Bewitching the Elements

March 9, 2020
Herstik (Inner Witch), a witch and columnist for Chakrubs magazine, delivers a comprehensive guide to magic practices as a “reclamation of earth-based spirituality” from modern dissociation. Focusing on the five elements that appear in many spiritual traditions—earth, air, fire, water, and spirit/ether—Herstik breaks down the correlations of each to deities, crystals, astrological signs, and tarot cards. She also provides easy-to-follow rituals, such as grounding meditation work for earth, breath meditations for air, sex magic rituals for fire, and Moon rituals for water. Some practices call for casting circles and building altars, while others concentrate on everyday magic, such as recurring sections on glamour that explore using one’s own appearance and clothing to build relationships with each element. While supplies like salt, herbs, and candles are recommended, Herstik reminds readers that “belief that nature is multi-dimensional, magical and powerful” is all that is needed for the cultivation of mindfulness. Herstik’s knowledge and love for magic is exhibited in her instructive and welcoming tone. This thorough manual will be of interest to spiritual practitioners looking for rituals intended to increase one’s connection to nature.