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Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit
Awaken the Elemental Magic Within
Deeply poetic and rich with passion, this book helps you expand your relationship with earth, air, fire, water, and spirit through personal reflections and hands-on explorations. With brilliant contributions from members of the international Reclaiming community, this empowering book provides spells, exercises, practices, and perspectives that are taught in Reclaiming's foundational class, Elements of Magic. Discover techniques for grounding, casting a circle, trance, and visualization, as well as guidance for working with breath, raising energy, and charging an intention. If you long to experience the ecstatic practice of magic, Elements of Magic is for you.
Foreword by Starhawk
Praise:
"Gede Parma and Jane Meredith have excelled themselves in putting together one of the most comprehensive compilations of practices found in the Reclaiming Tradition."--Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, teachers and authors of The Inner Mysteries and Lifting the Veil
"Elements of Magic is a soulful and grounded offering that honors the past while inviting the future."--Ivo Dominguez Jr., author and elder in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
"In this approachable, engaging guide, Jane Meredith and Gede Parma seamlessly weave together an introduction to Reclaiming and a course in the foundations of natural magic."--Thorn Mooney, Gardnerian priestess and author of Traditional Wicca
"Reclaiming has so much to offer with its insights into community work, activist magic, and bringing healing to this planet ... This book is like a dandelion seed-head, spreading wild wisdom and ecstatic practice."--Tony Rella, author of Circling the Star
"Elements of Magic will be a valuable resource for those who seek a spiritual connection to our world, whatever their tradition."--Diana L. Paxson, author of Trance-Portation
Deeply poetic and rich with passion, this book helps you expand your relationship with earth, air, fire, water, and spirit through personal reflections and hands-on explorations. With brilliant contributions from members of the international Reclaiming community, this empowering book provides spells, exercises, practices, and perspectives that are taught in Reclaiming's foundational class, Elements of Magic. Discover techniques for grounding, casting a circle, trance, and visualization, as well as guidance for working with breath, raising energy, and charging an intention. If you long to experience the ecstatic practice of magic, Elements of Magic is for you.
Foreword by Starhawk
Praise:
"Gede Parma and Jane Meredith have excelled themselves in putting together one of the most comprehensive compilations of practices found in the Reclaiming Tradition."--Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, teachers and authors of The Inner Mysteries and Lifting the Veil
"Elements of Magic is a soulful and grounded offering that honors the past while inviting the future."--Ivo Dominguez Jr., author and elder in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel
"In this approachable, engaging guide, Jane Meredith and Gede Parma seamlessly weave together an introduction to Reclaiming and a course in the foundations of natural magic."--Thorn Mooney, Gardnerian priestess and author of Traditional Wicca
"Reclaiming has so much to offer with its insights into community work, activist magic, and bringing healing to this planet ... This book is like a dandelion seed-head, spreading wild wisdom and ecstatic practice."--Tony Rella, author of Circling the Star
"Elements of Magic will be a valuable resource for those who seek a spiritual connection to our world, whatever their tradition."--Diana L. Paxson, author of Trance-Portation
310 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
50 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Jane Meredith
23 books86 followersJane Meredith is an author and ritualist. Her books include Falling through the Tree of Life: Embodied Kabbalah, Journey to the Dark Goddess, Aspecting the Goddess and Circle of Eight: Creating Magic for Your Place on Earth. Jane's passions include magic, trees, rivers, dark chocolate and participative ritual.
Jane offers distance and in-person courses worldwide and her website is: www.janemeredith.com
Jane offers distance and in-person courses worldwide and her website is: www.janemeredith.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2025
Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the elements through the lens of the Reclaiming Tradition. The book weaves diverse personal experiences, rituals, and practical exercises, making it an excellent resource for those looking to deepen their connection to Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
That said, it sits in an in-between space—experienced practitioners may not find much new here, while complete beginners might feel like some concepts are assumed. It’s best suited for those with a basic understanding of the elements or those wanting to explore them specifically within a Reclaiming framework.
Overall, a solid and inspiring read for the right audience!
That said, it sits in an in-between space—experienced practitioners may not find much new here, while complete beginners might feel like some concepts are assumed. It’s best suited for those with a basic understanding of the elements or those wanting to explore them specifically within a Reclaiming framework.
Overall, a solid and inspiring read for the right audience!
March 8, 2021
Absolutely loved this one.
Gives you a very good base-line understanding but even if you are not new to The Reclaiming Tradition it is a good book to have.
It was published just before the most recent amendments/additions came in after being voted on in 2019/2020, but it is still a really good and comprehensive reference text.
