Elemental Invocations Options

Hey, I'm looking to start working more directly with elemental spirits, and I'm trying to figure out some things to start off with... for instance, what elemental is easiest to work with at the beginning, what tools might come in handy, if there's any formulas that anyone has found work particularly well for them that they may be willing to share? Anything that anyone can lend would be very very appreciated, thank you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wizard.gif)

Elementals act like their element- fire consumes, earth holds steady - so choose one that is unlikely to get out of hand, and meshes well with your personality. I have found earth to be easiest for me though. How an elemental is invoked has a lot to do with your background; the Qabbala method with its rather elaborate set ups- tools and formulas- has little in common with shamanistic approach, and every tradition has its own way. The one aspect they all share is to call out/attract the elemental from the physical object associated with it, and have it take from. Being more willful than most spirits, I find myself coxing them more than commanding.

Did you have a particular tradition or goal in mind?

Thank you:) Well, I will start off by saying that personally I am not a big fan of high ceremonial rituals, I'd prefer to work with this from a more earth-bound, possibly celtic or shamanistic perspective. My objective isn't actually that direct, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hmm.gif) mainly I would just like to see what I can learn from the experience (everquest for knowledge, yknow). I've always felt more connected to the idea of working with the elements as an external force than with deities and such. I'm one who feels more comfortable outside in the middle of the earth's forces than at a temple, and I would just like to learn more about working closer with that.
Sorry for the rambling:P Bit of background there.
Anyway, if there's any help you could give I would appreciate it. Thanks again.

Sidebar: your quote signature made me laugh:P

Well, I will start off by saying that personally I am not a big fan of high ceremonial rituals, I'd prefer to work with this from a more earth-bound, possibly celtic or shamanistic perspective.

My objective isn't actually that direct, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hmm.gif) mainly I would just like to see what I can learn from the experience.

Yes, ceremonial magick can be a bit much, can’t it. I know no shamanistic ways and as close to celtic I know is Wecca. So, I will start by suggesting you look at ether some Wiccan rituals for creating an elemental, or simply familiarize yourself with the element until you can find the, for lack of a better word, elemental spirit. The Wiccan approach is nice for two reasons; first it is simple and straightforward, two it allows you keep the elemental around for longer without any extra fuss. The other method while it is straightforward it is not so easy.

I like earth, so I will use that as an example. Using a Wiccan approach you get a much more to the point ritual but a ritual none the less. Rituals can be helpful if you've never worked with an energy/spirit/what have you before, by giving us something to tie our actions to. Most common rites have you establishing a circle, summing the element by virtue of its symbol and a bit of earth, then calling up the associated emotions to further entice it.

There are a number shapes each elemental is supposed to take (Sylphs, Salamander, exc.) but I have only ever had the wispy energy myself. In the first case you need do nothing more than give it a place to stay and a reason to- a small box with its symbol and some earth works well. If you are like me and get only wispy energy then you will need to give it form first. Finish by banishing in your normal way and closing the circle.

The other way will have you handling some clay or soil until you know the feel of its energy and then either looking for the same energy in the ambiance or trying to pull it from the clay/soil. Simple but it can take a bit of time, and some more work is required to shape the energy in to a thought-form.

There are other ways, but these are likely the easiest of the one I know. Hope it is of some help.

Thank you:) Well, I will start off by saying that personally I am not a big fan of high ceremonial rituals, I'd prefer to work with this from a more earth-bound, possibly celtic or shamanistic perspective. My objective isn't actually that direct, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hmm.gif) mainly I would just like to see what I can learn from the experience (everquest for knowledge, yknow). I've always felt more connected to the idea of working with the elements as an external force than with deities and such. I'm one who feels more comfortable outside in the middle of the earth's forces than at a temple, and I would just like to learn more about working closer with that.
Sorry for the rambling:P Bit of background there.
Anyway, if there's any help you could give I would appreciate it. Thanks again.

Sidebar: your quote signature made me laugh:P

I try to keep my workings as simplistic as possible. No special tools or ceremony. I find that we are very similar in our philosophies regarding magick application. I have found that when I work with elements (including elemental spirits) I try to engage them at their level, so to speak. For instance, when I invoking Earth I remove my shoes, look for grass, mud, dirt or sand to stand in. I even crawl sometimes when the weather permits, or I am outside of public influence. This seems to bring my energies more inline with the element that I am working at the time. Skyclad can be very beneficial as well, seclusion and weather permitting of course. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

If it is cold, I would sometimes hold rocks, sticks, or any other earthen based material, or simply kneel on one knee and base my hand on the Earth itself. I journey wherever I find myself however, I just feel that the connection and the power is stronger the more you can physically and mentaly connect yourself to said element.

A good journey technique I have found for Earth is to visualize yourself growing roots into the earth as deep and as far as you can fathom. Connect yourself to her core. Visualize your arms into branches and leaves. Drink in the atmosphere and the power. After a good journey, start your spell working to whatever end you seek. The Elemental spirits connect much easier after journeying, I find.

If you find that this helps you in anyway let me know. Feel free to contact me anytime regarding these practices. I like sharing in hope of capturing another wonderful technique or pattern to use in my own workings.

Take care, and be well.

Shaper

good afternoon father john,
The way I learned elementals was through ritualistic ways. I know you don't like using rituals,neither do i. But I spose if had raw repesnetation of the elements in front of you it helps. Meditie on each element then try handling each one of them in its natural state. Tho for fire might I suggest useing a candle and try to feel the heat with ur hands. As for energy it self it sorta depends where u live.