Gnomes and Other Magickal Creatures of Earth

A look at Elemental Earth Beings in folklore and occult practice.

You can’t talk about the origins of gnomes without talking about Paracelsus. Paracelsus was a lay theologian, physician, philosopher and most importantly for our discussion, an alchemist. He popularized the gnomes as earth dwelling beings in his writings. The name means ‘earth dweller’. He saw them as the pure elemental force of Earth. These creatures became well known in 16th Century Alchemy.

Hanno Rhomberg -- “Gnome Painting” mid 19th CE

The Gnome originated in German and Scandinavian folklore as a protective creature, and also guardian of treasure. Scandinavian folklore describes them as small, bearded men guarding houses and farms, often mischievous if denied or ignored. They are sometimes pictured wearing red hats, and are also believed to protect miners. Gnomes were often bearded and considered to be very wise creatures. They were believed to live lengthy lives, sometimes up to 400 years, and often stood 3 to 4 ft tall.

In Occult lore they are creatures of pure Earth, and working with them harnesses the power to connect deeply with the planet. Their ‘Ruler’ in Occult Philosophy is Ghob, although in the Temple of Ma’at Knoxville, we use the term ‘Presence’ instead of Ruler to employ the pure embodiment of the elemental energy.

There are several types of gnomes. The most well known is the Forest or Woodland Gnome. It is considered shy and is known to care for sick animals. These are rarely seen, and there are the Svirfneblen, believed to live in the earth’s crust.

There are House Gnomes which provide protection, but can also be quite mischievous. There are also Garden Gnomes and even Rock Gnomes. They are known as Erdmanleins in Germany, Nisse in Denmark, Tomte in Sweden, Tontti in Finland, and Kabouter in the Netherlands.

They are fundamentally “chthonic” spirits, with legends closely related to dwarf mythology. Dwarves, too, are considered elemental earth-dwelling beings. These creatures were believed to be supernatural and were prevalent in German folklore. We now associate them with archetypes like the trickster and joker. Their most noted role in folklore and history is as jesters of the Court.

“Dwarf with a Dog” 19th C Oil Painting on Wood by Thomas Couture

Another earth-dwelling being that bears mentioning is the Brownie. They are much like gnomes, but a bit more temperamental. Brownies are small, mischievous household spirits from Scottish and English folklore inhabiting homes or barns. They are known to help with chores while the family rests during the night. They were known to churn butter, sweep floors, and tidy, often in exchange for offerings of milk, cream, or baked goods left by the hearth. Be mindful working with them. If offended, they can become quite a nuisance. If disrespected, expect a little chaos.

Illustration of a Brownie by Alice B Woodward

A similar creature is the hobgoblin, and goblins in general. Hobgoblins were seen as hairy creatures that protected a house. They were thought to live in Hob Holes in cliffs and caves, and are mostly present in English folklore. Rings a little Tolkein, eh?

Goblins were known most for their appearance. They were often portrayed as grotesque and often malicious. In European folklore, they are portrayed as very greedy creatures. They are particularly possessive of gold. They have very large eyes, wide ears and crooked teeth. They were also known to shapeshift.

Folklore is abundant with Earth Creatures, and these are some of the more well-known. My favorite are the Elves from Norse & Germanic folklore. These nature spirits could take many forms, and were often much more human-like than those previous discussed above. In the Norse Prose Edda, there are ‘Light elves’ which live in heaven and ‘Dark elves’ which live underground. These creatures are more of a mix of Elemental energies and in the British Isles, the Elves were heavily associated with Faires, some with more Air or Fire like qualities.

Honorable mention would have to go to creatures like Trolls, Giants (Frost Giants in Norse legend) and Cyclops (Roman & Greek mythology). And lest I forget, the Leprechaun which originated in Irish mythology potentially as far back as the 8th Century. Originally, they were solitary, menacing, red-clothed water spirits who hid treasure. Today, they are portrayed more like Gnomes.

All Elemental energies should be treated respectfully. It’s also important to understand they do not have the same moral code as humans. In fact, they are relatively amoral. But all sentient creatures understand kindness and respect. These energetic creatures can be used in Witchcraft and animistic practices. Gnomes can be a powerful protection for your home. Perhaps one is close by?