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The Four Elements of the Wise: Working with the Magickal Powers of Earth, Air, Water, Fire
An in-depth exploration of the elements, their lore, history, correspondences, and use in spellwork and ritual.
The four elements are the pillars that uphold the manifest world and anchor spirit to matter. They are associated with a wide range of spiritual entities, from small elementals to divine beings.
This book explores the consciousness of the elements, which provides a system of understanding that supports most of the magic of the West and paganism. The use of the elements in a wide range of systems and practices will be examined. Much has been written about the four elements already; this book offers new teachings for newcomers and long-time practitioners alike.
Each of the four elements is explored in depth, including how they interact and change as they rise on the planes. Practical applications for working with the elements are also woven throughout the book. The book concludes with the union of the elements that is more than just becoming Spirit, but the completion of their Great Work.
The four elements are the pillars that uphold the manifest world and anchor spirit to matter. They are associated with a wide range of spiritual entities, from small elementals to divine beings.
This book explores the consciousness of the elements, which provides a system of understanding that supports most of the magic of the West and paganism. The use of the elements in a wide range of systems and practices will be examined. Much has been written about the four elements already; this book offers new teachings for newcomers and long-time practitioners alike.
Each of the four elements is explored in depth, including how they interact and change as they rise on the planes. Practical applications for working with the elements are also woven throughout the book. The book concludes with the union of the elements that is more than just becoming Spirit, but the completion of their Great Work.
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
84 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 17, 2023
How to describe this book? Well, this is definitely not your Wicca 101, so theoretically, I should be happy :) The author is certainly well-versed in astrology, Kabbalah, and whatnot, and he uses all of this knowledge to create more or less intricate constructs with the Elements, the Witch's Pyramid etc. So, to simplify: while with Cunningham's Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic, if you want something to happen, you tie a knot, here if you want something to happen, you study the philosophical implications of your wish and then design an elaborate ritual with chants and stuff.
Obviously, the latter approach is not for everybody, and this is why I did not enjoy this book: I started reading it with a group of friends, and while I made it to the end, most of them didn't, and I can't blame them for this - for one thing, the book is full of words like 'instantiations' and 'coadunation', which do not make for an easy read. I am not saying we should avoid difficult books, but, as one of us pointed out, it would have been more respectful to the readers to try to explain the complex concepts better, rather than state, somewhat condescendingly, in the very beginning that if a reader doesn't understand something in the book she should just reread it.
All that said, there really is useful material in the book, if one is patient enough to unpack it. For instance, the concept of the Sub-Elements allows us to design a sigil for fog, it being the Air of Water, - and one can think of many uses for fog and its symbol in spells. The complicated rituals can be simplified and adapted to the solitary practitioner. The book does have insights into the Elements that can help understand them better and work with them more precisely. So it may well be that I was simply not the right reader for this book, - it's just that neither of my friends was one either.
Obviously, the latter approach is not for everybody, and this is why I did not enjoy this book: I started reading it with a group of friends, and while I made it to the end, most of them didn't, and I can't blame them for this - for one thing, the book is full of words like 'instantiations' and 'coadunation', which do not make for an easy read. I am not saying we should avoid difficult books, but, as one of us pointed out, it would have been more respectful to the readers to try to explain the complex concepts better, rather than state, somewhat condescendingly, in the very beginning that if a reader doesn't understand something in the book she should just reread it.
All that said, there really is useful material in the book, if one is patient enough to unpack it. For instance, the concept of the Sub-Elements allows us to design a sigil for fog, it being the Air of Water, - and one can think of many uses for fog and its symbol in spells. The complicated rituals can be simplified and adapted to the solitary practitioner. The book does have insights into the Elements that can help understand them better and work with them more precisely. So it may well be that I was simply not the right reader for this book, - it's just that neither of my friends was one either.
February 12, 2022
Ivo Dominguez, Jr.‘s latest book, The Four Elements of the Wise: Working with the Magickal Powers of Earth, Air, Water, Fire, achieves an extremely tricky thing: It’s a book with useful information and practical ideas for all magickal skill levels, on a widely-studied subject, without making newbies feel overwhelmed and lost, or advanced practitioners bored to the point of skimming for the new stuff. There’s something valuable on every page, for every level practitioner: hundreds of eye-opening gems and food for thought, as well as easily-implementable tips to add power to all manner of magickal workings.
One thing that surprised me the most about this book was the writing style. I’ve read three of Ivo’s other books, and they are brilliant, but incredibly densely-packed with information, such that I end up intently studying each paragraph a few times over to make sure I’m grasping it in full. By contrast, the content in The Four Elements of the Wise has a bit more room to breathe, while still providing hundreds of useful insights throughout the book. The writing style is engaging, fluid, and friendly, much like Ivo’s presentation style when he delivers workshops.
