I’ve had a soft spot for the Reclaiming Tradition since I picked up a copy of Starhawk’s The Spiral Dance at a second-hand bookstall during my university days in the mid-1990s. This book brought together many things close to my heart: feminism, the Goddess, witchcraft, environmentalism, and activism. While searching for a Reclaiming community, I met a woman who introduced me to an eclectic coven I joined in 2006. Although Reclaiming influenced my practice, I’ve never taken a Reclaiming class and don’t identify as a Reclaiming Witch. Still, I was intrigued when the opportunity to join the Honouring the Land: Elements of Magic course arose.
One of my goals for 2025 is to reconnect with the foundations of my spiritual practice, including reflecting deeply on my animist perspective and strengthening my connection to the natural world. What drew me to this particular course was its focus on acknowledging traditional owners, ancestors, and spirits of place, as well as exploring ways to decolonise spiritual practices and form genuine connections with the land. The Honouring the Land lens resonated strongly with my goals and felt meaningful to begin the year.
The elements are among the first concepts new practitioners encounter, yet they remain a lifelong study. Many Witches revisit their energy and meaning, deepening their understanding and strengthening their connection over time. Throughout history, the elements—Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit—have served as explanations of matter and as cornerstones of magical thought. The Greek philosopher Empedocles first articulated the concept of the four classical elements in the 5th century BCE, describing them as the fundamental building blocks of all matter. Later adopted by alchemists, mystics, and occultists, these elements permeate modern practices such as astrology, tarot, Wicca, and other spiritual traditions.
Each element provides a unique framework for understanding the interplay between the physical and the spiritual. The elements represent states of matter and have a wealth of associations: directions, tools, colours, spirits, and more. Together, they create a holistic lens through which we can explore ourselves and the natural world.
In this blog series, I’ll delve into each element, spending a week immersed in its energy, symbolism, and connections as I progress through the Honouring the Land: Elements of Magic course. The class began with Earth, so this first entry focuses on that element of grounding, stability, and growth.
Earth in our lives
In Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit, editors Jane Meredith and Fio Gede Parma tell us that although the Elements of Magic class traditionally begins with Air, they begin their book with Earth, saying that starting with Earth acknowledges the sacred land we live and work in and aligns us with our Earth-centered spirituality.
Earth is the foundation upon which we build our lives. It manifests in the physical—our bodies, homes, and environments—and our sense of security and connection to the material world. Earth is the grounding force that anchors us.
Earth is closely tied to the body and the concept of embodiment. Our bodies are extensions of the Earth, formed from its minerals and nourished by its resources. When we connect to Earth, we also connect with our physical selves. Practices like yoga, dance, or mindful walking can anchor us in our bodies, helping us feel the weight, presence, and vitality that Earth offers. Embodiment invites us to experience life more fully through our senses—touching, tasting, smelling, and hearing the world around us.
Earth also holds deep associations with life’s end. Burial rituals, composting, and the return of our bodies to the soil remind us that death is not an end but a transformation. Just as decomposing leaves nourish new growth, our physical forms become part of Earth’s continuous cycle of renewal. This connection invites reflection on how we contribute to the world around us and how our lives—like all things—are woven into Earth’s greater tapestry.
In our daily lives, we engage with Earth through practices such as gardening, cooking, and crafting. These tactile activities remind us of our connection to the natural world and the cycles of creation. Cooking with seasonal ingredients, walking barefoot on the grass, or simply sitting under a tree can help renew our bond with this element.
On an emotional level, Earth offers grounding when we feel untethered. Grounding practices, such as visualising roots extending from your feet into the soil or carrying a grounding crystal like Hematite, can help bring calm and clarity during moments of overwhelm. These practices also encourage us to examine our relationship with stability: What are the “roots” that hold us steady? How can we cultivate resilience in the face of change?
It’s also worth noting that while we often think of Earth as stable and unchanging, it is anything but static. The planet itself is a dynamic, living entity, always in motion. The Earth spins on its axis and orbits the Sun, creating the rhythms of day and night and the changing seasons. Beneath its surface, tectonic plates shift and collide, leading to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. At its core, molten iron churns, generating the magnetic field that protects all life from cosmic radiation and the charged particles emitted by the Sun. These forces remind us that Earth’s strength comes not from stillness but from its capacity to hold and transform immense energy.
