Using the elements and their properties in ritual.....

A Brief Look at the Elements in Ritual Use.

Much like a knowledge of the elements and their balance in a chart gives us wisdom and insight about an individual....understanding the nature of the elements in their relationship to earth gives us a deeper connection to the natural world ....

In the seasonal work pagans recognize a symbolic connection to the elements. The four elements are representative of the four main types of energy that we use everyday in all that we do. It is by recognizing the nature of each element and balancing them within and without that we find equilibrium and a concentration of strength. In the Southern Hemisphere the elements are placed as follows; Air - East - Spring
Fire - North - Summer
Water - West - Autumn
Earth - South - Winter

The elements are placed in these directions because we follow the Sun’s journey. Earth is the Womb in which the Sun rests and reflects the Moon. East is the Gateway - where the Sun rises. North is the pinnacle of the Sun’s power where the Sun is highest above Earth. West is the place where the Sun sets and becomes one with the concept of Grail.
Some general guidelines regarding the four elements follows. I have included the fifth: Ether = Balance, which is the place of coming together, to meet in the circle's centre.

East: symbolic of understanding wisdom. It pertains to both the understanding of intuition and the intellectual pursuit of knowledge. It is a potential catalytic force.

North: place of passion. It uses manifest symbol to bring us closer to the divine source. It can create and destroy.

West: represents an unleashing of the emotional self. It is where we receive intuition. It can flow freely or be contained.

Earth: represents the pulling of the higher wisdom down to the manifest plane - It is a manifestation of inspiration.

Ether: the coming together of everything, it is spirit.