Elementals

The elementary spirits, the so-called elementals, are the unseen intelligences who inhabit the four basic elements of the material plane. The creatures of the air are known as sylphs; of the earth, gnomes; of fire, salamanders; and of water, the nymphs or undines. According to ancient occult tradition, before the Fall from Grace, Adam had complete control over these entities. After the Fall, in the Garden of Eden, Adam lost his easy access to the elementals, but he was still able to command their obedience by means of certain incantations and spells. That same ancient tradition suggests that such communication with the unseen entities can be established by the sincere magician who seeks out the old spells. Others say that the ancient incantations are not necessary at all. All that is required to gain the support of the elementals is to recognize their presence and powers and to live openly in a manner that indicates that the magician is respectful, but unafraid, of the forces of nature.

When discerned by the human eye, the elementals appear as attractive males and beautiful females. Because they are created from the pure essences of their element, they may live for centuries; but because they were fashioned from terrestrial elements, their souls are not immortal, as are those of humans. If, however, an elemental should be joined in marriage to a human, their union can transform the creature's soul into a spirit that may enjoy eternal life. Some of the greatest figures of antiquity, such as Zoroaster, Alexander, Merlin, and Hercules, were reported to have been the children of elementary spirits.

While most traditions hold the elementals to be friendly to humans and in general benignly disposed to providing assistance to righteous endeavors, whether or not the are seen or unseen, some authorities warn that each of the four elements contains a number of mischief makers and entities that tend more toward the demonic than the angelic.

Sources: Hazlitt, W.C. Dictionary of Faiths & Folklore. London: Studio Editions, 1995.
Spence, Lewis. An Encyclopedia of Occultism. New Hyde Park, NY: University Books, 1960.