Spiritual alignment with Earth
Engaging spiritually with the Earth is an invitation to a deeper relationship with the land and its inhabitants, seen and unseen. The Earth is alive with spirits—guardians of place, ancestors of the land, and elementals. Working with these spirits requires a deep sense of respect, humility, and a willingness to listen.
Every bit of land has spirits. These spirits can be guardians, nurturers, or ancient watchers of a place. Beyond the land itself, the Earth is also alive with the spirits of nature—animals, plants, and ecosystems that embody its vitality and cycles. Building a relationship with land spirits begins with acknowledgment: greeting them, making offerings, and spending time in their presence. Similarly, honouring the spirits of animals and plants means observing their roles in the environment, respecting their needs, and striving to live harmoniously with them. When we honour these spirits, we cultivate a reciprocal relationship that benefits the land and ourselves. Simple acts like tending a garden, picking up litter, or leaving offerings of water, food, or seeds can strengthen this bond and demonstrate care.
Spiritual work with Earth isn’t just about connecting to its energy but becoming a steward and ally. This means taking responsibility for interacting with the land and committing to sustainable, regenerative practices. For example, learning about the ecosystems where you live and adopting habits that reduce environmental harm are tangible ways to align your spiritual practice with Earth’s well-being. Rituals for gratitude and healing can also be mighty acts of service to the land.
The ongoing climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet today. As practitioners who honour Earth, we must weave awareness and activism into our spiritual lives. This might include participating in conservation efforts, advocating for environmental justice, or creating rituals that focus on the healing of ecosystems. Climate change reminds us that Earth’s balance is fragile, and its health depends on collective action.
Correspondences
Earth is the element of solidity, structure, and sustenance. Its correspondences are deeply rooted in the physical world and the cycles of life. Let’s explore some of these and consider how to work with them.
Qualities: Stability, endurance, practicality, nurturing. Reflect on how these qualities manifest in your life and where they need to be cultivated.
Direction: North (traditionally). When casting a circle or working with directions, the North is often associated with wisdom, endurance, and the stillness of winter. However, some practitioners adapt this placement to their local environment. For example, Earth is frequently placed in the South in Australia, as the Sun moves along the North, aligning Fire with that direction instead.
Season: Winter. Winter teaches us the power of rest and regeneration. It’s a time to turn inward, reflect, and plan for the growth to come.
Time of day: Midnight. The deep stillness of midnight is a liminal space, perfect for shadow work or grounding rituals.
Tools: Pentacle, stones, salt. Incorporate these into your magical practice to symbolise Earth’s solidity and protective qualities.
Platonic solid: The cube. The cube, one of the five Platonic solids, is associated with Earth. Its six equal faces and stable structure symbolise grounding, permanence, and order. In magical practice, the cube can be used to visualise stability and protection, making it a powerful shape for grounding meditations or visualisations. You might imagine yourself within a cube of light for a sense of security or use cube-shaped stones or representations in rituals to anchor your intentions firmly to the Earth.
Colours: Green, brown, black. Use these colours to represent Earth’s energy in your altar decor, candles, or clothing.
Astrological signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn. These signs represent Earth’s stability and practicality. Work with their energies in rituals for abundance, health, or career.
Crystals: Crystals come from the Earth, but those related to Earth are more strongly associated with promoting peace, grounding, stability, wealth, and fertility. These include Green Agate, Moss Agate, Jet, Malachite, and Black Tourmaline. Carry them in your pocket, meditate with them, or place them on your altar to draw their stabilising energy into your life.
Plants and herbs: While all plants are inherently connected to Earth, some uniquely embody specific qualities. These include basil, bay, patchouly, and vervain. Burn these herbs as incense, use them in sachets, or incorporate them into rituals for grounding and protection.
Tarot: The Pentacles suit. In tarot, Pentacles symbolise material wealth, health, and the physical world. Meditate on cards like the Ace of Pentacles to invite new opportunities or the Ten of Pentacles to celebrate prosperity and legacy.
