Elements are made up of layers of minions just as the angels and demons, each one supports the whole. The best way I can explain the place of Elements in the grand scheme of things, is to use the analogy of a High School Football Game.
Angels and Demons are the opposing players, each one is trying to defeat the player in front of him and the team as a whole.
The Elements are like the Bands, they want their side to win. But are more concerned about their performance on the field than who wins.
Some Elements are good, some are bad (not evil) and most are somewhere in the middle. All the above seem to want our attention, some want our affection and love while others seek control and dominance. It's up to you which team fits into each category.
That leaves us with the Band, the Band doesn't fit totally into either love or dominance.
It has been my experience that what the Elements, like the Band, wants more than anything, is the acceptance of the crowd. You can love them or fear them, it doesn't matter as long as you accept them.
They don't want your soul or first born, (most of the time) or your undying love and devotion, they only want acceptance.
All that you need to draw the Elements is to show the proper respect. Remember respect and reverence are two different things.
You accomplish this by putting their sign in the proper direction and using the proper colors according to your system. Above all you must take care of your sacred place be it an altar, flower bed, circle or a small place in your closet. In the Art size doesn't matter, not like other endeavors.
In the pursuit of The Art you only need to do the best you can. We all can't have a Henge in your back yard. The act of keeping your sacred place clean and orderly is a sign of respect.
We should pause a moment and discuss all the systems that exist. Almost every culture has its on system. They all recognize the four directions but the colors and apparitions will be different. So it's up to you to pick the system that fits you.
We should address the appearance of the apparition. These creatures are of the Nether World. To bring one to physical form is not an easy thing and is very rare. Their appearances are determined by your expectations. If you think they are a Fairy they appear as a Fairy.
These entities have been here since creation. What we perceive them to be is only a figment of our imagination, based on folklore. Their real identity is unknown. They are creatures that become whatever that culture want them to be. I find it highly improbable Neolithic man believed in Fairies.
Most of the time you only feel their presence. Each Element has a very distinctive presence. Your Element will always speak more forcefully to you than the others but they all give you something.
In my system East is a blue circle, South is a red triangle, West a silver crescent and North a yellow square. The colors I use to attract them are different except for south, East is yellow, South is red, West is blue and North is green.
What system you use is up to you. If the system speaks to you it will work for you. The extent that it works is dependent on how much you believe in it.
To become a practitioner of The Art you must master two things: the belief in your system and more importantly the belief in yourself. You can change your system but you can't change who you are. If you don't believe totally in yourself you are following a fool's dream. If you think this is a game to amuse your friends, you are more than a fool, you are dangerous to yourself and your companions.
You don't practice The Art, you live it, it becomes a part of you. Do you practice your religion only on your Holy day to look good at your place of worship , or do you live it everyday? The Art is no different.
Thomas