It's been ages since I played RFTOD, I've mostly been playing and just letting things happen as I go... but I beat the Earth Spirit Shrine and have the golem updated. I'm not sure if there is anything else I need to do. I searched around but all I have found is that James is supposed to give the request that starts unlocking the next dungeon. I don't currently have any gold requests though. I did complete the one from Bacchus about the shipwreck and Electra's about Winter Island. Is there anything else that I have to do to trigger James putting that request up?
EDIT: Ignore my messing up here! I unlocked the Fire Spirit Shrine. I don't know why I thought the Water Shrine was next.