Earth is also connected to the principles of the Witch’s Pyramid, particularly the foundation of “To Keep Silent.” This principle aligns with Earth’s grounding and stabilising energy, encouraging reflection, discretion, and the cultivation of inner strength. When working with Earth, consider how silence and stillness can deepen your connection to the element.
Activities
Spend time with Earth to deepen your connection to the natural world, find grounding in daily life, and honour the sacredness of the land. Here are some activities you could try.
Tree of Life grounding meditation: Visualise yourself as a tree, with roots extending deep into the Earth. Imagine drawing up stability and nourishment from the soil while releasing tension and negativity into the ground.
Learn about Indigenous history and culture: Research the traditional custodians of the land where you live. Learn their stories and practices to foster a deeper connection to the Earth and its history.
Craft an Acknowledgement of Country: Write a personal statement to honour the traditional owners of the land. Use this in rituals or before gatherings to acknowledge their enduring connection to the Earth.
Create an elemental altar: Dedicate a space to the Earth element. Include items like stones, soil, plants, or representations of animals associated with Earth. Use this altar for grounding rituals or meditations.
Engage in eco-magic: Combine spiritual practice with environmental action. Perform rituals focused on healing the land or use magic to amplify efforts like conservation and rewilding.
Spend mindful time in nature: Visit parks, forests, or gardens. Practice presence by observing the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural world. Offer gratitude to the land spirits during your visits.
Participate in environmental stewardship: Join community clean-up events, tree planting initiatives, or other activities that help care for the Earth.
These practices foster right relationship with Earth, allowing us to benefit from its stability while giving back through our care and attention.
My week with Earth
I have a healthy spiritual relationship with Earth. I meditate regularly, acknowledge that I live on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri people, and actively seek to learn about decolonisation, climate concerns, and conservation. I honour my local spirits and find it natural to ground and centre myself. I also caught REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie at the Ian Potter Gallery this week. Rennie explores his Aboriginal identity through contemporary media, and his beautiful, vibrant work brought my attention back to the local land. Despite these spiritual connections, my relationship with Earth in practical, everyday ways often feels more challenging.
Astrologically, my natal chart reflects my imbalance. With only one planet in an Earth sign compared to 11 in Fire, 10 in Water, and one in Air, it’s no surprise that the pragmatic qualities of Earth—stability and structure—don’t come naturally to me. I don’t enjoy cooking or crafting, and I’ve never had a green thumb. While I enjoy the outdoors, camping is not my idea of a good time. Flexibility appeals to me far more than routines, and I tend to prioritise people and adventures over projects or responsibilities.
Working with the Earth element is about leveraging its strengths to address these gaps. It’s about embracing planning, organisation, and strategy to bring more balance into my life. This week, I spent time reflecting on how to be more intentional with my time and energy. One of the most tangible changes I focused on was getting more sleep—a cornerstone of physical and emotional grounding. I’ve made a conscious effort to go to bed earlier, recognising how vital rest is for my overall well-being.
My week with Earth has illuminated areas where I can grow and encouraged me to explore how to embody its energy better. This is ongoing work, and it may never feel entirely natural to me. Still, leaning into Earth’s qualities reminds me of the stability and practicality I need to cultivate for a more balanced and grounded life.
The Earth element offers us many lessons, connections, and opportunities for growth. From its grounding presence in our daily lives to its deep spiritual resonance with land spirits and natural cycles, Earth teaches us to anchor ourselves firmly while embracing change and transformation. It reminds us to honour the land we walk upon, care for the ecosystems that sustain us, and reflect on our place within the greater web of life.
Working with Earth requires reciprocity. As we draw upon its strength and stability, we are called to give back—to care for the environment, nurture our communities, and act as stewards for future generations. Through rituals, reflection, and practical action, we can deepen our connection to this vital element and align our lives with its enduring wisdom.
As I continue this journey through the elements, starting with Earth feels fitting. It grounds this exploration, setting a stable foundation for the energies and lessons to come. May the wisdom of Earth inspire you to cultivate stability, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
