The second week of the Honouring the Land: Elements of Magic course focuses on Air—an element of intellect, breath, and movement. This series delves into the symbolic and practical aspects of each element, offering reflections, correspondences, and ways to connect with their energies. Following the grounding stability of Earth, Air invites us to rise, explore, and expand.
Air in our lives
Air is the invisible force that sustains life, moving through us with every breath and connecting all living beings. It represents communication, intellect, inspiration, and freedom—qualities that help us explore ideas, form connections, and expand our horizons.
Air is present in every breath we take. The first breath of a newborn signals the start of life, while the last breath marks its end. Breathing is a profound reminder of our connection to the world around us—an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the plants that sustain us. This cyclical relationship with the natural world is a testament to Air’s role as a bridge between all living things.
In contemplative practices, breath becomes a tool for mindfulness and spiritual connection. Techniques like pranayama, breath-focused meditation, or simply pausing to take a deep breath can bring clarity, calm, and a sense of presence. Air invites us to slow down and tune into its rhythm, aligning our inner state with the natural flow of life.
The voice, carried by breath, is another powerful manifestation of Air. We express ourselves and connect with others through song, speech, and storytelling. Sound waves travel through the air, allowing music, laughter, and words to ripple out and influence those around us. Air’s energy encourages us to speak our truth, listen deeply, and honour the power of communication.
In the Elements of Magic class I’m currently taking, teachers SusanneRae Jones and Raphael Jerrepin Boodjarn raised the subject of consent. Consent connects to Air through its association with communication and clarity. Establishing clear boundaries and ensuring mutual understanding are essential aspects of consent, which can be considered an energetic agreement carried on the breath of spoken or unspoken words. Practising consent invites us to listen deeply, articulate our needs, and honour the autonomy of ourselves and others. We should extend this to the land we’re on.
The land itself and all its creatures and spirits have sovereignty. Our interactions with the land should be respectful and consensual. Raphael recommended introducing yourself and bringing a gift. Explain why you’re there. How do we know the land consents? Raphael said the land speaks different languages; watch for signs and listen to your intuition. If the land is hostile, acknowledge and honour that and take your leave.
However, Air also has its challenges. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters remind us of its immense power and unpredictability. These phenomena can devastate landscapes and communities, underscoring the need to respect and prepare for Air’s force when it becomes destructive. Similarly, issues such as air pollution and climate change, which threaten human health and ecosystems, highlight the fragility of Air. Advocating for cleaner air and adopting sustainable practices are essential acts of reciprocity to honour Air’s role in sustaining life.
On a personal level, Air’s association with the mind can bring both inspiration and difficulty. While it fuels creativity and intellectual exploration, it can also contribute to overthinking, anxiety, or mental exhaustion. When Air becomes overwhelming, grounding practices—such as breathwork, journaling, or connecting with Earth—can help restore balance. Reflecting on how Air manifests in our lives can help us find harmony between its uplifting and challenging aspects.
Just as the wind reshapes landscapes over time, Air inspires change and adaptability. It stirs creativity, encourages curiosity, and challenges us to embrace new perspectives. Yet it also teaches us balance, showing that too much Air can leave us ungrounded, while too little can stifle our ability to dream. Finding this balance allows us to work with Air’s energy in ways that support growth and clarity.
Spiritual alignment with Air
Spiritually, Air aligns us with thought, communication, and clarity. It is the element of the mind associated with logic, knowledge, and intuition. Air invites us to listen deeply and express ourselves with honesty and precision.
The Reclaiming Tradition links Air with the Principles of Unity. Air’s association with clarity and intellect makes it ideal for reflecting on your values and examining whether your actions reflect your beliefs. Take time to journal or meditate on your core values and ask yourself: How do these values show up in my daily life? Where might there be gaps between what I believe and how I live? Air’s energy supports honest introspection and the courage to make changes that align you more closely with your principles.
Air also connects us to the avian realm. As creatures of Air, birds carry the energy of freedom, perspective, and movement. Observing birds in flight can inspire a sense of wonder and remind us of the interconnectedness of all things. For those who practice divination, bird divination (ornithomancy) is a powerful way to work with Air’s messages. By paying attention to the behaviour, patterns, and songs of birds, we can receive guidance and insight from the natural world. Whether it’s the sudden appearance of a specific bird or the rhythm of their flight, these encounters can serve as omens or answers to our questions.
Another form of divination connected to Air is cloud divination (aeromancy). Gazing at the sky and observing the shapes, movement, and behaviour of clouds can reveal messages. The shifting nature of clouds mirrors Air’s dynamic and fluid qualities, inviting us to interpret their patterns and symbols intuitively. Spend time looking up, allowing your mind to wander as you observe the clouds. What shapes or stories emerge? What emotions or insights do they evoke? Aeromancy encourages us to connect with the vastness of the sky and the subtle ways Air communicates.
Working with Air means engaging with its spirits and energies. Air spirits include sylphs, wind spirits, and other entities associated with the atmosphere and skies. Building relationships with these spirits can deepen our connection to Air’s energy. This work begins with acknowledgment: greeting the wind, offering prayers, or simply pausing to feel the breeze.
