I’ve found the traditional elemental associations of the wheel of the year a little odd, always. I think it’s regularly earth in winter, air in spring, fire in summer, and water in autumn, and so they are associated with each of the season’s exquinoxy events.
But, like wands being associated with fire in the Tarot, it never made much sense to me. Earth in the winter? Everything is dead! Fire in the summer? Where do you think I live?
With the Wheel of Ana, which is Kathy Jones’ wheel of the British goddesses and seasons, it makes sense. It goes thus (with my added reasons why):
Winter – Air, because the main thing you notice about winter is the cold crisp smelling air, the gales and the fact that you can see the wind through the tree skeletons.
Spring – Fire, because you really notice the sun coming back and everything is beginning again. You get excited, as you know the winter is over, the sap is rising, it’s just awesome.
Summer – Water, because nothing is more summery than sunlight glinting across a river. Summer always makes me think of rivers overgrown with plants on their banks, teenage ducks hanging out in gangs, swans, dragonflies, and drinking sweet sweet water in the heat.
Autumn – Earth, as everything ripens to be eaten, falls to the ground, and slowly decays back into it. Autumn smells earthy, of leaves decomposing on the ground and wet mud. And apples. Mmm
So these are the seasonal elements I work with and that speak to me. No point working with a system if it won’t work with you! I was surprised to discover that I actually have an un-planned personal deity for each element/season too!
I have the same issue with the circle directions. They don’t seem to relate to where I am. So I just connect with the natural aspects as opposed to the books – basically what feels right. So glad that you found a version that works with you 🙂
I’ve also realized that the directions and elements and the wheel of the year don’t match what they are “normally” and that’s ok, whatever sings to us, is what we are to go with. For me, North is Air, as I see North as being “up” , and Air is winter as it gets really windy here in the winter. West is water, cause I live and the west coast, and Water is Spring, as i’ve always believed april shows brings may flowers. East is fire, as the sun represent fire to me, and it rises in the east, and Fire is Summer, as it gets super hot in the summer. South is eath for me as the earth is “down” below my feet. Earth is Autumn for me, as I feel more connected to the trees and nature during the fall..
so yep, we all have different correspondences, and its all perfect for us!
Hi Witchy One! Interesting about the water correspondance – do you think if you lived on the east cost you’d stick water in another direction? I live on the east side of Britain, however West is still water for me even though the ocean is closer if I go east – I spent my childhood holidays on the beaches and in the forests of north Wales, where it always smells of water and deliciousness and it rains ALL the time. I lived by the sea in Wales for three years as well, so that’s where the REAL sea is to me, heading out to Ireland and the Atlantic.