The Elements
What do earth, air, fire, and water have in common? It’s elementary, my dear Watson. All four are called elements and their use is everywhere in witchy practices.
Each element corresponds to a quarter when used in Pagan rituals (the quarters are the four directions-north, south, east, and west-each of which corresponds to an element), and each also has various colors and properties that are associated with it. For instance:
Earth-The north quarter. Usually associated with the color green (although some use brown), it is said to be grounding and is associated with the physical body, the home, the practical matters. You can use anything earthy to represent this element on your altar, even a small plant, but I like to use a rock or gemstone crystal.
Air – The east quarter. Associated with the color yellow (so if you are using candles at eachof the four quarters in your circle, this is the color for that quarter – see how this works?) and the intellect and communication. It is usually represented on the altar by a feather or incense, since the smoke from the incense floats up through the air to the gods.
Fire – The south quarter. Associated with the color red, creativity, and passion (whoo, baby!), fire can be represented on the altar by a small burning candle or a small cauldron.
Water – The west quarter (if you have trouble remembering which one is which, as most of us do in the beginning, try remembering water=west, air=east, since the sounds are close). Associated with the color blue, the emotions, intuition (things that are always fluid and ever-changing). Water is usually represented on the altar by, well, water. You can put some out in a bowl or a special container, or use a shell instead if you want.
These four elements show up in almost every aspect of day-to-day Witchcraft, but it is important to remember that there is a fifth element that we recognize as well, and that is the element of Spirit. This element is what binds the other four together as indeed it binds us all to each other. And of all the elements that you use as a Witch, spirit is probably the one that you will call upon the most, whether you realize it or not.
Source
Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft
Deborah Blake
Witches Of The Craft® 