Elemental

An Elemental is a spirit embodying one of the elements of antiquity (earth, water, air, and fire). Anthropological records of indigenous beliefs and practices throughout the world show that the belief in Elementals predates all the major religions.

General description

Mme. Blavatsky states:

There are different classes [of elementals] for each plane, and division of plane, of nature. Many can never be recognized by men. And those pertaining to one plane do not act in another.

In the Theosophical literature there is mention to three elemental kingdoms, which are evolving in the direction of humanity. Mme. Blavatsky wrote that "the inferior, semi-intelligent and non-intelligent Elementals—are all future men". However, in Isis Unveiled she wrote that "such beings never become men". The discrepancy may be explained if we interpret this last quote only in terms of the present manvantara.

Elementals are devoid of any sense of morality:

As to the moral character of elementals, they have none: they are colourless in themselves—except some classes—and merely assume the tint, so to speak, of the person using them.

The elementals are formless, but may assume different shapes:

The shape given to or assumed by any elemental is always subjective in its origin. It is produced by the person who sees, and who, in order to be more sensible of the elemental’s presence, has unconsciously given it a form. Or it may be due to a collective impression on many individuals, resulting in the assumption of a definite shape which is the result of the combined impressions.

Elementals may be employed "by living adepts of magic and sorcery, to produce desired phenomenal results".