One of Ivo’s frequently-used techniques is to offer a variety of connections and metaphors to explain a concept to a diverse audience. For example, there are multiple “aha” moments to be found for practitioners of astrology, tarot, alchemy, and Qabala, and plenty for magickal practitioners who use none of those systems. Sometimes he’ll talk about musical theory to explain a concept, or bring math or sacred geometry into the conversation. If one metaphor soars over your head, another one will surely click.
This book brought me to a new understanding of elemental symbols, the tattvas, the four tools used in many magickal traditions but particularly in Wicca, the sub-elements (i.e. Fire of Air), the modalities, the Platonic solids, and new ways to think about how the elements are and can be used for various magickal workings and rituals. I know I’ll be reading this one at least a couple more times, much like his other works: I get more out of them every time I read them.
One thing that surprised me the most about this book was the writing style. I’ve read three of Ivo’s other books, and they are brilliant, but incredibly densely-packed with information, such that I end up intently studying each paragraph a few times over to make sure I’m grasping it in full. By contrast, the content in The Four Elements of the Wise has a bit more room to breathe, while still providing hundreds of useful insights throughout the book. The writing style is engaging, fluid, and friendly, much like Ivo’s presentation style when he delivers workshops.
One of Ivo’s frequently-used techniques is to offer a variety of connections and metaphors to explain a concept to a diverse audience. For example, there are multiple “aha” moments to be found for practitioners of astrology, tarot, alchemy, and Qabala, and plenty for magickal practitioners who use none of those systems. Sometimes he’ll talk about musical theory to explain a concept, or bring math or sacred geometry into the conversation. If one metaphor soars over your head, another one will surely click.
This book brought me to a new understanding of elemental symbols, the tattvas, the four tools used in many magickal traditions but particularly in Wicca, the sub-elements (i.e. Fire of Air), the modalities, the Platonic solids, and new ways to think about how the elements are and can be used for various magickal workings and rituals. I know I’ll be reading this one at least a couple more times, much like his other works: I get more out of them every time I read them.
July 31, 2021
A very comprehensive look at everything regarding the elements. Good information, thorough research, applicable experience, and good writing made for a most stellar reading experience. The chapters are broken down well and make sense. And if the reader is wanting to go down the rabbit hole even further, the author gives plenty of resources to follow up on.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit, and would recommend it.
I enjoyed the book quite a bit, and would recommend it.
September 28, 2023
DNF, tired of looking at this book rot on my nightstand. Started out as a group read with my witch book club and I fell off the wagon due to the author’s continuous condescension and ableist takes. I could elaborate but I just can’t give this guy anymore energy. Look elsewhere for intermediate to advanced information on the elements!
November 30, 2022
3.5
While this book gave me new insights into the elements, it has also solidified that ceremonial systems of magick, are not for me.
While this book gave me new insights into the elements, it has also solidified that ceremonial systems of magick, are not for me.
August 27, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book. Dominguez gives an in depth discussion and interview of the elements, how they often get dismissed, and how we as practitioners can better utilize and appreciate them. His background coming from multiple traditions and esoteric knowledge helps to give a really close to comprehensive first step to understanding this key part of our world and selves. I look forward to coming back through this book, combing it over, and finding what works best for me. Also plan to check out his recommended reading at the back. Highly recommend.
November 21, 2021
This one started out strong but became too aphoristic and kinda petered out as it went on. The ideas are there but it's sometimes structured in a weird way. Podcast interviews with Dominguez about this book are great though.
January 15, 2022
This one was just not for me - heavy on a lot of more formal/ceremonial type magic that I found hard to connect with.
September 27, 2024
Ivo Dominguez Jr.’s The Four Elements of the Wise is a triumphant return to one of the most foundational, yet often misunderstood, aspects of Western occultism. With a comprehensive blend of history, theory, and practical application, Dominguez breathes new life into the study of the elements, making this work essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their practice. What sets this book apart is its ability to speak to both newcomers and seasoned practitioners, offering insights that are rarely found in more generalized treatments of elemental magick.
From the very beginning, Dominguez approaches the elements not as abstract concepts but as living, dynamic forces with their own consciousness and will. Each of the four elements—Earth, Air, Water, and Fire—is given a full examination, including its lore, correspondences, and role within various magical systems. Dominguez’s exploration moves beyond the traditional descriptions to reveal the nuanced interactions of the elements as they shift across different planes. His discussions are rich with detail, yet never overwhelming, providing readers with both the esoteric theory and practical guidance needed to work effectively with these primal forces.
