Bewitching the Elements: A Guide to Empowering Yourself Through Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit

by Gabriela Herstik, Alexandra Roxo (Foreword by)

Overview

Empower yourself by connecting to the five elements through meditation, breathwork, tarot, crystals, rituals, and journaling

It's the new age of enlightenment, and more and more people are embracing witchcraft and other spiritual practices to tap into their inner strength and resilience, while aligning with something larger than themselves. The tools that Gabriela Herstik offers in Bewitching the Elements will help you connect to the universe and your inner light.

Through earth, learn how to ground and create compassionate boundaries.
Through air, harness the breath, balance the body, and find presence in the moment.
Through fire, embody passion, burning away what no longer serves you, and learn to constructively work with anger.
Through water, explore your emotional depths and come back to the heart.
Through spirit, connect to your own sense of power, embracing all of the lessons of the elements.

Committing to a path that serves our authentic selves is a radical act. When we do this work alongside nature, by turning to the elements, we find a map back to our intuitive and energetic wisdom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593086216
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	602,898
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.98(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Gabriela Herstik is the author of Inner Witch, Bewitching the Elements, and Embody Your Magick, and has written for outlets such as VOGUE International, Glamour, i-D, Cosmopolitan, and NYLON. She is based in Los Angeles, and is devoted to the Goddess of Love.

Read an Excerpt

You’re powerful as hell, so feel empowered
 
As the political climate continues to intensify, many of us are turning back to ritual, to self, to witchcraft, so we can move through this world with intention, purpose, and a semblance of peace. We’re looking to find empowerment through connection to something more powerful than ourselves so we can then pay this forward. We’re asking the earth to guide us in living holistically. Through the elements, you learn about yourself, your needs, and your own spirit and energy. Through the elements, you gain tools and practices that you can use to reclaim the way in which you experience life because the elements are life.
 
Nature has the potential to cultivate and propagate as much as cleanse and kill. But to call nature “evil” or “negative” or “harmful” is dismissive of all her facets. When you see your multi­dimensional self with compassion and love and not with anger or judgment, you can work with the scarier, harder‑to‑accept aspects of yourself as guides for growth and cultivating an open heart, a compassionate spirit, and resilience.
 
Nature belongs to no one, but her beauty belongs to everyone. And by working with the elements you’ll be guided into a spiritual practice that doesn’t cost you anything.
 
 
The elements as embodiment
 
Both Eastern and Western traditions of magick and spirituality work with nature. In fact, nearly every form of high and low magick works with the elements in some respect. Earth, air, fire, water, and spirit make up the world around you, and they make up you. These same elements are seen in Hermetic or Western occultism, Chinese medicine, paganism, Tantra, and other spiritual practices around the world. In Hindu traditions, they’re known as tattvas or tattwas, meaning “reality” or “truth.” They’re in the tarot, and as­trology, too. Earth represents the material world, your relation­ships, your connection to Mother Nature. Earth grants you boundaries and a sense of purpose and grounding. Earth is the physical, your home, your relationships, where and who you come back to for food, love, and nurturing. Air is your thoughts, your presence, your ability to make decisions, create things from scratch, and manifest. Air is your breath, your guide in connecting to your body. Air is expansion and freedom. It’s being present in your stillness, cleansing what no longer serves you, and working with your mind as an ally and not an enemy. Fire is your sexuality, your passion, your ability to alchemize your erotic energy into cre­ativity, self- expression, and manifestation. Fire is action, the spark that creates new ideas, that which burns away what doesn’t serve you and purifies what does. It’s your ability to explore your erotic self without shame. Water is your emotional self, your connection to the heart and your ability to feel deeply. Water is your intuition, your relationship to the divine feminine, your chance to embody love as something you can give to both yourself and others. Spirit is the thread that weaves them all together. Spirit is the act of em­bodying the elements through ceremony and ritual. Spirit is the divine that is reflected within you and an opportunity for you to see the divine all around. Spirit is the essence of connection that calls us to give back to the collective.
 
So what does it mean for you to find empowerment and em­bodiment through Mother Earth? It means you carry her message and essence with you, that you honor her. Through magickal prac­tices, movement, intentional ritual, and energy work, you’ll be able to learn the language of the elements, working in tune with nature to really live with her messages as a guiding force. You’re not just honoring the elements but embodying them by bringing them into your life.
 
