Spirit: The Fifth Element
Spirit (also known as ether) isn't an element per se, but it is often included among the magickal elements as the fifth point of the pentagram. It's even harder to define than air. The binding link between the other four, it is the source of magick. Spirit resides within and without, around, above, and below all things. Although you can experience earth, air, fire, and water directly with your temporal senses, Spirit is elusive, and to be witnessed it requires both the witch's faith and metaphysical senses.
Native Americans call this fundamental, life-sustaining energy Grandfather, or Arch of Heaven. In Hindu writing, atman is the spiritual essence of creation. Polynesians and the Jains have a similar idea but use the terms mana or jiva respectively, meaning that which animates all life, or the life principle.
In his book Modern Magick, Donald Michael Kraig explains that spirit “is the source of the other four elements. Spirit is the source of all that exists and is the divine light from beyond Keter [the first sephirah of the Tree of Life].”
Because spirit creates everything, abides in everything, and enlivens everything, it is always present. When a witch calls upon a divine being to bless a spell or ritual, she connects with spirit and invites it to participate in her magick. By honoring spirit, she elevates her workings from the physical realm to the divine one.
