Last night I lay within my circle of candles, meditating upon the nature of the elements. I ended up performing a ritual to gain insight into the nature of the elements and understand my relationship with them. It felt very powerful, and I knew that the elements would teach me.

Today I had two instances of insight into Earth. The first was on my way to work in the morning. As I drove to the freeway, I noticed all of the little plants that were growing along the sidewalk in a fenced area, beyond which a building was being constructed. The plants had sprung up of their own accord and no one was caring for them, but they were hanging on to life, using the resources that were available to them despite the unfavorable conditions. This reminded me that Earth energy is one of tenacity, succeeding despite the odds, and perseverance. Fire may spark the drive to succeed, but it is only through perseverance that we can do so.

The second insight was as I sat on the lawn with my dog playing fetch with him. I threw the ball and watched him run after it, resting my palms on the grass at my sides. It occurred to me that although I recognize the stability of Earth, it also lends firmness and support. It provides a solid base for us, which we often take for granted, and supports us with this firmness, as well as its bounty.

I also had an insight into Air. Last night, I lit the candle of Air and invited light into the circle, as a property of Air, and gave heat as a property of Fire. However, it seems as though a more correct property of Air is dryness, as it was expressed to me today by reminding me off all the times I have been thankful for the wind as a way to cool myself and dry my brow of the sweat that the heat of the Sun inspired. Therefore, according to this insight, I will designate dryness as a property of Air and light as a property of Fire (making Water wetness and North darkness).

I look forward to more teachings from the elements, and a better relationship with them in the future.