Remembering Garden Magic (Excerpt)
In case you’ve never been introduced, let me tell you a bit about the Elementals. Everything material exists also at an energetic level that is unseen. Just like thoughts become things, the Elementals give potential energy form and substance. Without them, there is only ether.
There are four kinds of Elementals. Each is responsible for a different element: Earth is in the care of the Gnomes. Air is handled by the Sylphs. Water is under the direction of the Undines. Fire is choreographed by the Salamanders.
Each element has a life force of its own. While not physical in the way humans are physical, Elementals exist to manifest the physical world. They are beings which occupy a place between humans and spirits. They are neither human nor spirit, jet are composed of spiritual essence of their element.
It is possible for us to communicate with Elementals, but this communication does not use words. They are more aware of you than you are of them because it is their purpose to support you and your environment. If you want to interact with them, demonstrate your respect and appreciation for them. Start by providing them and their environments some support. You’ll know what to do.
You are warned never to betray the trust of the Elementals. So long as you serve others, the Elementals will serve you. Deceive them, betray them or seek selfish aims and experience their unrelenting fury.
Build a complete trust with Elementals. They will come and work with you and be with you for the rest of your life. They also benefit from this connection by gaining experiences through you. If this happens to you, spend a bit of time building a relationship with them. Ask them to tell you about their realm and share their wisdom. They enjoy being given tasks and working with you. Honor them all at Midsummer by celebrating the beauty and harmony of Nature.
Gnomes dwell in the earth and are always found close to the earth. (Their name is likely from the Greek genomus, meaning earth dweller.) Some gnomes, called pygmies, work with stones, gems, and metals and are said to guard hidden treasures. The sylvestres, satyrs, dryads, durdalis, elves, brownies, and little old men of the woods are called tree and forest sprites, but they too are gnomes. They are of the North.
Every shrub and flower has its own gnome, which often uses the physical body of the plant as its home. Thus they live and die with the plants of which they are a part. On behalf of the plant in which they live, they accept or reject food elements, deposit coloring matter therein, preserve and protect the seeds, and perform many other beneficial tasks.
Each species of plant is served by a different type of gnome. Great trees have much larger gnomes than smaller plants. Those working with poisonous plants are often offensive in their appearance. If a plant is cut down, the gnome stays with it. As long as there is the slightest evidence of life within, it shows the presence of the gnome guardian.
When gnomes are working with humans or animals, their work is confined to the tissues corresponding to their own kingdom. Calcium is a mineral. If you break a bone, it is the gnomes who oversee the mend. Want more energy? Speak to the gnomes in charge of the iron in your blood. Want your grass to get greener? Address the gnomes in charge of the phosphorous and potassium.
Gnomes are ruled by their king, Gob, whom they dearly love and revere. His subjects are often called goblins. Gnomes marry and have families. Female gnomes are called gnomides. Some wear clothing woven of the element in which they live. Others wear garments that are part of them and grow with them, like the fur of animals. They are said to have insatiable appetites and to spend most of their time eating. They earn their food by diligent and conscientious labor.
Most gnomes have a tendency to hoard. They build stores of treasures in secret places. There is abundant evidence young children can see the gnomes. Most frequently seen are the brownie or elf. These are mischievous little creatures, less than 18 inches tall. Most appear dressed in green or russet brown. They often have long white beards and a round belly. They are seen scampering out of tree stumps and sometimes vanish by actually dissolving into the tree itself.
Gnomes are ingenious, friendly to humans, and easy to work with when there is mutual respect and appreciation. They are helpful with all forms of protection, whether you ask them to help you find a lost object or acquire money. They are helpful in gardening and securing your property.
