Earth Elementals

Each element is also associated with a mythological being, or an elemental, that can be called upon for help with spellcasting and rituals. An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. Traditionally, there are four types: gnomes, undines (also known as nymphs), sylphs, and salamanders. These correspond to the Classical elements of antiquity: earth (solid), water (liquid), wind (gas), and fire (heat). Aether (quintessence) / Spirit / Akasha was not assigned an elemental.

The exact term for each legendary creature varies somewhat from source to source, though these four are now the most usual. Paracelsus used the names of mythological creatures from earlier traditions; their names are often used interchangeably with similar beings from folklore. 

Earth elementals: gnomes, sphinxes, the sidh
This lesson will focus mostly on the large category of gnomes without specifically looking in detail at the sidh or Irish hill-dwellers. Many people consider the sidh as the race of fairies, but that’s mostly a popular fiction and fantasy notion. In magick, traditionally the “gnome” covers all small creatures like dwarves, elves, leprechauns, and non-flying fairies. The Sphinx is included as an earth Elemental because of a work called Transcendental Magic by French occultist Eliphas Lévi which was developed more by Aleister Crowley into the “Powers of the Sphinx” as a part of his own Thelemic paradigm. The powers of the Sphinx are to know, to will, to dare, and to be silent. In some traditions, then, the Sphinx is associated with Earth in the “to will” portion of its powers because if you activate Earth, you will vitalize and nourish the power to Will and you will experience Life.

Gnomes
In the symbolic realm of elementals, there are four clans who rule the realms of nature, and Gnomes are the clan of earth elementals. The word "gnome" is said to derive from the New Latin genomus (“Earth Dweller”) and ultimately from the Greek gnosis, meaning knowledge. According to myth, gnomes hoarded secret knowledge just as they hoarded treasure. Ancient legend indicates armies of Gnomes insure the stability of Earth. As their name suggests, Gnomes are the ones with the power knowledge of the Earth. As such, ancient mystics called upon Gnomes as an invocation of the properties of Earth in ritual.

"The type of gnome most frequently seen is the brownie, or elf, a mischievous and grotesque little creature from twelve to eighteen inches high, usually dressed in green or russet brown. Most of them appear as very aged, often with long white beards, and their figures are inclined to rotundity. They can be seen scampering out of holes in the stumps of trees and sometimes they vanish by actually dissolving into the tree itself." Paracelsus 

More commonly known as dwarves or goblins, they are concerned with the products and treasures of the earth. The subgroups of the Earth Gnomes consist of Brownies, Dryads, Durdalis, Earth Spirits, Elves, Hamadryads, Pans, Pygmies, Sylvestres, and Satyrs. Gnomes have often been likened to goblins, fairies and elves. Just as there are many different types of humans, there are different elementals who are from the element of earth and fall under the broad name of Gnome. These creatures are assigned to the cardinal direction of North. Being of the earth, Although smaller than humans, they vary in stature and size, some being able to change size at will. Their physical appearance reflects on their physical habitat. Earth spirits of poisionous or thorny shrubs have a more pointed and haggard appearance than their flower residing kin. Some wear clothing from which they live. Others have clothes that are part of themselves and grow with them.

Gnomes usually live in the soil, rocks, beneath the ground, and under the tree roots. Gnomes will only help humans if they have been considerate of nature and treat it well. They are very helpful of those who have established a connection with them through prior acts of kindness. When working with humans, Gnomes are most helpful with healing the bones. 

The meaning of “Gnome” in mythology can be linked to Geb, the Egyptian Earth god, as well as Kubera from India who is a hoarder of precious metals, dazzling diamonds, and other sparkly bits nestled in the folds of Earth. 

Gnomes are symbols of the Earth. As such, they encourage stability, grounding and offer a rooting quality to our experience. They are not without their wiles. Part of the levity that comes from these little dudes comes from an innate liveliness they imbue. They love their Mother (Earth), and are in-turn, loved back by her. In fact, legend indicates they are dastardly in conniving tricks on those who would fool with their "Mother,” Nature (of course). Translation: Gnomes have zero-tolerance for Earth rape.

These beings work and maintain the physical structure of earth. They help create color in the world and our lives. They assist us in tying into the earth's energies and in understanding how to use those hidden forces. The gnomes are needed to build plants, flowers, and trees. It is their task to tint them, make minerals and crystals, and to maintain the earth so that we have a place to grow and evolve.

