:spirit_element: Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - The Fifth Element: Spirit

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to all those who joined in last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Full Moon Magick :white_circle:

After working with the moon at her pinnacle of power, we’re now ready to take that energy and peer beyond. This week’s challenge surpasses boundaries to explore an element of the Other.

The theme for this week’s challenge is…

Spirit Element

:spirit_element: :sparkles: The Fifth Element: Spirit :white_heart: :angel:

The Fifth Element is Spirit - also known as “Aether” or “akasha”. For some practitioners, elements have a hierarchy and the Spirit Element sits on top, over the physical elements (:fire_element: Fire Element, :air_element: Air Element, :water_element: Water Element, and :earth_element: Earth Element). Some view Spirit as being a unique force, while others envision it as a combination of the other elements in tandem.

In 1995, Scott Cunningham used the aether to describe the element of spirit and proposed that all of the other elements descended from it. He was not alone, as many pagans interpret the fifth element of akasha to be a combination of earth, air, fire, and water . Without akasha, they believe there would be nothing else, no earth, no spirit, no Magick.

From Spells8: The Element Spirit

Meanwhile, other practices may not recognize Spirit as an element, or call it by a different name. Feel free to explore your own beliefs around this elusive yet inclusive essence of magick, power, and life.

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This week’s challenge is all about the element spirit - how you choose to take on this theme is up to you!

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

:bell:


From Spells8: The Element Spirit



STEP 1 : Exploring the Fifth Element: Spirit :spirit_element:

This challenge is all about the spirit element - but as always, feel free to explore the theme in a way that aligns with you and your unique practice.

Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

Please make sure you are logged into your Spells8 Account so you can view all of the resources shared!

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Learn More :mag:

New to this element, or perhaps the elements as a magickal concept? Consider learning more about them this week. As your entry, feel free to share what you discovered :books:

Elements-of-Wiccan-Wisdom-Lesson-360x240
The Five Elements of Wiccan Wisdom

Spirit-Akasha-Aether-Invocation-360x240
Spirit: The Fifth Element

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Explore Spirit Correspondences :open_book:

Crystals :gem: , horoscopes :capricorn: , animals :bird:, and herbs :herb: are just a few of the things that can be tied to elements. Consider looking into your favorite tools to find which things draw on the energy of earth, or share your personal associations.

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Spirit Elemental Spellwork :magic_wand:

From Spirit invocations to working with white, purple, or other Spirit correspondences, feel free to explore Spirit spellwork as your entry this week. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider writing your own spell.

Meditate-With-Amethyst-360x240
Harmonizing Mind and Spirit Meditation

White-Candle-Spells-360x240
White Candle Spell Collection

White-Candle-Cleansing-Meditation-360x240
White Candle Cleansing Meditation

Purple-Candle-Guidance-Spiritual-Meditation-360x240
Purple Candle Spell: Divine Light and Higher Consciousness

First-Wiccan-Devotional-360x240
First Devotional: Connecting to Spirit Through Deities

Related resources and discussions:

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… And More! :raised_hands:

The suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity- if you feel called to explore the element spirit in another way, you are welcome to do so!

As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the challenge theme :star2:

Aether-Invocation-spirit-Wiccan-prayer
From Spells8: Æther Invocation Printable Page



STEP 2 : Share Your Experience :writing_hand:

Click here for a note about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For lurkers and those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you! :blush:

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

Getting Your Credit :white_check_mark:

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it! :pray:

Where Should I Share My Entry? :thinking:

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” :repeat: to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note : If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the “challenge-entry” tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you! :bowing_woman:


Deadline :spiral_calendar:

:exclamation: This challenge will close in 6 DAYS :exclamation:

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, July 30 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)
2024-07-30T11:00:00Z

(Note that the time zone is ET- if you don’t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)


Prizes :gift:

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize! :gift:

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

:gift_heart: :gift: :gift_heart:


Image made in Canva

A warm reminder that the challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice :open_book:

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team.

And for those new to challenges- welcome! :heart: Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways :hugs:


Image made in Canva

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Beyond the mundane it can be found,
An element free, perfect, unbound
It’s all and none, both high and nether,
Embrace the Spirit of the Aether

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Blessed Be! :spirit_element::sparkles:

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Oooo I have ideas!!! Off to run and make challenge plans :thinking: :running_woman:

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Wouldn’t ouija relate to this topic too?

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I’m not sure. Is the fifth element spirit the same as spirits or is it connected with the spirit of the universe as in the vibe :person_shrugging:

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Challenge Entry - The Fifth Element: Spirit

I might do something extra for this one if I can figure out a craft but I decided to create a couple of journal prompts to explore this concept more.