Gives you a very good base-line understanding but even if you are not new to The Reclaiming Tradition it is a good book to have.
It was published just before the most recent amendments/additions came in after being voted on in 2019/2020, but it is still a really good and comprehensive reference text.
May 8, 2022
Beautifully written by some lovely people. A great introduction to Reclaiming with lots of practical ideas.
December 5, 2018
Elements of Magic is a compilation of essays, spell workings, and meditations by Reclaiming community members from around the world. The Reclaiming tradition is often cited as beginning in 1979 when a young woman named Starhawk published her book, The Spiral Dance, which combined occult lore and witchcraft with the feminine counterculture movement of the time.
The work is divided into sections for each of the five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit, each integrating a particular element with Reclaiming’s activism and political stance.
It is said that the Reclaiming tradition is a cauldron that stands on three legs, known as magic, healing and activism. And that combination shines through in this book.
I found the introduction to each section overly wordy and repetitive. However, the rest of the book is full of helpful and effective exercises, guided meditations, and ritual descriptions, all thoroughly grounded in natural magic. Many of the exercises and practices are taught in Reclaiming’s foundational class, Elements of Magic, at week-long Witchcamps around the world.
The authors of the essays are clearly knowledgeable, and much of the writing was poetic and filled with passion. As you read each essay, you feel you know that author a little better, and better understand their personal journey into witchcraft.
Earth may be the element that many people think they know the best. In Reclaiming tradition, this element represents both nature and activism, as well as silence and listening. That is because the earth has a spirit that is both within and beyond its physical self, and that spirit weaves an energetic web that connects all life on earth. Embodied presence helps witches—all humans, in fact—stay in intimate connection with our earthly home.
The “Council of All Beings” essay in the Earth chapter reminds us that our planet may call upon us to perform intentional magic, to rectify damage done to Earth and its living creatures, as well as to prevent future damage.
On the other end of the Earth spectrum, the “Rotting Body” guided meditation by Susanne Ray helps us gain a deeper understanding of death, and our ongoing relationship with the earth.
The element of Air is associated with breath, sound, communication, history and lore. In this section, Phoenix LaFae’s ritual, “Wish Birds,” has us creating an energetic bird that carries our wish or desire out into the world to help it manifest. And I was still mulling over the points in Gerri Ravyn Stanfield’s essay, “Communication and Conflict,” when I woke up the morning after reading it.
The element of Fire brings to mind power and transformation. Pandora O’Mallory’s essay, “Transformation by Fire,” was one of the best articles I’ve ever read on how to use fire in effective spellwork for those big changes in your life. Copper Persephone’s article, “Fire of Sensual Living,” shows how this amazing woman has kept both her creative and sensual spark alive.
Everything in the Water section was amazing, and I recommend you read it straight through. Jane Meredith’s essay, “Ocean of Emotion, and her “Deep Check-in” exercise were both deeply moving. In fact, I have the exercise flagged to do over the holidays with my best friend.
The Spirit section is my absolute favorite, including, in this case, the introduction. “Spirit is Sacred,” by Dawn Isidora, will get you thinking about the connections in your life. I’ve started doing her five-point gratitude practice every day, and can’t wait to try Jane Meredith’s path working, “Divine Purpose.”
Regardless of your experience in witchcraft, trance work and meditation, you will find suggestions and exercises in this book to deepen your personal practice. And if you’re just starting to explore the path, the last section on how to create and conduct a ritual is much more useful than you will find in a Wicca 101 book. Pick up a beginner’s book also if you like. But read this one when you’re ready to write your first ritual.
One caveat: If you, like me, tend to read the first few pages of a book to make your buying decision—don’t do that with Elements of Magic. Instead, skip forward and read an essay, or a spellwork exercise, for each of the Elements. That’s where you’ll find the heart of the magic.
The work is divided into sections for each of the five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit, each integrating a particular element with Reclaiming’s activism and political stance.
It is said that the Reclaiming tradition is a cauldron that stands on three legs, known as magic, healing and activism. And that combination shines through in this book.
I found the introduction to each section overly wordy and repetitive. However, the rest of the book is full of helpful and effective exercises, guided meditations, and ritual descriptions, all thoroughly grounded in natural magic. Many of the exercises and practices are taught in Reclaiming’s foundational class, Elements of Magic, at week-long Witchcamps around the world.
The authors of the essays are clearly knowledgeable, and much of the writing was poetic and filled with passion. As you read each essay, you feel you know that author a little better, and better understand their personal journey into witchcraft.