 
Empowerment as activism
 
Spir­itual activism is when you’re filling your own reserves, honoring your spirit so you maintain a well of inner strength that allows you to foment change all around. It’s when you light up your own soul and then help others do the same (like an energetic or conscious version of Put on your own oxygen mask first). The saying Be the change you want to see in the world? That’s pretty much it. You have to change your inner world to effectively change the world around you.
 
For most of us, spiritual practice outside of the framework of our capitalist society isn’t 100 percent possible. But the practices in these pages doesn’t rely on anything except you: your dedica­tion, your commitment to connect with nature and self. Yes, I offer suggestions for crystals, cards, candles, and herbs, but these are tools and not necessities. Print your own tarot cards, grab rocks from outside (making sure to ask and say thank you!), go to Goodwill—expensive doesn’t mean better. If you’re called to this work, then nothing should stop you from pursuing it.
 
When you dedicate yourself to learning and leveling up your magick, you’re inviting the universe in to help you evolve. And when you practice this outside of the idea that you need to buy a million things to be a modern mystic or witch, you’re going back into the ancient days when humans and nature had a more inti­mate relationship. When the earth was it. She was where you found what you needed. I hope you find practices here that help you re­member how delicious it feels to be human. May these pages serve as a guide in getting you back home in yourself and your body.

Table of Contents

Foreword Alexandra Roxo xiii

Introduction: Bewitched by the Elements 1

Chapter 1 Earth: Ground It 17

Chapter 2 Air: Breathe It 73

Chapter 3 Fire: Burn it 117

Chapter 4 Water: Feel It 171

Chapter 5 Spirit: Embody It 231

Chapter 6 In Connection 297

Appendix 1 Elemental Correspondences 326

Appendix 2 Correspondences of Herbs 328

Appendix 3 Correspondences of Color 329

Further Reading 330

List of Spells 332

Acknowledgments 334

Editorial Reviews

03/09/2020

Herstik (Inner Witch), a witch and columnist for Chakrubs magazine, delivers a comprehensive guide to magic practices as a “reclamation of earth-based spirituality” from modern dissociation. Focusing on the five elements that appear in many spiritual traditions—earth, air, fire, water, and spirit/ether—Herstik breaks down the correlations of each to deities, crystals, astrological signs, and tarot cards. She also provides easy-to-follow rituals, such as grounding meditation work for earth, breath meditations for air, sex magic rituals for fire, and Moon rituals for water. Some practices call for casting circles and building altars, while others concentrate on everyday magic, such as recurring sections on glamour that explore using one’s own appearance and clothing to build relationships with each element. While supplies like salt, herbs, and candles are recommended, Herstik reminds readers that “belief that nature is multi-dimensional, magical and powerful” is all that is needed for the cultivation of mindfulness. Herstik’s knowledge and love for magic is exhibited in her instructive and welcoming tone. This thorough manual will be of interest to spiritual practitioners looking for rituals intended to increase one’s connection to nature. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"Gabriela has once again cast a powerful resource for both new and seasoned practitioners. This book is written in elegant prose through her own specialized wisdom, in a way that blends both elements of self-empowerment and magick into one cohesive guide. I so appreciate the unique detail and love that Gabriela has infused into each and every page. A rare and precious gift to add to any library."—Danielle Noel, creator of the Starchild and Moonchild Tarot decks

“Bewitching the Elements is next level magick brought down to earth in the most modern, practical way. Full of rituals, meditations, tarot, astrological insights, and more, this beautifully written book will help the reader learn how to craft a personal practice that empowers. Both old and new generations of practitioners will find something valuable in the pages of this book. Gabriela Herstik never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge. I’m looking at the elements in a whole new way!”—Theresa Reed, author of Astrology For Real Life: A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious

"Fun, glamorous, informative, and... friendly! Reading Bewitching the Elements is like sitting in the living room of your magical bestie, sipping rose and cardamom tea, invoking the Goddess, anointing candles, and pulling cards to call in your dream life. Somehow, Herstik managed to create a comprehensive book, tool-kit and how to, that is as downright helpful as it is pleasurable to read. For all you burgeoning witches that have been looking for a partner in your practice, get this book, because Gaby Herstik is your new best friend. Grab your broomsticks, your lipstick, and your wand because this book is taking you on the wildest, most joyful moonlight adventure that you could imagine.”—Amanda Yates Garcia, author of Initiated: Memoir of a Witch; host of Between the Worlds

