Aside from the fact that there is always more to the elements than what meets the eye, there are many different types of misunderstandings in regard to the elements. Before I begin this, I should explain the title. You'll notice that it says 'elemental', instead of 'element'. Within alternative practitioning, elements, and elementals are two very different things. They are not one in the same, and anyone questioning an Elder AP about this will likely get an earful and a half about this topic, that they had never wanted. There is a reason for this. We want to be sure that you fully, and completely, understand the differences, so that when you are putting your spells together (and/or your potions, tools and other creations), you don't end up...how do I put this...screwing yourself over royally. Which, is about as politely as I can put that. The earth elemental is not the physical form of earth (read 'earth' as 'soil') itself, but rather a symbolic representation of all types of earth. There are many mistakes to be made here, as the earth can be rather deceptive when it comes to what humans understand it to be, compared to what it really is.
While there is a clear understanding of a canyon (As in the example of Bryce Canyon, seen in the first image), it's not so clear when it comes to looking at a pyroclastic flow (as seen in the image to the right). Most people see this as the ash residue from a volcano. They would be right in this definition. However, if they were looking at this from a practitioner's view, that same person might unintentionally see this as an air elemental....which it is not. Pyroclastic flows are NOT air. They are earth. They are comprised of a different type of ash than what you find in your barbecue or fire place after you've burnt some charcoal or wood. This ash is made up of rocks. The rocks are so small that you can inhale them. None the less, it is rock. Although it is not the same rock as what you see in a canyon, it is still rock. Rock is a type of earth elemental. But what about the lava? That's certainly fire, right? Wrong.
Lava is molten rock. It is produced from the earth itself, and only the earth. There is no air, water or fire involved in the production of lava. That is simply rock that has been molten under the earth's surface, as a result of natural heat produced from the earth's core....which, is also molten rock. Lava can certainly set things on fire, due to its intense heat. It is cooled off when it meets water, and it is also cooled (to a certain degree) when it meets colder air. It is not, however, any of those elements. It is pure earth. It is a reminder that this planet is not done forming itself yet. It reminds us that this planet is under constant development, much like every other living creature (including humans) on this planet. Can you use lava as a type of symbol to represent fire? Sure. If you want to look like a complete idiot to your elder APs, then by all means, go right on ahead and use that as a fire symbol. We will allow you to do so, without any interruption what so ever. Do not be surprised though if what you're using it for fails miserably.
Other types of earth elementals can be found in more common places. Gardens are one example. Anything that is grown in a garden comes from the earth. Yes, seeds have to be planted, and water has to be added, but the growth and nurturing comes from the earth. Any type of garden is generally understood to be a form of the earth elemental. What has to be understood by younger, and newer, practitioners, is the fact that for elders, the word 'element' often makes us start thinking of the Periodic Table Of Elements. It is the same type of understanding we have between the word 'magic' and 'magik'. Those, to elders, are to extremely different things. Element, and elemental, to elders are also two very different things. So when you ask us about working with the 'elements', we're often thinking that you want to understand more about Chemistry, and the very detailed workings of spells, potions and tinctures - rather than earth, air, fire and water.
When you see any type of home decorating article, you may see phrases such as: 'Earth Tones', or 'Natural Colors'. The general color scheme is going to range from a lighter cream color, to a deep dark brown color, with touches of green, orange and yellow thrown in for good measure. I'm not sure who actually came up with those colors to be added into the 'earth tone' scheme of things, but whoever it was knew what they were doing, at least when it came to the earth tones. When you are working with these colors, keep in mind that these are also symbolic of the earth elemental, and not the elemental itself. Within some alternative belief systems, you may hear someone refer to the forces of nature as 'elementals'. In that case, they are meaning that they can sense the universal energies that are naturally produced from the 4 main elements found within the universe (earth, air, fire and water). They are not referring to a color palette, nor are they referring to hues and tones. And now you can understand, at least a little better, as to why 'elementals' can be so darned confusing to people.
It is because they are everywhere, and generally misunderstood on many levels. In order to truly bring justice to this topic, I'd have to write volumes of papers, so that I could cover every detail properly, and with thorough explanation. The best way, at least for younger practitioners, and/or those who are new to an alternative life style/belief system, is to find an elder and ask them. If you don't understand their answer, ask again, or ask for clarification. If you will don't understand, find another elder and ask them. I will tell you right now that each elder may give you a different answer. The trick is to look at the key phrases and wording used within their explanations. It is in there, that the real answer will become clear to you. Then, take what knowledge you have gained, and fine tune it so that you will be able to not only utilize it properly, but will also be able to explain it to someone else. Remember, if you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it enough.
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