Ms. Smith relies on meditation, yoga and a study of Eastern religion. There seems to be a trend away from focusing only on interior d cor and how it looks to the outside world, and a move toward making our homes feel safe and sacred, places where we can celebrate spirituality. Earth may be represented by a stone, a plant, or some sand, maybe from a sacred site like Jerusalem or Egypt. For air, I use feathers. It could be incense.
Fire is usually candles.
Patricia Smith and Anne Elliott encourage people to create sacred spaces in their homes and offices. This blessing fountain with shells and stones honours sea and earth elements. The water element could be shells from the sea, a small fountain, a container of holy water that's been blessed, water that has come from a special place. Some will create a mantle-top space. Others will use an area in their bedroom or the spot where they meditate.