The book’s strength lies in Dominguez’s unique way of presenting material that has been explored countless times, yet always managing to offer fresh perspectives. His treatment of each element is methodical and thorough, but it is his insights into the interactions between elements that make The Four Elements of the Wise stand out. Dominguez shows how they blend, oppose, and transform one another, giving practitioners a more intricate understanding of elemental magick that extends far beyond casting a simple circle.
One of the highlights of the text is the emphasis on the Great Work—the alchemical union of the four elements into a fifth essence that is more than just Spirit. Dominguez walks readers through this process, layer by layer, integrating philosophy with hands-on techniques that invite deep personal transformation. The inclusion of practical exercises and rituals throughout each chapter ensures that readers can apply these teachings in their own work, making the book not just a theoretical exploration, but a functional manual for elemental mastery.
The Four Elements of the Wise is a landmark text that elevates the study of elemental magick to new heights. Dominguez’s approach is both scholarly and accessible, and the clarity of his writing makes even the most complex topics understandable. For those who wish to move beyond surface-level correspondences and tap into the true essence of the elements, this book is an invaluable guide. It fills a crucial gap in elemental studies, offering a structured, in-depth, and transformative path for anyone serious about understanding and working with these primal forces.
From the very beginning, Dominguez approaches the elements not as abstract concepts but as living, dynamic forces with their own consciousness and will. Each of the four elements—Earth, Air, Water, and Fire—is given a full examination, including its lore, correspondences, and role within various magical systems. Dominguez’s exploration moves beyond the traditional descriptions to reveal the nuanced interactions of the elements as they shift across different planes. His discussions are rich with detail, yet never overwhelming, providing readers with both the esoteric theory and practical guidance needed to work effectively with these primal forces.
The book’s strength lies in Dominguez’s unique way of presenting material that has been explored countless times, yet always managing to offer fresh perspectives. His treatment of each element is methodical and thorough, but it is his insights into the interactions between elements that make The Four Elements of the Wise stand out. Dominguez shows how they blend, oppose, and transform one another, giving practitioners a more intricate understanding of elemental magick that extends far beyond casting a simple circle.
One of the highlights of the text is the emphasis on the Great Work—the alchemical union of the four elements into a fifth essence that is more than just Spirit. Dominguez walks readers through this process, layer by layer, integrating philosophy with hands-on techniques that invite deep personal transformation. The inclusion of practical exercises and rituals throughout each chapter ensures that readers can apply these teachings in their own work, making the book not just a theoretical exploration, but a functional manual for elemental mastery.
The Four Elements of the Wise is a landmark text that elevates the study of elemental magick to new heights. Dominguez’s approach is both scholarly and accessible, and the clarity of his writing makes even the most complex topics understandable. For those who wish to move beyond surface-level correspondences and tap into the true essence of the elements, this book is an invaluable guide. It fills a crucial gap in elemental studies, offering a structured, in-depth, and transformative path for anyone serious about understanding and working with these primal forces.
May 2, 2023
This book on the four-element system from a Wiccan perspective aims to provide a more intermediate look at the elements, rather than glossing over them, and generally achieves that goal. I found it accessible even as someone who isn't a Wiccan or a pagan, with useful context on how the elements can be categorized and classified by different traditions as well as some good basic exercises for developing a personal working relationship with the elements.
Dominguez relies heavily on the use of glyphs as a focusing tool, so this book will work especially well for visual learners. He categorizes the elements in different ways and relates them to astrology, tarot, and pagan magic(k)al concepts, but also discusses their natural properties and encourages the student to connect with elements physically in nature to learn from them directly, which I appreciate.
There were sections of the book I personally ignored, for example those related to the Tree of Life, although I appreciate that Dominguez at least calls out that he's not referencing Jewish Kabbalah, as some authors fail to do. I also wasn't particularly interested in the occult ideas that derive from European alchemists, for similar reasons, but I appreciated an attempt to note cross-cultural concepts wherever possible.
For those coming from the tarot/astrology realm, as I am, there's a good amount of content explaining these associations, with significant space spent on the sub-elements (e.g., double elementation of Court Cards in the tarot and the combination of element and modality in astrology). Astrological students should note that not everything here is fully applicable to astrology, however. I don't personally subscribe to some of the more hierarchical ideas of the elements, nor do I believe that it's necessary for everyone to work with different classifications of beings (Elementals, monarchs, etc.) to form a magical relationship with the elements, but while Dominguez does teach these ideas he's also clear that the most important thing is internal consistency, and sticking to a practice.
