Spirits of the Earth

Jaq D. Hawkins, noted author on chaos magick came out a few years ago with a series on the spirits, broken down by the elements they were represented by (or, depending on how you think about it, themselves represent); the first being this book, The Spirits of the Earth. Many different 'types' of Earth spirits are briefly covered, as well as several tables of correspondences covering different colours, stones, crystals, planets, etc. and how they relate and can be used to gain the favour of the Earth spirits and elementals. Several methods of meeting garden and Earth spirits are discussed, in their natural habitat and connecting with Nature as a whole. How to obtain and observe spontaneous sightings, and even attune to them from your own home using potted plants and Earth. Hawkins presents some unique and thought provoking ideas about 'computer gremlins', robotic elementals, combining Earth energies to form newer, more modern spirit models. She notes a difference between these and 'thought-forms' which I find questionable, but she explains her position well. Hawkins has advice for newbies as well as suggestions for more experienced practitioners. She warns against novices trying more advanced operations, but doesn't give any details or specifics that would likely cause any serious threat, and so are somewhat unnecessary. This book covers ground that's been covered before, but I've not come across one that's contained all this information specific to Earth spirits in a single volume. Overall, not a bad book for a beginner interested in getting closer to Nature and experimenting with various methods of contact with natural Earth elementals

It's not often that you come across more than a passing mention to the elements, except in a few notable exceptions (such as Elen Hawke's Sacred Round), so to have a series of books on them, with each book focusing on one at a time, is a pleasent addition to the corpus of practical elemental work. Of course, you could include the ramblings of people like Rudolf Steiner, but then his writings are not particularly practical and are a little too Christian for my liking!It is best to start with this book if reading the series as it sets the tone, layout and ideas of the author, and she refers to things in this book throughout the series.Reading this book has altered the nature of my work somewhat, in that I look at nature slightly more animistically than I did previous, and have been a bit more experimental with my elemental work. Although the information on divination, folk magic, ritual etc is ideal for beginners, I personally have derived benefit from looking at them in terms of how they can be connected with the elements. For example, whereas previously I practiced divination without working with spirits of this sort, I have now started trying this technique out, and it does seem to speed the process up a bit, although I wouldn't say my results are any more accurate. Anyway,I could go on at some length, but it's enough to say that I am greatful for these books because they have really added a new dimension and brought much needed freshness to my work. Oh, and I like Marc Potts covers!

Spirits of the Earth was a sensational book. It aided me in my studies a great deal. The cover especially drew me in. Marc Potts created a beautiful cover and Jaq D. Hawkins fulfills everything promised my the gorgeous painting on the outside. keep up the great work! i loved every minute it took to read!