Spirit

The element of spirit does not have the same arrangements of correspondences as the physical elements since spirit is not physical. Various systems may associate planets, tools, and so forth with spirit, but such correspondences are far less standardized than those of the other four elements.

The element of spirit goes by several names. The most common are spirit, ether or aether, and quintessence, which is Latin for “fifth element.”

There is also no standard symbol for spirit, although circles are common. Eight-spoked wheels and spirals are also sometimes used to represent spirit.

Spirit is a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. In cosmological models, the spirit is the transitory material between the physical and celestial realms. Within the microcosm, the spirit is the bridge between body and soul.


Prompt: How do I perceive Spirit’s presence in my life and the world around me?

For me, spirit has been the element that connects me most strongly to nature - to the trees, flowers, animals, sunlight, and breeze all at once. It’s what calms me when I’m walking through the forest or running through the greenways. It’s what drew me and connected me to Magick in the first place 30+ years ago that spring morning in the New Mexican desert looking at the Indian paintbrush blooms, rabbitbrush, and creosote shrubs under the partial moon high in the sky.


Prompt: Consider how the spirit element (Aether or Akasha) integrates and balances the other four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) in my life.

Spirit is the thread that connects all the elements to each other. While each element is indeed separate and has its own characteristics and dominion, there is a thread that brings them all together. Parts of a whole that are completed with Spirit.


Prompt: Reflect on how I can bring more harmony and alignment between these elements through the spirit element.

I am seeking more balance, stability, and connection lately in my life. I’m looking more within myself, relying more on the completeness of nature to heal and balance. I actively seek and strive and quiet myself to listen.
:spirit_element:

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I personally think it’s the latter. :thinking: Like, more of a spiritual whole rather than individual spirits coming and going.

But I also think ouija is relevant and can used for the challenge, personally. I think my former statement doesn’t delegitimise it. :woman_shrugging:

For some Satanists, their version of the fifth element, spirit, is Satan themselves. So that’s another option, in my opinion, too.

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I can feel the peace that comes from nature through reading this. It’s really beautiful. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

May you find everything you need and more. :pray: :black_heart: :silver_heart:

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Ah the beautiful lovely Mr Satan :star_struck::star_struck:

Ave Satanas :trident::trident:

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Yeah, there’s no way I could leave Satan out of this conversation. :rofl:

:trident:

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I’m smiling :smile::smile::smile::smile:

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@Jeannie1
Ether for me is connection to earth speaking to the plants like @Artemisia said and also it is speaking to the rocks and holding them in my hands and letting them sit in my hand and receive a message from my intuition. For example right know I am looking at a Unicorn its bright colors give me a spark of joy, and its shimmer gives me goose bumps, which I was drawn to when I was at a metaphysical store. My spirit was drawn to the unicorn because it’s beautiful yet strong. It is so radiant it gives me hope for the inner creation to come about. It has a rainbow iridescent color to it. It also has opal, pink, green, and I feel like it may bring about some strength to my soul. Every moment my spirit nudges at me to honor my spirit and attune to the unicorn which could in fact be my medicine . I think it must of been the colors!


Throughout my life I have had spiritual lessons and I feel that the bird has been really calling me inn. I have a feeling I will get a tattoo as a reminder to feel a scene of freedom. I feel in my heart that I will fly one day and the bird is very mystical in fact they fly high in the sky and are free. So why is it that the bird has been showing up in my life. The strange phenomenon of the unseen mystical world. Spirit guides me, and I listen to my heart. It’s a knowing, and I thought :thought_balloon: Am getting ready to fly? I just key inn to symbolism.
Something about stargazing in the sky and looking at all of the clouds or stars and seeing different shaped clouds has always been a very soothing and peaceful. Seeing the luminous Moon and its brightness and how it shines so bright and it’s always on time.
Spirit to me is the relationship I have to earth, the trees the plants and also air the clouds and how well I connect to the thinking Brian. (Libra)
Spirit to me is the fire in the backyard the chimenea. The fire that Hecate holds with her two hands. (Brimo)
Spirit is the relationship I have to the divine my higher intelligence. My spirit lead me here.
My spirit is trying to find relationships and connection to others who are like minded.
My spirit is thriving for the sun, and water! My spirit is thriving for connection to the elements.
Music :musical_note: feeds the soul
Listening to sounds are a good way for me to lift my spirit up. Right know I am listening to the drums and to the flute and pans. I am trying to go a little deeper and write more to sooth my heart mind, and soul.
I like to listen to the fire crackling, or sounds of birds or anything of nature! It’s :peace_symbol:

