The 4 elements and magical work

[anagogy]

What I think most all of these systems are is simply a breaking down of an infinite spectrum into more finite and workable bite sized chunks. For example, you can define an infinite range of frequency of light or sound or thought, but it is a lot for the mind to deal with. So we have a rainbow of seven basic colors to concentrate on which makes it a bit more manageable and comprehensible. Same goes for the system of elements, it is just a breaking down of an infinite continuum into some core metaphysical ideas and concepts. Perhaps similar to the idea of "primary colors" by which by understanding the interaction of such can produce the other colors.

So is any analogy necessarily wrong? No, there are various advantages and disadvantages to any conceptualization no matter how well thought out. It is like a metaphysical system of math (which is less specifically defined than real math), by which you can roughly deduce or calculate another implied manifestation given a certain interaction. This is my understanding of the tarot, astrology, and tree of life.  
I think this topic is of a similar nature.