Earth may be the element that many people think they know the best. In Reclaiming tradition, this element represents both nature and activism, as well as silence and listening. That is because the earth has a spirit that is both within and beyond its physical self, and that spirit weaves an energetic web that connects all life on earth. Embodied presence helps witches—all humans, in fact—stay in intimate connection with our earthly home.
The “Council of All Beings” essay in the Earth chapter reminds us that our planet may call upon us to perform intentional magic, to rectify damage done to Earth and its living creatures, as well as to prevent future damage.
On the other end of the Earth spectrum, the “Rotting Body” guided meditation by Susanne Ray helps us gain a deeper understanding of death, and our ongoing relationship with the earth.
The element of Air is associated with breath, sound, communication, history and lore. In this section, Phoenix LaFae’s ritual, “Wish Birds,” has us creating an energetic bird that carries our wish or desire out into the world to help it manifest. And I was still mulling over the points in Gerri Ravyn Stanfield’s essay, “Communication and Conflict,” when I woke up the morning after reading it.
The element of Fire brings to mind power and transformation. Pandora O’Mallory’s essay, “Transformation by Fire,” was one of the best articles I’ve ever read on how to use fire in effective spellwork for those big changes in your life. Copper Persephone’s article, “Fire of Sensual Living,” shows how this amazing woman has kept both her creative and sensual spark alive.
Everything in the Water section was amazing, and I recommend you read it straight through. Jane Meredith’s essay, “Ocean of Emotion, and her “Deep Check-in” exercise were both deeply moving. In fact, I have the exercise flagged to do over the holidays with my best friend.
The Spirit section is my absolute favorite, including, in this case, the introduction. “Spirit is Sacred,” by Dawn Isidora, will get you thinking about the connections in your life. I’ve started doing her five-point gratitude practice every day, and can’t wait to try Jane Meredith’s path working, “Divine Purpose.”
Regardless of your experience in witchcraft, trance work and meditation, you will find suggestions and exercises in this book to deepen your personal practice. And if you’re just starting to explore the path, the last section on how to create and conduct a ritual is much more useful than you will find in a Wicca 101 book. Pick up a beginner’s book also if you like. But read this one when you’re ready to write your first ritual.
One caveat: If you, like me, tend to read the first few pages of a book to make your buying decision—don’t do that with Elements of Magic. Instead, skip forward and read an essay, or a spellwork exercise, for each of the Elements. That’s where you’ll find the heart of the magic.
February 11, 2019
I’m a major fan of Gede Parma. When I saw that they had contributed to a new anthology book, Elements of Magic, I decided I needed to read it. From the title, I surmised it to be mostly about elemental magic. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much more than that!
Now, I’ve read a bit of elemental-centric literature before (namely Deborah Lipp’s work). While I’m more of a celestial kind of girl, I believe a working knowledge of the four elements to be foundational for witchcraft in the West. The book’s introduction describes it as, essentially, a written version of an elemental training program of sorts, usually hosted by the Reclaiming Tradition of witches.
I knew very little about the Reclaiming Tradition of witchcraft prior to reading this book. Frankly, I still cannot claim to know much about it - it isn’t my tradition. Certain aspects of this book are very Reclaiming-centric. If you’re amenable to learning from other traditions, you’ll find this book to be a good snapshot of what Reclaiming witches do and believe.
The focus on the elements goes far beyond listing correspondences - the authors actually cover how the essential force of each element manifests in the life of the witch. Some of the stories and anecdotes are heartwarming, others are harsh, but all drive home the point that the elements are much more than physical. They exist within us all, and around us all, constantly.
I recommend close attention paid to the sections referencing the Reclaiming principles of Unity. The discussion (in the Air chapter) of how these have evolved over time was delightfully enriching. This evolutionary approach will appeal to many, and is something we can all take home to whatever tradition we might call our own.
I found the progressive and egalitarian perspective very refreshing. Many books focus only on the technical aspects of magick, or at very least only the spiritual parts. This is all well and good, but I was happy that Elements of Magic goes further, striving to make the reader aware of how spirituality intersects with social issues in meaningful ways.
Magically, the most interesting part of this book was how easily the authors integrated the magical and the mundane. It really brought to mind the old adage “Magick is not what you do; magick is what you are.”
The aforementioned social activism parts are seamlessly interwoven in both a magical and mundane context. It drives home the point that witchcraft is about connection and weaving the web of life, and that we’re all part of the same universe. The authors took this farther than most do, making the impetus for social activism explicit.
I give this book five out of five stars. Highly recommended, mostly for intermediate to advanced witches, and anyone interested in the intersection between elemental magick and daily life. If you’re going to read this book, don’t just read it - actually do some of the exercises. As someone who can get a little unbalanced elementally, I found them very helping. The book wouldn’t be complete without them!