I am also seeking more balance, stability and connection to people. I am not worried about the outer appearance so much like I use to but it still matters. I am more concerned with my heart. :green_heart:
It is important to me that I don’t deny myself anymore. I am planning on moving to Oregon soon there I will be able to be myself and hope I will be able to shine.
I want to awaken the spirit and be free from judgement. I guess its because I want to feel whole again and understand my higher mind. I know there I will have an inner peace with the elements. I am looking up to the future ahead of me. I just need to trust my gut my intuition and let spirit guide me!
One more thing sorry for taking up so much space!
O-mani-pe-hung mantra :om:
O-mani- pe-me-hung
[Lisa Thiel ](https://Lady of the flowing water :sweat_drops: Lisa Thiel)
Calling out the Angels :innocent:
[Lisa Thiel](https://Star :star: Maiden)
Spirit of the wind :dash:
Lisa Thiel
I love :kissing_heart: her with my entire being such an inspiration to me in my journey!
Jeannie

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@Jeannie1 @Artemisia beautiful thankyou.
@starborn Thankyou for the definition. I think I will sit this one out and read all about spirit from all of you. :grin::green_heart::hugs:

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If after exploring the Spirit Element and how it intertwines with your beliefs, you feel that Ouija connects to the topic, then yes! Please label your entry as “challenge entry” and it will be counted :blush: :spirit_element:

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I have a few things I am curious about.

  1. The center symbol - Is that ohm?

    Which is similar to the symbol in the top left.

Is the Hermit associated with Spirit? That makes me wonder if you could Call the Quarters with Tarot cards representing each element? Tarot Scholars, which cards represent each element?

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Yes it is Ohm.

Sorry noticed this post while I was eating lunch before leaving the house.

I looked into the big book of correspondences and didn’t get a specific tarot card for Spirit. I am faaaaar from being a tarot expert and feel free to ignore my opinion as that’s all this is but while the other four elements are concretely represented by the four suites of the Minor Arcana, spirit is represented more in the abstract as it connects us to the divine. I see connections in the Major Arcana with the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, the Hermit, the Magician, the High Priestess, and the World (cycles/infinity) - but as to one card embodying the whole concept of Spirit (edit: or fire, earth, air, water), I don’t think there is “one”.

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Oh, I’ll have to think about this one :thinking: Hmmm…

@Artemisia and @Jeannie1 I loved both of your entries too. They are really helping me come up with an entry idea.

@starborn and @Satans_Helper I like the definitions and I think the same, that Ouija can relate to the spirit depending on your beliefs. I take the spirit element not as in :thinking: like ancestor spirits or specific people. From what I have found that there are belief systems that have a specific spirit or what they consider to be that fifth element.

I don’t think there are any wrong answers for that either. If you reflect on your practice and where your beliefs are for the spirit, that’s what the fifth element is to you. I tend to think, on the whole; it’s associated with the whole everything type cosmology that the other four elements are connected through :green_salad:

Okay, I’m off to think about this more for my practice… It’s something that I have to think about a little bit before having an entry of my own. @tracyS, maybe you could do something simple after reading a few entries? There’s no wrong answer for what the spirit (fifth element) is if that’s what aligns with your beliefs and practice :smiling_face:

Thank you for this one @BryWisteria

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Hmm… I’m not quite sure how to approach this challenge yet… :thinking: I’ll have to give it some thought and see what I can come up with!

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Same here, my sister. I don’t know how may hikes, walks or runs I’ve had a rock or stone call to me and I had to pick it up! Love your unicorn!! So beautiful!

Such a lovely sentiment :dove: ! Birds have always called (no pun intended) to me and while I’m no longer in a place to own them, I honor them in the wild and am thrilled to find gifts of their feathers :feather:

Beautifully said :clap:t3: What a lovely entry and so inspiring! You are a shining :star2: :heart:

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this part! first let me say, your entire narrative was reading to me as my own thoughts (if that makes sense! lol) everything you wrote about is just spot on for me, how amazing to meet other people who think just like you.! I wanted to ask, if you don’t mind sharing of course, but what kind of symbolism meanings have you been able to pull from your feathery encounters? I have never experienced such obvious and bold symbolism as I have with the bird here lately in my life… and although there are many dieties related to birds, I have been lost in my search for an answer that feels right. was hoping since we shared other similar thoughts and experiences, maybe you would have some insight!! thank you so much and blessed be * _ *

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I found Spells8 on Pinterest AND found crystal friends for Spirit.

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