groups of stars in the sky each year. These groups of stars, called constellations, are named based on their shape and form lore.
These constellations of the zodiac are seen as the background to our skies. Similarly, they make up the background to magic. Their energies can be used to aid in magical workings. It’s rarely useful to do a working directed to one of the signs, but it’s beneficial to pay attention to their interactions with planets and elemental forces.
Correspondences of the Zodiac
The Celestial Bodies
The word planet, comes from the Greek word planetes meaning, “wanderers.” In traditional lore, the sky was ruled by seven powers: five planets, the Sun and the Moon. The position and the resulting effect of these shifting celestial bodies is as predictable now as it was then. Learn how to use their subtle effects in your magical workings.
The planets influence and effect is most strongly focused on specific types of activity. Each planet governs a different aspect of human life.
Correspondences of the Planets
Other posts in this series: Purpose, Materials, Combine Everything
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. I created this course because I want to be available to help. Direct message me on Tumblr or send an ask. If it’s a complicated question or a complicated answer we can try to set up a Skype date or something.
These lessons are stored on my blog under the Resources heading: Witchcraft 101. You can also search the tag #lessonsmumbles.
I’ll be posting some correspondences over the week so keep an eye out for those.
Herbs | Crystals | Colors | Animals | Symbols | Zodiac | Planets
Check out my Daily Mumbles every morning at 10am. I’ll include a correspondence of the day, the current moon phase and an affirmation to repeat to yourself throughout the day.