They are beings of great craftsmanship. The gnomes guard the treasures of the earth, and when attuned will help humans find treasures within the earth or parts of it. This can be anything from finding the hidden treasure or energy of a crystal to finding the gold within one's life. They work with humans primarily through nature. They give each stone its own individuality, its own energy. They do this with every aspect of nature. Thus every tree, rock, and flower has something to teach us. Gnomes also work to maintain the physical bodies of human’s composition, assimilation of minerals, etc. Without them, we could not function in the physical world.

Some people believe that one earth elemental is usually assigned to help us throughout our life to maintain our physical vehicles. It is through this intimate connection that they can evolve and become ensouled. They are affected by what we do. If we abuse the body, we abuse the elemental assigned to us. This elemental helps us to become aware of our physical sense and develop a reliance on them. This personal gnome also assists us with endurance and persistence. It helps us look out for ourselves, giving us the quality of caution. Too little connection with our personal gnome and other earth elementals may make us feel "spaced out." We will have a tendency to ignore the requirements of survival. We may always feel totally out of place and become lost in a world of imagination. There is also a greater likelihood of ignoring the requirements of the human body. We may never look before we leap. All of these indicate a need to get in touch with our personal gnome. 

This idea of the gnome as a personal gnome or gnome totem is seen in gnome collectors who will adorn their gardens with a variety of gnome statues. If you have been in the presence of a Gnome you likely will receive a gemstone or crystal. It may be a gift from a person or perhaps you will find one in the dirt or sand that has been awaiting for you to stumble upon. If you have a rock or crystal that is no longer serving you, bury it in the ground near an oak tree or next to a cave opening and the Gnomes will take good care of it. 

However, as with all element crafting, balance is the key. Too much connection with the earth elementals and earth spirits will stimulate narrowness of vision. We will find ourselves being overly practical, cynical, and skeptical. Its energies can make us overly cautious and conventional. We may become suspicious and the imagination will be limited. By attuning to our personal gnome and its energies more directly, we can develop determination and appreciation. We develop an openness to its influence that can assist us in becoming more spontaneously helpful and humble. 

Gnomes are most easily controlled and directed through cheerful generosity. If they so choose, they can be very helpful to witches. Befriend them, and they will serve as devoted assistants in performing magick spells. If you wish to work with a gnome, go to a wooded area, call to it, and wait patiently until it reveals itself to you or you sense its presence. Give it a small gift to thank it for its assistance. Gnomes love jewelry — the flashier the better — and quartz crystals. Bury your token in the ground as an offering to the earth spirits.
Many gnomes are tricksters and difficult to manage, yet their loyalty is sworn once their confidence is gained. It is well advised not to betray the earth elementals or use their power for selfish reasons. Years sorrow shall follow.
Gnomes genuinely love animals but they, along with many other magickal creatures, do not have a good relationship with cats. Animals and gnomes have been known to work together helping each other out, whether it be safety concerns or storing food away for the winter.

These beings are extremely strong, smart, fast, and have incredible eyesight. They will only let you see them if they want you to and prefer to work with people who are kind, caring, and have a respect for nature. They are also fun natured and love to dance.

To invoke a Gnome: Invoke the gnomes with barefoot feet. It is important to be barefooted as your feet will enter in contact with the earth and bring energy to the physical body. You can invoke a gnome’s aid in the acquisition of abundance in the garden or in wealth and properties. However, it is important to know that when invoking for wealth, the requests must also ask for wealth for your neighbor and for the world. If not, your request will work against you.

Symbolic Meaning of Earth Elementals, Gnomes
• Grounding
• Stability
• Security
• Possession
• Safety
• Order
• Materialism
• Rooted
• Sure-Footing
• Foundations
• Protection
• Solidarity
• Guardianship

Correspondences
• Element: Earth.
• Colors: Greens, browns and yellows.
• Stones: Quartz - especially rock crystal, geodes, and pyrite.
• Incense, herbs and oils: Cedar, clove, lilac, musk, pine, and rosemary.

Meditating with Gnomes
Many different types of gnomes exist - from the gnomes of the forest who avoid humans, to those of houses and farms who have a much better understanding of us, our language and the way we live. These gnomes can be helpful if treated properly and will often help out with household or farm chores. Working with gnomes can help you with accepting and implementing changes, and raising your energy while also giving you a better understanding of the energy around you.

Meditations with gnomes can also help you with healing yourself and divination.
Before you start, decide which magical attribute you need your gnome to help you with. When you go into your meditation, you will ask your gnome to assist you in this area. You might try this meditation exercise. Begin your meditation by going to your sacred place in your mind and then continue with the following: 
You are seated in your favorite spot of your sacred place. Close your eyes and relax your shoulders. Slowly tilt your head all the way to the right and then all the way to the left. Bring your head back to an upright position and listen.

