Question for Pagans/Wiccans

space4dtime · 07-07-2005, 08:16 PM

I'm doing a little research, and I've come across a question that I can't find the answer for. Why are earth, fire, and water assigned to the directions that they are? Every source I can find has said that air is in the east for the dawn and new beginnings, but nothing on why earth, fire and water are where they are. Does anyone know, or can anyone point me in a direction to find out?

Many thanks.

dizneegirl · 07-08-2005, 07:40 AM

From about.com:

Many of the traditions of modern-day Wicca have developed from ancient Celtic roots. From people who lived in the area we now know as Britain, or the United Kingdom. So taking their geography into account, let's take another look at those directions and elements.

West - The west is associated with water, as well as with changes, emotions, and healing. For Pagans living in the Celtic Isles, the Atlantic Ocean was a rather prominent landmark that lay to the west.

South - Fire was linked to the south for simple reasons that would apply to anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere: the weather gets warmer as you head south. Fire is associated with passion, strength and energy.

East - As I looked into this whole historical view of things, I found a few variations to why air and east might have been paired together. The sun rises in the east, which could be an association with air. Also thought is that weather patterns in the area brought many winds from the east. Qualities that go with East and Air are communication, imagination and travel.

North - The northern areas were more mountainous than the southern areas of the region. The craggy hills most certainly would invoke a feeling of 'Earth' to anyone who sees them. Earth represents nature, fertility and grounding.

Not all modern traditions use these correspondences. I have heard that some associate north with air, rather than with earth. This could also be traced back to Celtic geography. The fierce winter winds would have swept the countryside from the north, making a very natural connection in the minds of the people.

Keep in mind that this is based on theory and speculation, and may not represent the actual reasons behind the traditional direction/element connections. You could probably come up with a dozen other reasons to link them in the traditional manner, and probably a hundred other reasons to link them in non-traditional ways. If nothing else, it might give you something to think about next time you are calling the Quarters.

space4dtime · 07-08-2005, 08:16 AM

That's what I've been looking for. Thank you very much!

07-07-2005, 08:16 PM	#1
space4dtime MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,059 Gallery: space4dtime	Question for Pagans/Wiccans I'm doing a little research, and I've come across a question that I can't find the answer for. Why are earth, fire, and water assigned to the directions that they are? Every source I can find has said that air is in the east for the dawn and new beginnings, but nothing on why earth, fire and water are where they are. Does anyone know, or can anyone point me in a direction to find out? Many thanks.

07-08-2005, 07:40 AM	#2
dizneegirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,884 Gallery: dizneegirl	From about.com: Many of the traditions of modern-day Wicca have developed from ancient Celtic roots. From people who lived in the area we now know as Britain, or the United Kingdom. So taking their geography into account, let's take another look at those directions and elements. West - The west is associated with water, as well as with changes, emotions, and healing. For Pagans living in the Celtic Isles, the Atlantic Ocean was a rather prominent landmark that lay to the west. South - Fire was linked to the south for simple reasons that would apply to anyone living in the Northern Hemisphere: the weather gets warmer as you head south. Fire is associated with passion, strength and energy. East - As I looked into this whole historical view of things, I found a few variations to why air and east might have been paired together. The sun rises in the east, which could be an association with air. Also thought is that weather patterns in the area brought many winds from the east. Qualities that go with East and Air are communication, imagination and travel. North - The northern areas were more mountainous than the southern areas of the region. The craggy hills most certainly would invoke a feeling of 'Earth' to anyone who sees them. Earth represents nature, fertility and grounding. Not all modern traditions use these correspondences. I have heard that some associate north with air, rather than with earth. This could also be traced back to Celtic geography. The fierce winter winds would have swept the countryside from the north, making a very natural connection in the minds of the people. Keep in mind that this is based on theory and speculation, and may not represent the actual reasons behind the traditional direction/element connections. You could probably come up with a dozen other reasons to link them in the traditional manner, and probably a hundred other reasons to link them in non-traditional ways. If nothing else, it might give you something to think about next time you are calling the Quarters. __________________ "The whole idea the diet doesn't work when you go off of it? That's the whole point. Why would you go off of it? Here is a diet that's fun to eat..." Dr. Robert Atkins, CNN's Crossfire, 1999

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07-08-2005, 08:16 AM	#3
space4dtime MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,059 Gallery: space4dtime	That's what I've been looking for. Thank you very much!