Now, I’ve read a bit of elemental-centric literature before (namely Deborah Lipp’s work). While I’m more of a celestial kind of girl, I believe a working knowledge of the four elements to be foundational for witchcraft in the West. The book’s introduction describes it as, essentially, a written version of an elemental training program of sorts, usually hosted by the Reclaiming Tradition of witches.
I knew very little about the Reclaiming Tradition of witchcraft prior to reading this book. Frankly, I still cannot claim to know much about it - it isn’t my tradition. Certain aspects of this book are very Reclaiming-centric. If you’re amenable to learning from other traditions, you’ll find this book to be a good snapshot of what Reclaiming witches do and believe.
The focus on the elements goes far beyond listing correspondences - the authors actually cover how the essential force of each element manifests in the life of the witch. Some of the stories and anecdotes are heartwarming, others are harsh, but all drive home the point that the elements are much more than physical. They exist within us all, and around us all, constantly.
I recommend close attention paid to the sections referencing the Reclaiming principles of Unity. The discussion (in the Air chapter) of how these have evolved over time was delightfully enriching. This evolutionary approach will appeal to many, and is something we can all take home to whatever tradition we might call our own.
I found the progressive and egalitarian perspective very refreshing. Many books focus only on the technical aspects of magick, or at very least only the spiritual parts. This is all well and good, but I was happy that Elements of Magic goes further, striving to make the reader aware of how spirituality intersects with social issues in meaningful ways.
Magically, the most interesting part of this book was how easily the authors integrated the magical and the mundane. It really brought to mind the old adage “Magick is not what you do; magick is what you are.”
The aforementioned social activism parts are seamlessly interwoven in both a magical and mundane context. It drives home the point that witchcraft is about connection and weaving the web of life, and that we’re all part of the same universe. The authors took this farther than most do, making the impetus for social activism explicit.
I give this book five out of five stars. Highly recommended, mostly for intermediate to advanced witches, and anyone interested in the intersection between elemental magick and daily life. If you’re going to read this book, don’t just read it - actually do some of the exercises. As someone who can get a little unbalanced elementally, I found them very helping. The book wouldn’t be complete without them!
June 7, 2021
I read this anthology while I was taking Elements class in a six week format; I found it helpful supplemental material in that context, and I think it's a good introduction to anyone interested in Reclaiming tradition. There are a lot of exercises included that are approachable and could be worked into many different Pagan paths quite seamlessly, and I feel like I have new ideas for working with each element that I will certainly make use of in future -- I am happy to have this book on my shelf as a reference. My only criticism would be that some sections -- some of the essays, the air section in particular -- really should have complete footnotes and bibliographies included because they contain claims that need support with citations. Other than that, though, I think that this is a really great anthology.
November 18, 2018
This book includes a number of essays by the Reclaiming community members from around the world, which uses five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit. The magical tools associated with each element are also explored. Reclaiming attributes the wand to Air and the Athamé to Fire. I expected the book to delve into the elements -- it did that and more, in ways I had not anticipated! In addition to diving deeply into the each element’s properties, the book thoroughly explores how the Reclaiming tradition exemplifies each element.
Reclaiming is noted for group involvement in their rituals, and this book is refreshingly written in that spirit. Its foundation includes coursework given during Reclaiming Witch Camp, an introduction to the tradition. Essays written by Reclaiming members from around the world are included, each integrating a particular element with Reclaiming’s activism and political stance. For instance, one essay discussing Air is “Writing and Singing Chants” and personal boundaries are explored while discussing Fire in “Playing with Your Energy Boundaries.”
Other great sections included are “The Tree of Life Grounding” practice, “Ecstatic Breathwork with Plants,” “Rotting Body” guided meditation (Earth), and “Burning Herbs for Purification” (Fire) – it is full of helpful and effective exercises, guided meditations, and practices.
Reclaiming is noted for group involvement in their rituals, and this book is refreshingly written in that spirit. Its foundation includes coursework given during Reclaiming Witch Camp, an introduction to the tradition. Essays written by Reclaiming members from around the world are included, each integrating a particular element with Reclaiming’s activism and political stance. For instance, one essay discussing Air is “Writing and Singing Chants” and personal boundaries are explored while discussing Fire in “Playing with Your Energy Boundaries.”
Other great sections included are “The Tree of Life Grounding” practice, “Ecstatic Breathwork with Plants,” “Rotting Body” guided meditation (Earth), and “Burning Herbs for Purification” (Fire) – it is full of helpful and effective exercises, guided meditations, and practices.