In the distance you hear the light sound of birds singing to greet you. Listen and hear the sound of a bubbling brook in front of you. The breeze gently touches your skin and you hear a slight rustle through the leaves of trees. Slowly, open your eyes.
You find yourself in a densely wooded area. It is daytime and rays of sunlight stream down through the leaves around you. In front of you, an old stone bridge covered with lush green moss straddles the brook.
As you listen to the water bubble by, it calls to you to come closer. You rise from your spot and walk to the bank of the stream. As you look into the water, you notice several shiny stones at the bottom of the stream. The water is not deep and you reach in and pick them up. You look into your hand and see that you are holding three small pieces of fool's gold.
The brook bubbles to you and you hear, "Take the stones, they will help you on your journey."
You slip the stones into your pocket and turn to the bridge. It is a very old bridge made of chiseled stone. You walk to the bridge and look across where you see a pathway leading deeper into the woods. You cross the bridge and reach the other side of the brook. All around you see trees, some short, some tall, some are old, while others are just seedlings. Wildflowers sprinkle the grown around you. There is a light smell of pine in the air.
You begin walking down the path, all the time listening and looking. You hear the songs of the bird and chatter of squirrels and chipmunks. A woodpecker hammers near by.
The farther down the path you go, the thicker the trees become. Take your time walking through these woods. Feel yourself delving deeper and deeper into the forest. Finally you come upon a small clearing. There is long, thick grass here surrounded by tall, tall trees with shorter evergreens growing beneath them. You are able to look up and see a patch of clear blue sky.
In the center of this clearing a log lays on its side beckoning you to rest and take a seat. You sit upon the log and all falls quiet around you. The breeze dies down and you feel as if you have been suspended in time. You sit in complete silence and stillness.
It is then you notice something at the base of one of the pine trees. You focus your eyes and realize it appears to be a small wooden door with intricate designs carved into it.
You reach into your pocket, pull out the three stones and set them down on the ground next to the door.
You stretch out with your mind and silently speak the words, "I come to you for assistance, please show yourself and help me."
Slowly the door opens. You know you have found what you came looking for.
A little man wearing a red pointy hat, green pants, and blue shirt, steps out of the doorway. His gray beard is long and the tip just reaches the buckle of his belt. He closes the door behind him and walks to the pyrite. He turns and looks at you with rosy cheeks and a sparkle in his eye.
"Tis a gift you bring for me?" he asks.
You nod your head in response.
"Aye, must be a trouble you have," he replies
You nod your head again.
The little man opens the door to his tree home, and disappears. You also notice the pyrite is gone, and within seconds the door is shut once again. You believe he must have gone inside and are about to stand up, when you notice he is actually sitting on the log next to you.
He tells you his name. "Now," he says. Tell me of your troubles," and he crosses his legs and leans forward to show you he is ready to listen.
You realize you do not have to open your mouth to talk to him. Your thoughts just appear on the breeze and you hear them although you do not speak. You feel the burden of your problems lifting as you explain what it is you are looking for. Take your time to allow all of your thoughts and feelings come to the surface.
He sits and listens intently as the thoughts flow from your mind. When you have finished he speaks.
"You must have faith in yourself, and you must delve deep within to find your answers. I will stand by you and give you what I can." He hops off of the log and runs beneath a pine tree. He comes back to you holding a closed pine cone in his hands.
"Take this pine cone," he tells you. "Inside this pine cone dwells the seeds that give life to the trees you see around you."
Before he hands you the pine cone, he bends over and very quietly whispers to it. You can not hear what he says, but he stands up and gives it to you.
"You must go back across the bridge that brought you to my home," he tells you. "There you will find a trowel. In the spot which speaks to you, bury the pine cone. It carries with it your wishes and will grow to fruition when planted in the right location."
"I too will go with you, you will not see me unless I wish, but I will help in the ways that I can."
With those last words spoken, your gnome fades from your sight. You sit for a few minutes and then rise to follow the path back to the bridge. You cross the bridge and find the trowel sitting on a stump you don't recall being there before.
Look around you. Listen to the birds, the trees, the flowers. They tell you where to bury your pine cone. You pick up the towel and dig a hole deep enough to place the pine cone in and then cover it back up.
Look around one last time. Take a deep breath and feel the fresh clean air fill your lungs. Exhale slowly. Bid your farewells to the trees, the flowers, the animals, and the brook.
Go back to you spot in your sacred space and sit down. Close your eyes and take another deep breath. Exhale slowly. Open your eyes and find yourself back at home.

Activity: How might a gnome help you with a problem? In your notes or Book of Shadows, note reasons why you might try to contact a gnome and what you should expect from the encounter.