All is Conscious...

The entire universe is formed from "material" particles in acts of the elements. We owe many thanks to these elements as they are responsible for the diversity of the world we live in. All things visible and invisible originate from one source of life/light. Recognition of these four faces of the all - including unity/united source, out of which the elements arose, enables one to develop spiritual consciousness and become aware of this unity.
-Water has magnetic properties, it nurtures and sustains.
-Fire has electrical and creative properties.
-Air is a detaching element and allows the coexistence of fire & water.
-Earth is a binding element used to bind the other 3 elements in various formations.

An example of the elements in practice.
The roots of a tree absorb water & minerals(earth) necessary for growth from the earth. The tree breathes through its leaves(air) and receives light & warmth from the sun(fire). If you set wood from this tree on fire, the elements will then be released from it, the water will evaporate and the light of many years will burn out in a mighty flame. The oxygen the tree had been breathing will enable the process of burning and the minerals will turn to ash to again serve as a source of nutrients for other forms of life.

The human organism also contains the 4 elements, disruption of the delicate harmony of elements in the body gives rise to diseases especially by abusing or blocking the energy of the elements. It is not our target to sustain this harmony on the physical level but at the spiritual level. What we see on the outside is a manifestation of the spiritual.

Elements and Character
The elements of the "material" world are also part of human character, according to which elements are predominate one may have a choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic or sanguine nature. Each of these natures is important as they enable "seeing matter" from all sides to consider all aspects of a performed activity, enabling for getting one's work closer to "perfection". There are 12 human natures, they are a mix of the 4 elements in various proportions, you may know them as the signs of the zodiac. The two main elements can be found in the union of male & female, the male by nature contributes the creative power of fire and the female contributes the sustaining powers of water, forming a necessary foundation for the active operation of the human organism. Each of the 4 elements are neutral, it is man who gives to the acting of of elements as good or bad in character. Knowledge is of the utmost importance in the spiritual development of the self. Everyone has free will, but also responsibility to decide how to use the power of the elements and which qualities to develop in their character. Without transforming certain negative traits one will see areas of lack in their life.

Elemental Characteristics

Air
-Positive; vigilance, care freedom, kind-hearted, trusting nature, clarity, lightness, independent, dexterity, optimism, diligence, acuity, joy, smiley

-Negative; lacking perseverance, dishonesty, gossipy, cunning, garrulousness, inconsistent, touchy, prodigal

Earth
-Positive; consistent, conscientious, perseverance, punctual, cautious, resistant, responsible, careful, firm, reliable, ambitious, respectful

-Negative; stuffiness, superficiality, laziness, indifference, cumbersome, touchy, lacking conscientiousness, irregular, timid, scornful

Fire
-Positive; vigorous, zeal, enthusiastic, courageous, decisive, creative, daring

-Negative; quarrelsome, irritable, destructive, immoderate, jealous, voracious, vindictive, violent, hate, anger

Water
-Positive; understanding, placid, mild, trusting nature, devotion, mercy, forgiving, modest, compassionate, meditative

-Negative; indifferent, heartless, lazy, indolent, rigid, lack of daring, lack of concern, unstable

More esoteric knowledge:
The Days of Creation
The Sacred Symbols
The Platonic Solids
Innestanding the Tree of Life
The Chakras
Sacred Geometry Basix; Interactive Informational
Birth in Black & White
Numerology
Gematria
The Hermetic Principles
The Law of Attraction