April 22, 2019
A simple introduction to the Reclaiming movement. It is mainly composed of members exploring their own experiences rather than a deeper understanding. Does include some practice activities to try in relation to the elements. The writings is highly accessible making it perfect for the novice or those about to attend witch camp held in Qld Australia.
July 7, 2021
Excellent introduction to the core practices and approach of the Reclaiming tradition of witchcraft, with practical exercises. It's designed to approximate the content that would be covered in the first of the tradition's five Core Classes, but it's well worth reading even if you have taken the class before.
November 29, 2021
At first I bought the digital book and quickly realized I needed a hard copy that I could easily reference over and over, easily find the ritual I needed, the element I needed to work with. I love that these rituals are easy, intuitive and work with energy. It's not about having the right candle color or crystal. It's about working with the energy of the elements that exist all around us
September 4, 2025
I recommend this book SO OFTEN. It is such a diverse and potent collection of essays and practices about the most fundamental magical teachings in the Reclaiming Witchcraft Tradition. This book is useful for both those curious about developing magical practice and those very seasoned. It features so many different authors, tools, practices, and insights.
January 29, 2020
An introduction to the reclaiming movement. Essays, perspectives, and some work for the reader. An interesting read.
July 21, 2020
I loved the format of this book, and the encouragement to use it as a do-it-yourself Reclaiming class. I thought the information was excellent.
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February 9, 2022This book is good for witches who want spells around the elements. I won't be doing these, but those who are devoted to this path will enjoy.
April 16, 2025
If you want to start a journey through witchcraft, this book is a must. It goes beyond the romantic idea of magic and it will help you to forge a real connection withe the five elements.
August 16, 2018
Great book for explaining how to use all the elements..Techniques on how to use grounding, casting a circle, and raising energy is a very important part of magic. In many types of Witchcraft and yes, there is more than one, using the Elements are extremely important. Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit are usually worked into rituals and spells. This is explained in detail in this book. How to pick what symbol that will recognize which element is discussed. Finding your magic thru experimentation helps to renew and strengthen your powers.. I thought this book was definitely one that you will want to read and use for all your magical workings. I loved the way it is written so everyone can understand. I received this book from Net Galley and Llewellyn Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.
August 20, 2018
The authors are clearly knowledgeable, and the book is full of information that would be useful to those interested in the Reclaiming tradition. It was an interesting read, and not at all dry. There is a beauty to the writing that goes beyond sharing information and paints the world well in terms of their beliefs. It is instructional while allowing for a a fluidity in each reader’s experience.
October 8, 2018
Is informational, but more through topics and events by those contributing to it. For those who are interested in the Reclaiming Tradition. How the elements are related to this. the readers get information, spells, exercises, and practices. So this is not a book totally for me. Yes, I can get some information from it, but there is the Reclaiming perspective within the book.
November 5, 2018
I love this book! I love how the elements are broken down and there are enchantments and workings for each element. This book is a very helpful tool for those on a magical path. I highly recommend! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 5, 2018
Even if I'm not into Reclaiming tradition I found this book engaging and full of interesting ideas.
It one of those books that can help you to get new ideas for your path and your craft.
I liked how the essay were divided for elements and I liked the content of each essay.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide and Netgalley for this ARC
It one of those books that can help you to get new ideas for your path and your craft.
I liked how the essay were divided for elements and I liked the content of each essay.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide and Netgalley for this ARC
January 9, 2019
Elements of Magic
Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit
by Jane Meredith; Gede Parma
Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
I really enjoyed this book written by individuals in the Reclaiming path of witchcraft. It was a good basis of how the path started and the branches that lined out. I think it ca give someone a solid foundation basis on getting in touch with yourself and metaphysics. It was written well and palatable making an easy read and comprehension of elements of thought and magic. I lucked out as this an another book by Mankey are books I can see adding to my library just to pull out & show others to give them some insight and food for thought. Excellent primer for elements and how Reclaiming came to bean be incorporated into daily practices
Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit
by Jane Meredith; Gede Parma
Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
I really enjoyed this book written by individuals in the Reclaiming path of witchcraft. It was a good basis of how the path started and the branches that lined out. I think it ca give someone a solid foundation basis on getting in touch with yourself and metaphysics. It was written well and palatable making an easy read and comprehension of elements of thought and magic. I lucked out as this an another book by Mankey are books I can see adding to my library just to pull out & show others to give them some insight and food for thought. Excellent primer for elements and how Reclaiming came to bean be incorporated into daily practices
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews