(Keep in mind this is one person’s viewpoint.)
The are four groups of nature spirits that are collectively referred to as the Elementals. They are, in no specific order, the Sylphs, the Undines, the Gnomes, and the Salamanders. Each of these groups corresponds with one of the four elements; air, fire, earth, and water. They live among us, yet remain mostly unseen except by children (their young minds have not been corrupted yet) and skilled practitioners who have been trained to see them.
We can trace the roots of the naming to the Swiss physician, alchemist, theologian, and philosopher Paracelsus (ca. 1493–1541). Paracelsus was an enigma during his life as he found common ground in the physical sciences, magic, theology, and humanity. Rather than ignore one discipline for the sake of another, he viewed them all to be necessary and dependent on one another. He was thought to be a prophet of sorts and a diviner, but that’s another story altogether.
Salamanders – Fire…
Gnomes – Earth…
Undines – Water…
Sylphs – Air…
Conclusion
There are many articles about elementals and each one seems to add a degree of spin. Some are obviously intended to drive social and environmental justice messages. Others are more focused on the ‘personality’ of each type. At first I wanted to make this an all encompassing article about every detail I could find, but I didn’t. I don’t want anyone’s opinion being my opinion.
Use this brief introduction to the Elementals as a starting point in your research.
Witches Of The Craft® 