When we consider this, we can visualize ourselves as a central crossroads where the directions and their elemental correspondences meet. A number of magickal traditions work with the four directions and their elements as east (air), south (fire), west (water), and north (earth). In Faery Craft we expand this to include the additional dimensions of above, below, and within.
East
East is associated with the element of air, and hence with sylphs. It is the direction of new beginnings, clarity, truth and inspiration. The east rules over the mental faculties. When you call on the east, visualize the colour yellow or gold and imagine a cool breeze coming from that direction. Feel the power of the breath entering and leaving your lungs.
South
South is associated with the element of fire, of which the elemental being is salamanders. This direction brings the qualities of will, passion, and action. The south rules our creative and passionate drives. When you call on the south, visualize the colour red and feel glowing warmth coming from that direction. Feel the power of the electrical impulses within your body and the energetic potential contained within your centre.
West
West is associated with the element of water and the elemental beings called undines. The qualities brought by water include wisdom, understanding, intuition, and healing. Water rules over the emotions and instincts. When you call on the west, visualize the colour blue and the sound of running water or waves coming from that direction. Feel the flow of the water within your own body and how your emotions are affected by your surroundings.
North
North is associated with the element of earth and the qualities of endurance, stability, patience, and nurture. The elementals connected with this direction are gnomes. Earth rules over the physical body, your flesh and bones. When calling on the north, visualize the colour green, see and feel the presence of a mighty forest, and feel the stability of the earth beneath your feet.
Above
Above is the celestial realm, source of divine wisdom and the angelic and planetary powers. Above is the realm of our spiritual destiny and aspiration. When calling on the above, see a clear night sky and hear the song of the stars.
Below
Below is the realm of the ancestors, those who have walked these paths before us. It is also the land of the shining guardians of the inner, primal earth, the sidhe. When calling on the below, remember that every step we take is on the shoulders of the ancestors, and the land is made from their bones and blood. See a primal, vibrant landscape untouched by time and progress, and hear the deep, slow heartbeat of the land.
Within
Within is at the same time the divine celestial spark within ourselves and the spindle at the centre of all existence. When calling on the within, contemplate the vastness of the void and the huge potential of the divine self. Picture yourself as a star amongst a web of stars, and see the connecting energy between them all, with yourself at the very centre.
above: south/fire
below: east/sky
above: north/earth
below: west/water
Creating Sacred Space
There are many reasons why one may wish to create a temporary sacred space and various different methods by which to do so, a few of which are detailed below to give you an idea of different techniques. You may wish to do this if you are consecrating tools, performing divination (e.g., reading the runes, ogham, or tarot), creating offerings, working any kind of magick, or simply desiring a space in which to focus and connect. If conducting any kind of formal magickal work outside in nature (for example, group ritual or spell work; your solo meditations and connection exercises will be fine), you must ask permission from the spirits of place first and bring offerings. I strongly recommend building connections with a particular location for this purpose (see Finding Your Power Place, page 105).
Remember to use the power of your voice. This does not necessarily mean excessive volume, but it does mean speaking from your centre with conviction. If you are timid and afraid to be heard, you will not be!
Purifying the Space
If performing any kind of magickal or meditation work within your home, be sure that the space is not only physically clean and tidy but also energetically clean. A simple method of doing so is to use incense (frankincense will do) or a smudge mix such as lavender, sweetgrass, and sage. If you are able to grow these herbs yourself at home, then that is even better! Take a portable censer, ceramic dish, or large shell and fill it with a layer of earth to absorb the heat. Then, placing a lit charcoal disc on top of your earth, add your herbs or incense. Using a feather or fan, make sure the smoke reaches every part of the room. It is a good idea to regularly perform this simple rite throughout your home to keep the energies pure. Don’t worry, you won’t misplace anything that is welcome and meant to be there. You can also then seal this purification by going around the room a second time but with blessed salt and water or water from a holy well or spring if you have it, simply flicking drops of water with your fingers and tracing your preferred symbols of protection around the walls, doors, and windows. If you do not have a preferred symbol, I recommend the pentagram.
Exercise: Calling in the Seven Directions
This is the equivalent of asking for their blessing and creating a simple circle; it’s not a full invocation.
Facing the east, raise your hands,
