Four Elements

The term does not appear in any canon material and is used exclusively here to group concepts, which are closely related in the setting.

Stiyl Magnus is aligned to red and to the element of fire.

In various cultures, religions, and belief systems in the world, the number four is inexplicably connected to various things, which represent the balance in the world. In the Toaru Majutsu no Index universe the principle of Four is closely connected with Idol Theory, not because it is a requirement in magic, but because of the many legends, myths, and symbolisms that are intertwined with the number.

Principles

The Classical Elements

There are four classical elements in Western cultures, and if counting the 5th element, quintessence or ether, it matches the 5 elements of Eastern cultures. As such, to Tsuchimikado Motoharu, the Kabbalah, which uses the Western elements, are similar to Onmyoudou, both using the pentagram, one of the fundamental ingredients of a magic array, which designates the positions of the elements. It can be assumed that the similitarities in the elements in East and West magical disciplines referred to the Japanese Elements.

• Western Elements
  • Air
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Earth
  • Ether
• Eastern Elements
  • Wood
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Metal
  • Void

In western magic

Modern Western magic uses, the five elements: Air (or Wind), Fire, Water, Earth, and Ether. Each have their own symbolic weapons (象徴武器(シンボリックウェポン), Shōchō Buki^?, lit. "Symbol Weapon"), Dagger, Stick, Cup, Disc, and a Lotus Staff which are referred to as the elemental weapons, respectively. Ether has a special characteristic, and that it can change into any of the four remaining elements. It is carried on with the Lotus Staff using Idol Theory, wherein the staff can be made to represent in the other elemental weapons.

Directions, colors, and guardians

Accompanying the elements are colors, positions, and guardians. These are used in setting up a magic array, and with accordance with Idol Theory, is used to borrow the powers, abilities, or attributes that are are needed by the spellcaster, these are unique for each one.

Western Magic Tradition

Element	Color	Position	Guardian Archangel
Air/Wind	Yellow	Front	Archangel Raphael
Fire	Red	Right	Archangel Michael
Water	Blue	Rear/Back	Archangel Gabriel
Earth	Green	Left	Archangel Uriel

Eastern Magic Tradition

Element	Color	Position	Season	Guardian Deity
Wood	Black	North	Spring	Genbu the Black Turtle
Fire	Red	South	Summer	Suzaku the Vermillion Bird
Water	Blue	East	Winter	Seiryuu the Azure Dragon
Metal	White	West	Autumn	Byakko the White Tiger

Attribution and application

The All-around Reality Array (below) uses the four colors representing the four deities of the Eastern magic traditions.

These attributes and its capabilities are explained by Idol theory, in which a spellcaster would be able to draw power using the symbolic relationship between the elements and its properties. For example: Acqua of the Back has his name referring to his element and the position it has with accordance with Western magic tradition. Along with all members of God's Right Seat, he draws power of the corresponding angel, Archangel Gabriel, this allows him to cast water spells. With color, other than changing the color of clothes, some magicians go a step further, dying their hair, such as Stiyl Magnus, wielding the power of fire, and Aureolus Izzard, drying his hair green, wielding the power of earth.

In making magic arrays, colors and their corresponding positions is to add decorations that signify its usage, like the All-around Reality Array of Tsuchimikado Motoharu using a simple circle array that uses the four colors of Eastern Magic to collect information from every single direction.

Chronology

Some time before the beginning of the series, a great distortion of the great laws distorted the elements slightly, and has switched the positions of the angels and their attributes. Despite this, the elements can be still be wielded and called upon with their colors, however, because of this distortion, it allowed a ridiculous spell such as Angel Fall able to be casted.

Angel Fall Arc

Main article: Angel Fall Arc

With the distortion of the laws of the world, Kamijou Touya accidentally casted Angel Fall, in accordance with Feng shui, arranging the charms, folkcraft, and souvenirs he collected, making his home a ritual location for his spell.

Daihasei Festival Arc

Main article: Daihasei Festival Arc

Tsuchimikado Motoharu and Stiyl Magnus explains to Kamijou Touma on how to magicians draw power from magic arrays and on how Oriana Thomson's Shorthand spells are similar to Grimoires. Motoharu later sets up a spell in accordance with the teachings of Onmyoudou, that allowed them to track out Oriana's location.

See also

• Idol Theory
• Kabbalah
• Onmyoudou
• Feng shui

External links

• Classical elements