Fire (classical element)

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Classical Elements
Western   Air   Fire Aether Water   Earth   Chinese Wood (木) | Fire (火) Earth (土) | Metal (金) | Water (水) