Final Fantasy 9 has 8 elemental properties in total: Fire, Ice, Thunder, Earth, Water, Wind, Holy and Shadow. Applying these elements to your attacks and defense makes a number of battles considerably easier. However, enemies can take advantage of them too, so watch out! To apply these elements, an understanding of their properties must be gained.
There is an also a "non elemental" property, which is neither effective nor ineffective against any types of monster. Remember, making use of Elements and their properties is a great way to defeat the monsters of the world!