In some esoteric teachings: the first world we enter during the process of occult initiation; it is the first "higher world
"Astrologers assign the four elements to the signs of the Zodiac: Fire (Aries,Leo,Sagittarius); Earth (Taurus,Virgo,Capricorn); Air (Gemini,Libra,Aquarius); and water (Cancer,Scorpio,Pisces). 80 p. 87[In reality,there are over 100 chemical elements,but in occultism — including Anthroposophy — the four ancient "elements" (fire,earth,air,water) are usually affirmed.]
"Mysteries...associated with the worship of the goddess Demeter ... [They] symbolized the death and rebirth of the seed-corn ... [and] of the human soul ...." 80 p. 87
"Offerings made to elves were placed on this stone." 80 p. 87
In the Bible: God. The word is plural in form (suggesting multiple gods),but is understood to be singular (Judaism,Christianity,and Islam — the religions "of the book" — are monotheistic). In Anthroposophy,the word is taken as plural; it applies to gods four levels above humanity. They rank among the lowest gods of the Second Hierarchy,dwelling in the sphere of the Sun. They help to apply the works of higher gods to the human form. Other names for gods of their rank include Exusiai,Spirits of Form,and Powers.
"A peculiar phenomenon associated with some physical mediums,in which the body of the medium is altered considerably in stature." 80 pp. 87-88
Nature spirits within the human aura,Steiner said. More generally,in folk tales and legends,elves are tiny supernatural humanoid creatures having magical powers.
"[S]pirit flowing from the divine and passing through grades of angels and creative processes to man's mystic perception...." 80 p. 88