If you are not too busy(or not busy at all…) I would like to know how to manipulate elements(fire, water, earth, air….and so on) If you cant tell me anything about this, it’s no problem, but I would really like to know. -Dylan

Hello there Dylan, Well my dear, I suppose it somewhat depends on what you mean by “manipulating” said elements. I mean, to one degree or another we manipulate these elements on a daily basis. We breath in oxygen (air), transform it within our lungs, and breath out carbon dioxide. We drink water and it flows through our system and converts to waste products which we later excrete. We manipulate fire every time we cook something… assuming you have a good old fashioned gas range. We bend the earth to our will with our structures and our dwellings and the like. But I am guessing that is not really not what you mean, per se. I am guessing you are looking for some kind of more flashy, magical kind of manipulation… right? Unfortunately, my dear, you are barking up the wrong tree, as that is not what I do. I am more into venerating and respecting the elements and what they represent than I am into manipulating them or bending them to my will…. Take a look at this piece about setting up a sacred space and you might get a better feel for the way in which I view the elements…. Setting up a Sacred Space A quiet, peaceful place should be selected, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors – as long as it is somewhere that work can be done and spells can be cast undisturbed. Once selected, the space needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Traditionally a besom is used for this and the task is performed three times – once for the physical world, once for emotional cleaning, and once to cleanse the spirit of the place. When this has been done, it is usual to sprinkle water and salt around the area and to burn a bit of incense (I am partial to sandalwood). Next, the work surface, or altar, is prepared. It can be a tray, a table, a dressing table, an ornately carved piece of furniture, or even a sturdy bit of wood. It does not particularly matter, as long as you feel some connection to the item in question. You will want to gather some candles to place on the altar – a silver one to represent the Lady and the moon and a gold one to represent the Lord and the sun. You will also likely want to have a pentagram, a censer, a bowl of water, and a bowl of salt. Other items you may wish to have would include an athame, a chalice, a bell, and a wand. Have any crystals or other items that you will use regularly stored in close proximity to the altar for ready access. Once everything is in place, the altar should then be dedicated to whichever power it is that you call on when you cast your spells or perform your rituals. As a wiccan, I dedicate my altar to the Lord and the Lady. Others will obviously dedicate their altars differently. Traditionally each of the four elements is then addressed. One way to do so would be as such, “Oh element earth, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it. Oh element air, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it. Oh element fire, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it. Oh element water, may negative energies depart, leaving only the positive. This is my will, so be it.” As earth is addressed, draw a banishing earth pentacle over the bowl of salt. As air is addressed, draw a banishing air pentacle over the incense. As fire is addressed, draw a banishing fire pentacle over the candles. As water is addressed, draw a banishing water pentacle over the bowl of water. Say a final prayer to the powers which you entreat and your sacred space is ready to go….