Elementals: Earth

From hiking Slide Mountain - highest mountain in the Catskills

 Earth

Direction: North

Time of Day: Midnight

Colors: Green/Brown

Represents: the Goddess, old age, strength, stability, wisdom, business, money, career, wealth, physical form
Sabbat: Yule

Herbal Correspondences: cedar, clove, fern, honeysuckle, jasmine, mandrake, patchouli, pine, sage, slippery elm

Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Tarot Suit: Pentacles

Used for: material matters, fertility rituals, strengthening oneself, prosperity spells

One of my favorite meditations to use to connect with the Earth is the Tree Blending Meditation in Ann Moura's Grimoire for the Green Witch.  It's one of the few pre-written meditations that I use and have  done so several times.  I wanted to use it on our camping trip but I didn't get a chance to.  There's always next time.  It's a lengthy meditation and it's great to use on the night of a full moon or a new moon.  I tend to do meditations of the new moon as it's a more reflective time for me.  There's one tree that I tend to talk to the most in my yard, a Japanese Maple.  I love the way she looks in winter best.

There's just something about those little trees that I love dearly.  I'll often sit in our pool (which is to the right of the tree - not pictured), gaze at it and talk to it quietly.  I helped plant her in 1995 with my Dad and ever since then I've had a very keen connection with the tree.  I'll even admit to hugging her, which I feel is one of the best ways to connect with the earth.  Hug her.  Hug a tree.  Hug a beloved pet.  Lay on the ground with your face towards the earth and just feel her beneath you.  You'll be amazed by the warmth and love you feel back.