The elements exist in everything we connect with in our world, but the elements also exist in a pure state, in what are often called the elemental planes or elemental realms. These realms are not someplace we can physically go, although certain landscapes are dominated by the energy of a particular element. These planes are energetic vibrations, places we cannot point to anymore than we can point to where the inner temple or astral plane is. They exist concurrently with all of reality, intersecting it, yet in some space remaining centered and pure.
Collectively these planes are known together as the Plane of Forces, because through them, the forces of the universe are harnessed to create anything in the world. They are the forces of magick, and all magick workers use them, regardless of their conscious involvement with the element. The more conscious one becomes with the element, the more powerful and spiritual the magick becomes.
Each elemental realm embodies the energy of that element. Visionaries will experience that realm. Those connecting to the realm of fire could experience heat and smoke, see fire and light, feel energized and vitalized. Those visiting earth can feel solid, stone-like, dry like a rock or soil, see trees, plants,stones, and crystals.Visitors to air feel the breeze, smell clean air, and are refreshed and awakened. If you work in the water realm, you feel cool, wet, soothed, and fluid. You just might see the ocean, lakes, rivers, or even be underwater. The realms are pure energy, but our senses put the energy in terms we can understand and relate to, and relay that information on a conscious level. We know that water is a symbol for the energy of the water realm, butsince we dont process energy directly, feelings, visions, and sensations associated with water are the best way our brains can process and translate the energy.
For the ease of understanding, Most traditions place the elements, and the doorway to the elements, in the four sacred directions, corresponding to the cardinal points north, east, south , and west. These points become anchors in our sacred circle. As the realms exist between the worlds , so does the circle of the witch/wiccan.
A great debate exists among traditions as to the "right" or "true" way of laying out the elements with the directions. From my experience, many tribes and traditions put the elements in a variety of ways. Some people get stuck into the idea that only one way is right. I've been to public circles when participants were aghast that an element was called from the "wrong" direction. It was wrong simply because they learned it another way. As i have discussed, they literally are not in a physical direction, so as long as you have all four and put each one in a different direction you are going to be fine. Each tradition has a reason why they place a direction and an element together, often relating to the original culture and setting of the tradition, as well as the personal style and preferences of the founders. Once you have a strong understanding, foundation, and experience, never fear experimentation if you are intuitively called to do something different.
