Nyx in the House of Night

asking an element to join the Circle, vampyres prefer the person asking to have a special affinity for an element, but such an affinity is not necessary. Wiccans, being human, have less sensitivity for the elemental forces, but with training, even they may be able to call the elements by focusing on the feelings and images associated with each one. When calling the element of air everyone faces east toward the rising moon and, just as Damien does, takes up the yellow candle, lights it, and focuses on everything that exemplifies air. Then Air—the archetypal force that encompasses not only the element but everything that is associated with that element—is invited to join the Circle.
Guardian of the east, spirit of air, we ask that you bring into our Circle the breath of harmony with all things. Spirit of the air who gives us the breath of life we ask that you come hear us use that breath in song this night.
    The early Greeks considered air to be the first principle of the world, and the Latin word Spirare , meaning breath, became the root of our words aspire, inspiration, and even spirit. Air is not simply that which blows; it is the inhalation that infuses our bodies with oxygen down to our tiniest cells. Air is the breath of the Muse that brings inspiration and mental activity. Air is the winds of change, the spoken word, the voice lifted in song or in praise of our Goddess. Air is the arrow that flies, the precise and planned movements of a sword master or a martial artist. It is the breath of a lover on your skin, it is the lips millimeters apart, hovering just beyond each other as your breath mingles and you breathe in the essence of each other in anticipation of a kiss. Birds represent air, as can be seen in the heightened vision of a hawk and in the owl, which represents the wisdom of the goddess Athena, who is still worshipped by Wiccans to this day. Air is represented in a Wiccan Circle by the athame (ceremonial knife), the sword, the pure tones of a bell, and the smoke from incense or a smudge stick, wrapping everyone in its cleansing ethereal tendrils. In fact, a smudge stick or a bell is often carried around the Circle during casting. Air is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, which are known for their talkative natures and clarity of thought. Look at those who have an affinity for air and you will find that like Damien they will have an agile mind and a quick wit. I have never understood why humans refer to the unintelligent as “air heads,” because the domain of the mind is air.
Guardian of the south, spirit of fire, we ask that you bring the light to our steps. Spirit who kindles the fires of chance we ask that you give us power, exuberance, and dance.
    Fire warms your homes and cooks your food, but it represents so much more in your life. Many consider fire the first tool and the harnessing of fire the turning point between primitive and modern man. The Greeks believed Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to man. Something so powerful being stolen from the heavens so enraged Zeus that he chained Prometheus to a rock and had a vulture rip out and consume his liver daily. Then it would grow back overnight so the process could continue.
    The Greeks also divided fire into two kinds of flame—the helpful and the harmful. The helpful kind of fire was that of Hephaestus, god of the smiths, and of Hestia, goddess of the hearth and home fires. The second type of fire was the destructive fire associated with Hades, god of the Underworld. Fires could shift and change from one to the other in an instant, and this same division runs through the fires in our lives, as they can both warm and consume. Passion can become jealousy, caring can become obsession, righteous indignation can transform to blind fury. The warmth of the sun on your body can become painful blisters, and the heat of the body can become a fever that burns the mind. In a Wiccan Circle fire may be represented by a candle, a wand, a staff, or the flame on the smudge stick that transforms the dried herbs into cleansing smoke. A candle is often carried around the Circle to represent the element of fire during casting. In the zodiac the signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, with their energy and enthusiasm, are associated with fire.
    Fire is the forceful action that brings victory or defeat, the adrenaline that pushes us to our limits and can drive us over a cliff. Fire fueled Pheidippides’ run from Marathon