Of course, the idea that the world is composed from four basic elements is not scientifically accurate. You can find the theory of the elements not just in ancient Greece, but in medieval Europe, in India, in China, and in many other times and places. This view of the nature was spread throughout the world, all the way up to the scientific period. Therefore, concluded the ancients, all things in nature were simply combinations of the four basic elements. Finally, when frozen, it becomes ice, hard like the element earth. Indeed, when heated (by fire), it gives off steam: the element air. When heated, it becomes like the element fire: it boils, and can burn you, or cook food. (You can read Plato on this, for instance.) For example, the ancients observed the changing states of water: when inert, water is simply the element water. So, first things first: The ancient Greek philosophers believed that all matter in the universe was put together out of combinations of the four basic elements.
The four elements are indeed critical to magick, but we need to be very clear about what they are, so that you understand how to master them! OK-just what are these things? I mean, OK, fire, water, air and earth are obviously things that exist in nature, but what exactly do they have to do with magick-the art and science of changing your consciousness?
One of the first things you'll come across in books on magick is a description of the four elements-fire, water, air and earth. – Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy from these, through them, proceed the bindings, loosings, and transmutations of all things, the knowing and foretelling of things to come, also the driving forth of evil, and the gaining of good spirits."
four elements, without the perfect knowledge whereof we can effect nothing in magic. The previous entries in this series include How Far Can You Go in a Year?, The Core 3 Daily Practices, and 4 Keys to Altered States of Consciousness.) (This is the latest in the Mastering Magick series of blog posts that I've been putting together for the Magick.Me blog.