What are the four directions and elemental correspondences? I've come across a couple variations and don't know which is 'right'/which to choose. (I admire your thought process)
I appreciate your question, thank you!
I had to use this gif, from the movie The Craft, as they 'call upon the guardians of the watchtowers' of each direction. What most non-pagan viewers may not realize is that Watchtower magic is actually an existing practice that dates back to the late 19th century and did have clear correspondences: North was earth, South fire, East air, and West water.
So in terms of 'rightness' these are the original correspondences that are most commonly used, but I'll tell you I never felt right using North for earth, it seemed like it should be air. So when I did use these in practice, I used North air, East earth, South fire, and West water. Since I was a solitary practitioner, I figured no one would mind, which certainly isn't the usually theological depth I give to these thoughts but I was a teenager, lol.
If I were to use these again today, the only other questions I'd ask is if they make sense to you geographically, is there a major body of water you work with that happens to be south of you? Perhaps you'd want to orient yourself that way. Or is it more important for it to be conceptually consistent because you're working with archetypes more than specifics? This may help give some internal validation to your choices, even if you end up going with the original correspondences.
Bright blessings on your path.
