At an early stage in the game (before you reach lv 20) you have the chance to run into some elementals. You have cure as a gambit, right? Well, unless you want your butt frozen, toasted, or fried, switch to item use if you suspect or see an elemental. Magic is the only other way, besides attacking the things, to get any elemental to attack you. It would be wise to follow this pattern later in the game as well, at least until you are past Raithwall's tomb.