“In the midst of the fresh air of the forest and fields, there shalt thou find the messenger of Air. Patiently she waits for thee to leave the dank and crowded holes of the city. Seek her then and draw deeply of the healing draft which she doth offer thee.”
Teachings of the Elect Book #4
This article contains excerpts from Talking to the Goddess by Kardia Zoe
Air is an element through which you receive information about the world around you. If you need help with issues related to communication, wisdom or the powers of the mind, Air is the element to focus on. But how do we incorporate the element of Air into our work with the Divine?
In many rituals, the element of Air is represented by aromatherapy or music. Adding incense, oils, music or nature sounds to your spells and rituals can help you create an ‘air’ of magic and put you in the right frame of mind to talk to a higher power. As the scents and sounds are carried through the air, they transform the space around you and help amplify the strength of your thoughts and feelings.
While these traditions can help set the proper atmosphere, there is another activity that may be even more beneficial in opening the lines of communication with the Divine.
Some traditions use breath as a tool for disciplining the body and accessing the inner spirit. When you begin to do breath-work, you may find you have greater recall of dreams and easier access to altered states of consciousness. Focused breathing has been used for centuries to help connect the conscious and unconscious mind.
Breath plays an important role in communication with the Divine because it is the breath or spirit within us that connects us to every living thing. The English word ‘spirit’ comes from the Latin word ‘spiritus’ or breath. The Hebrew word ‘ruach’ and the Greek word ‘pneuma’ also translate as both spirit and breath. In many traditions, breath and spirit are the same. No matter how these words are translated, they simply refer to an unseen force or power with in us.
“Breathe long and deeply, that the messenger of Air may be brought within you. For the rhythm of thy breath is the key of knowledge which doth reveal the Holy Law.”
Teachings of the Elect – Book #4
Just as you use physical exercise to strengthen your body, you can use breathing techniques to exercise your spirit. Strengthening your spirit is a wonderful way to improve your lines of communication Divine wisdom.
Your breathing represents the movement of spirit. And it can be a primary means of raising spiritual awareness. When you practice deep breathing before rituals or magic, it helps relax your body and mind, ensuring you are sending the best possible energy out to the Universe.
Controlled breathing should fill you with peace and improve your overall well-being. Breathe deeply to get rid of the day’s stress. As you exhale, let the stress go and inhale peace. Filling your lungs with the element of Air helps to increase blood flow to the brain and this will boost your concentration and visualization efforts, making it easier to communicate with a higher power.
in closing, I would just like to say that representing the element of Air with aromatherapy and/or music is a wonderful thing. However, if you’re looking to take your work to the next level, consider adding breathing exercises to your practice!