“An engaging and informative journey into your own soul. It will help any new or veteran magic seeker to foster a relationship with the elementals.”—Leanne Marrama, co-author of Reading the Leaves: An Intuitive Guide to the Ancient Art and Modern Magic of Tea Leaf Divination

"When I was a baby witch, the four elements confused me. How do I incorporate earth, air, fire, and water into my spellwork and altar? What the hex does calling the four corners mean? I wish I had a book as lovely, informative, and stylish as Bewitching the Elements to guide me, and now I do! Whether you're looking for glamorous new ways to enhance your practice or a thorough and sensuous guide to get you started, this book is for you."—Sophie Saint Thomas, witch and author of Finding Your Higher Self: Your Guide to Cannabis for Self-Care 

"Bewitching the Elements is overflowing with magical offerings that harness earth, air, fire, water, and spirit to conjure strength and self-love, or confront challenges and trauma. Through reverential yet playful prose, Gabriela Herstik reveals rituals, practices, and correspondences that are accessible for beginners, yet rich enough to explore for those with years of experience. Herstik is both a teacher and a seeker. Her witchcraft is so inspiring not because she has all the answers, but because she makes space for readers to cultivate the curiosity and self-awareness necessary to uncover what magical practice makes the most sense for them. A beautiful, (third) eye-opening guide to the elemental path of self-discovery."—Kristen Sollee, author of Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive and Cat Call: Reclaiming the Feral Feline

“Gabriela Herstik has an energy about her that simply lures the soul to her work, and for great reason! It enchants your senses, adorns your hearts, and wakes the goddess from within your core. This book is an embodiment of all and more. Her take on the elements and how to connect to them, work with them, will elevate your practice to an entirely new heights. Bewitching the Elements is full of practical, much needed information that every witch should have.” —Juliet Diaz, author of Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within

"Bewitching the Elements will enchant you into falling in love with yourself, the universe, and your own divine sacred spark that is interwoven into the greater cosmic web of all that is eternal, infinite, and limitless. Herstik's endless well of knowledge and wisdom is thoroughly comprehensive, utterly accessible to witches of all experiences, and deeply inspiring.”—Yumi Sakugawa, author of The Little Book of Life Hacks: How to Make Your Life Happier, Healthier, and More Beautiful 

"Gabriela Herstik’s approach to magickal work is never elusive or intimidating, but warm and welcoming to any would-be witch who feels a call to the craft. In Bewitching the Elements, she teaches you the wondrous ways in which you can honor and connect with our sacred elements, so you, too, can tap into your own natural, witchy potential.”—Marie Lodi, journalist, witch

"Bewitching the Elements is a must-read for anyone wanting to explore or deepen their relationship with elemental magick. Gabriela Herstik masterfully weaves together astrology, tantra, crystal magick, energetics (and more!) to create a comprehensive resource for the aspiring metaphysical practitioner. She creates a strong foundation by beginning the book with the grounded energy of Earth and intentionally builds each subsequent chapter from that rooted place. The care with which she selects each tradition and technique explicated in these pages shows a thorough understanding of her craft. It is a practical and inspiring guide for all who seek to work in partnership with the energy of manifestation."—Ashley Manta, High Priestess of Pleasure and creator of CannaSexual® 

"Gabriela has an ability to make the esoteric accessible, inclusive, and fun, is this book is all those things."—Jerico Mandybur, author of Neo Tarot and Daily Oracle

"Gabriela introduces a whole new generation to the essentials of using the elements to manifest their desires and improve their lives. If you’ve been looking for an entry point into the world of witchcraft, you’ll find it between these covers.”—Damien Echols, author of High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row

“When it comes to modern day witchcraft, there are charlatans and there are witches. Herstik is a witch. Her approachable style to the craft gives every human a chance at mastering the elements. This is a must read for all lovers of the occult."—Gigi Engle, certified Sexologist, author of All the F*cking Mistakes

"Gabriela Herstik unites the historical traditions of spellwork, magick, and witchcraft with glorious practicality and accessibility in Bewitching the Elements. When you read her book, you will discover why Gabriela is at the forefront of today's renaissance in witchery: she is ethical, audacious, magickal, and empowering. So is this book."—Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award-winning author of Occult America and The Miracle Club

From the Publisher