Air also calls us to honour the ancestors of thought and voice. These may include writers, speakers, and visionaries who inspire us. We can honour them by learning from their work, reflecting on their ideas, and passing on their wisdom through our words and actions.
Correspondences
Air’s correspondences highlight its qualities and connections. Use these associations to work more intentionally with Air in your spiritual practice.
Qualities: Intellect, clarity, communication, freedom, inspiration.
Direction: East. The rising Sun and new beginnings are often associated with Air.
Season: Spring. Air corresponds with the fresh breezes and blooming energy of this season.
Time of day: Dawn. The quiet clarity of morning reflects Air’s energy.
Tools: Athame, sword, wand, incense, bells, feathers. These tools channel and represent Air’s qualities.
Platonic solid: Octahedron. Its dual pyramids meet at a central point, symbolising balance and harmony.
Colours: Yellow, white, pale blue. These evoke the lightness and clarity of Air.
Astrological signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius. These Air signs embody intellect, communication, and visionary thinking.
Crystals: Citrine, Selenite, Fluorite, Amethyst. These stones enhance clarity, creativity, and spiritual insight.
Plants and herbs: Lavender, sage, mint, lemongrass. These plants are associated with clarity and cleansing.
Tarot: The Swords suit. This suit represents the mind, communication, and decisions.
The Witch’s Pyramid aligns with Air through the principle “To Know.” This principle emphasises learning, understanding, and clarity, reflecting Air’s role in inspiring intellectual growth and guiding us to pursue knowledge with focus and intention.
Activities
Connecting with Air can bring fresh perspectives, clarity, and inspiration. Here are some practices to deepen your relationship with this element.
Breathwork: Engage in mindful breathing exercises or pranayama to connect with Air’s life-giving force. Notice how your breath influences your body and mind.
Journaling: Explore your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Let your writing flow freely like the wind.
Explore new ideas: Read, study, or learn something that sparks your curiosity. Air thrives on intellectual expansion.
Listen deeply: Practice active listening in conversations or nature. Notice how Air carries sounds and messages.
Feel the wind: Spend time outdoors experiencing the wind’s movement. Notice how it interacts with the world around you—rustling leaves, swaying branches, or moving clouds. Let its touch remind you of Air’s energy and offer gratitude or small tokens to its spirits.
Music: Singing, playing, or listening to music connects you to Air’s vibrational energy and can inspire creativity, joy, and emotional release.
Get an aerial view: Climb a mountain or hill or get to the top floor of a tall building to experience a higher perspective. Alternatively, take a ride in something like a cable car, hot air balloon, or helicopter to connect with Air’s energy of freedom and expansive vision.
Speak your truth: Practice honest and clear communication, whether in conversations, affirmations, or public speaking.
Engage in activism: Air inspires communication and change. Participate in activities like protesting, writing letters to decision-makers, signing petitions, or raising awareness about causes you care about. Activism is a way to use Air’s energy to amplify voices and contribute to collective transformation.
Smoke rituals: Burn Air-aligned herbs or incense to cleanse your space and invite clarity.
Fly a kite: Embrace childlike joy and playfulness by working directly with the wind.
The activities associated with Air remind us to engage with its energy in various ways, from intellectual exploration to physical sensation. Whether through creativity, communication, or simply taking time to feel the wind on your skin, working with Air opens the mind and spirit to clarity, freedom, and inspiration.
My week with Air
My connection to Air is strong. I’m curious, introspective, and studious, and I love reading, writing, and engaging with big ideas. Inspiration is ever-present; ideas sometimes come to me faster than I can keep up with. On the other hand, as a Sagittarius, I sometimes struggle with how I communicate—bluntness and carelessness with my words are traits I work hard to manage. That’s business as usual.
This week, however, the energy of Air felt particularly intense due to external events. The inauguration of Donald Trump and his first days in office brought the chaos and tension many of us anticipated. Anxiety, fear, and anger ripple through the collective. Managing my reactions has been challenging—I’ve had to remind myself not to respond to every provocation.
The flow of information is overwhelming. With Meta ceasing fact-checking, removing community protections, and aligning itself with Trump, friends have been dispersing to other platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Discord. I found myself trying to keep up with too many conversations across too many spaces. It became clear that this fractured attention wasn’t sustainable. I’ve decided to focus on fewer platforms and step back from the constant noise of social media. Similarly, I’ve chosen to limit my exposure to news. While I don’t intend to bury my head in the sand, I need to protect my mental health from the onslaught of alarming headlines.
Air’s energy—its capacity to scatter and overwhelm—reminds me to set boundaries. By controlling the flow of information, stepping back from social media, and continuing my meditation practice, I’m finding ways to stay grounded while remaining engaged. Air isn’t just about inspiration and intellect; it’s about balance, clarity, and intentionality in navigating the world.
Air is a force of movement, thought, and connection. It teaches us to explore new horizons, express ourselves authentically, and find clarity in our lives. By working with Air, we can strengthen communication, inspire creativity, and honour the intangible forces that unite us.
May Air’s wisdom guide you to speak your truth, embrace curiosity, and find freedom in exploration. As we continue this elemental journey, Air lifts us to new perspectives, preparing us to engage with the fiery energy that follows.
