Norse Magick: Elements

Norse magick, as I've found through years of study and practice, is based on four principle elements: Air, Earth, Fire and Water. These elements directly connect to the world and the four varying corners of the magic circle which is cast in most spells or rituals. These elements are often viewed as the building blocks to certain magickal practices, as they are used so often, even without notice. In Norse magick, each element has a form. These forms are very similar to the Gods and Goddesses, as they have varying characteristics, qualities, purposes. Elements are often viewed as kingdoms, as they each possess a ruler. I'll now go into describing each one and the roles it plays in Norse magick.

AIR

The air element is representative of the eastern corner of the circle. Paralda is the ruler of Air: and is often in charge of Sylphs and Zephyrs (which are similar in kind to nature fae). Air's color is yellow. It is both warm and moist. Positive associations with this element: sunrise, spring, incense, joy, optimism, breath, etc. Negative associations with this element: fickleness, gossip, forgetfulness, wind storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, destruction. Austri is said to be the dwarf that is symbolic of this element and its position in the circle.

EARTH

This is the element most familiar to humans in Norse magick. It is representative of the northern most corner of the circle. Ghob is the ruler of Earth: Ghob or Ghom watches over the dwarves. The color associated with Earth is, of course, green. Though, brown is sometimes seen as well. Positive associations: midnight, salt, gemstones, soil, stability, comfort, endurance. Negative associations: stubborness, rigidity, unwillingness to change or move positions, earthquakes and land slides. Nordhri is the symbolic dwarf of Earth. This element is used in several types of norse spellcasting, as it is said to connect magickal properties to us through earth. Generally the earth element gets called upon before/during a norse ritual so as to ground the circle or to provide stability during the practice.

FIRE

The element of fire represents the southern part of the circle. It is ruled by Djin. Djin also oversees the salemanders, firedrakes, etc. As you can imagine, it's color is red. Positive associations: Warmth, summer, noon, sunlight, candles, stars, activity, courage, honor, willpower and leadership. Negative associations: hate, jealousy, fear, lightening, conflict, war, bloodshed, volcanoes, etc. Sudhri is the dwarf representative of this element. This element, in norse magick, is most commonly used during very active, high energy rituals and spellwork. There are generally one+ red candles placed on an alter around an incense or burner/cauldron.

WATER

water is the element that symbolizes the western part of the circle. Niksa is the ruler, and also rules over nymphs. It's color is blue, though the shade may vary. Positive associations: chalice, healing, calm, love and peace.Negative associations: whirlpools, storms, floods, rain, instability and lack of control. Vestri is the dwarf that represents the water element. It is not uncommon for a norse ritual to ask for a chalice or cup of water to be set on the alter or in the circle. You may not use the water, in which case it should be taken outside and poured onto the ground- which is an act of closing the circle or stoping the work, so to speak.

Spirit is sometimes viewed as the five element, though it appears sporadically and is less common than the others in most Nordic working. It is used in the center of the circle as a means to blend the other elements together.

Note: The dwarves named in this typically can be found in mythology as figures who hold up the sky. The pattern their figures make is a representation of the circle, and often the dwarves are seen as the rulers of these elements rather than those previously mentioned. Some rituals will directly call upon them and others may not.

Here's a classic example of how the elements are called upon during any given Nordic ritual or spell:

On an alter place 4 candles: Yellow, red, blue and green.

Light the yellow candle, turning to the east: " I call upon the Powers of Air, the Ruler, and all of it's properties to witness this rite/spell and guard the circle. Aid me in my endeavors, that my results may be good and bring joy ".

Light the red candle, turning to the south: " I now call upon the Powers of Fire, and the Ruler, as well as it's many properties. Witness this rite/spell, and guard the circle. Help me to use my energy to complete my goal. ''

Light the blue candle next, turning to face west: " Powers of Water, and it's Ruler, I call now to you. Witness here this rite/spell, and guard the circle. Give me peace and calm, so that I may focus on the task at hand. "

The green candle is usually lit last, be sure to face north and raise your arms slightly: " Finally, I call upon the Powers of Water, and those who rule over it. Witness and guard this circle, as well as the other powers called upon. Help me to hold my hand steady, and will my way through this rite/spell ."

This is usually done after a circle has been cast, before continuing the rite/spell you wish to do. After the rite/spell is done, you can dismiss the powers by saying something like " depart in peace, power of (whichever element). My thanks for you aid. " as you extinguish the candles in the same order you lit them.

Great post! Thank you for this information.

I was raised using the colors Black, red, Green, Blue. Not saying they are correct, there are no correct methods. But these are the traditional colors I am use to using that come from a certain area. They have served my mind well.
And I have never heard ov using those elements the way you describe them, with rulers and such, again I am not saying you are wrong. It just something I have never heard ov being used.
The All father rules the North and the skies. And other deities prevail over the other directions, as well as being a Higher and Lower area, think ov being upon the branches ov a Tree.

But this all fascinating none the less. Where does it come from?

Most of this I learned orally. Those sources come from Hammerfest, Norway.