What Are Cardinal Directions?

For most people, the cardinal directions are merely points on the compass that help them navigate the roads. For some people, the cardinal directions have deep spiritual significance that help them navigate through life. Use of the cardinal directions in spiritual practices dates back to ancient pagan times, and many modern pagans and Wiccans today continue to use them as correspondences to represent many meaningful aspects of life and the cycles of the seasons.

Significance

The four cardinal directions are the four main compass points: North, South, East and West. For many pagans, each of these four directions are associated with many things seen as sacred. In rituals, they are often marked and recognized, believed to be where the guardians of the watchtowers or elementals reside, which are invoked to lend their energies during rites.

North

North is associated with the sacred element Earth, the season of winter, night and death. An altar may be placed in the North during rituals associated with honoring spirits of the dead, crone goddesses, observing winter holidays, or during the dark moon. Some symbols for North are the fertile lands or mountains. Colors commonly associated with North are black, green or brown. For Wiccans, the altar tool known as a pentacle, a disc inscribed with a pentagram, represents the North.

East

East is associated with the sacred element Air, the season of spring, the dawn, youth and renewal. An altar may be placed in the East during rituals associated with spring rites, fertility, new beginnings, or the waxing crescent moon. Some symbols for the East are birds and flying creatures, flowers or a rising sun. Colors commonly associated with East are pastels, yellow and white. For Wiccans, the altar tool associated with East is sometimes the wand, and sometimes the athame, or ritual knife.

South

South is associated with the sacred element of Fire, the season of summer, mid-day, passion and being in the prime of life. An altar may be placed in the South during rituals associated honoring sun gods and goddesses, summer holy days, creativity or virility. Some symbols for the South are fire, images of the sun and reptiles such as snakes. Colors commonly associated with South are reds, oranges and golds. For Wiccans, the altar tool associated with South is sometimes the wand, and sometimes the athame, whichever is opposite the one used for East.

West

West is associated with the sacred element of Water, the season of autumn, twilight, emotions, mysteries, reflection and maturity. An altar may be placed in the West during rituals associated with honoring gods and goddesses of the sea, fall holy days, harvest festivals or involving divination. Some symbols for the West are water, sea shells, aquatic animals or harvest symbols such as wheat or corn. Colors commonly associated with West are blues and blue-greens, or sometimes the colors of autumn leaves. For Wiccans, the altar tool associated with West is the cup, or chalice.