Overall, a good overview of elements, and particularly useful for pagan and Wiccan practitioners who will be able to make use of the rituals and practices included with the book.
Dominguez relies heavily on the use of glyphs as a focusing tool, so this book will work especially well for visual learners. He categorizes the elements in different ways and relates them to astrology, tarot, and pagan magic(k)al concepts, but also discusses their natural properties and encourages the student to connect with elements physically in nature to learn from them directly, which I appreciate.
There were sections of the book I personally ignored, for example those related to the Tree of Life, although I appreciate that Dominguez at least calls out that he's not referencing Jewish Kabbalah, as some authors fail to do. I also wasn't particularly interested in the occult ideas that derive from European alchemists, for similar reasons, but I appreciated an attempt to note cross-cultural concepts wherever possible.
For those coming from the tarot/astrology realm, as I am, there's a good amount of content explaining these associations, with significant space spent on the sub-elements (e.g., double elementation of Court Cards in the tarot and the combination of element and modality in astrology). Astrological students should note that not everything here is fully applicable to astrology, however. I don't personally subscribe to some of the more hierarchical ideas of the elements, nor do I believe that it's necessary for everyone to work with different classifications of beings (Elementals, monarchs, etc.) to form a magical relationship with the elements, but while Dominguez does teach these ideas he's also clear that the most important thing is internal consistency, and sticking to a practice.
Overall, a good overview of elements, and particularly useful for pagan and Wiccan practitioners who will be able to make use of the rituals and practices included with the book.
April 18, 2023
The key to this book for me was letting go of preconceived notions and limitations of my own understanding. It is thoughtfully written and has an excellent progression. If you run through it and think you will learn, you may not like the book. I’m a fast reader, yet took 3 months to work it through and find a lot of my own ideas and perspectives were built upon by actually working through instead of just reading. If you want a new framework to experience magick and the world in a more meaningful way though the elements, this is for you. I especially like the thoughtful way Ivo expresses his personal opinions and experiences while leaving the door open to walk through with individual experience. Thank you for your work!
November 25, 2022
This is a must-read for anyone who works with the elements.
Ivo does a wonderful job of breaking down the information and providing it in a clear and concise manner.
You are warned at the beginning of this book that you should take you time and time you need. Because there is a lot to pack in and understand. But that doesn't mean that it's overwhelming or unclear. Not true. You just need processing time.
I love how he breaks down the elements each and gives you so many ways to approach them.
Ivo does a wonderful job of breaking down the information and providing it in a clear and concise manner.
You are warned at the beginning of this book that you should take you time and time you need. Because there is a lot to pack in and understand. But that doesn't mean that it's overwhelming or unclear. Not true. You just need processing time.
I love how he breaks down the elements each and gives you so many ways to approach them.
August 14, 2021
If there’s one book I would recommend on elemental magic, its this book. I’ve been practicing elemental magic for over 25 years and I got new insights, perspectives, and ideas for my practice from this book. I don’t say that lightly, because I develop my own systems of magic, but this book gave me ideas on how to further flesh out my own work. It’s a book that will help you go deep with elemental magic. Pick it up today!
September 19, 2022
Amazing
I was amazed at the depth and understanding this book provides the reader. I will be purchasing the physical book because I want to take detailed notes and journal. The audio version is great also, but I would have preferred hearing the author's voice.
A good read for any magical practitioner.
I was amazed at the depth and understanding this book provides the reader. I will be purchasing the physical book because I want to take detailed notes and journal. The audio version is great also, but I would have preferred hearing the author's voice.
A good read for any magical practitioner.
February 24, 2023
So so awesome
I'm going to have to reread this book at least two more times before I get it ....i'm sure I got it the first time but this book must be ingrained in my mind so that all my future rituals incorporate this magick too!!!
I'm going to have to reread this book at least two more times before I get it ....i'm sure I got it the first time but this book must be ingrained in my mind so that all my future rituals incorporate this magick too!!!
April 12, 2022
Kinda boring, nothing new, for my taste too little of hermeticism.
July 22, 2023
This book is rich in information for those who are into high magic and ceremony.
January 14, 2024
Informative
April 15, 2025
There’s a lot of redundant information in here but there’s also some cool unique stuff.
June 12, 2021
It's a fine book, full of meditations, ideas and advices. Some things, in first place in occult works, need few more detailed explanations. Like for ex. step by step explanations how to summon elemental spirits like undines, salamanders etc...and to offer one example! In this way we have only hints about it. Otherwise, interesting book, well done by Weiser books also.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews