Air

1. a. A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases.

b. This mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere.

2. a. The sky; the firmament

b. A giant void; nothingness

3. An atmospheric movement; a breeze or wind.

These are the first 3 definitions of the 11 definitions that describe air as a noun. That's a lot of explanations for something that keeps us alive and is one of the 5 basic elements of life. Like all of the elements there is a dark and light side to air. It can keep us aloft and fill our lungs with one delicious breath after another, or it can crush and destroy us with its pressure and vastness. Just think of all the trouble one tiny little bubble of it can cause in an IV or a syringe.

Everything in life can be associated with one or multiple elements. It aids us with scent, sound, our breath, and even our blood contains oxygen. Air is the element associated with intellect, communication and travel. Some other air correspondences are:

• Color Association - Yellow
• Zodiac Associations - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
• Tarot Associations - Swords
• Deities of Air - Monai, Quetzalcoatl, Stribog, Addad, Nuit, Aditi, Zeus, Vayu, Thoth, Shu, Mercury, Enlil, Ariel, Paralda, The Sylphs, Raphael, Chassan
• Magickal Creatures of Air - Angels, Fairies, Pegasus, Griffins, The Sylphs
• Animals associated with Air - Birds, Butterflies
• Planetary Associations - Mercury, Uranus
• Sensory Associations - Scent, Sound
• Symbols of Air - Blades, Incense, Music Boxes and symbols of music, Fairies, Clouds, Winged Creatures, Feathers

Many Pagans have alters displaying each of the 4 elements as well as their deities. Another way to honor the elements is by having elemental alters throughout your home. These can be placed wherever you feel the energy of a certain Element is needed. For example. If you have a study corner or work desk somewhere in your home you may want to keep an Air alter nearby to encourage clear thinking. You can use any of the examples above to help build your alter or you can come up with your own.

If you're looking to introduce your children to the elements something you can use for Air is bubbles. Air is thought to be a combination of wet and dry. The soap combined with a deep breath creates the bubbles.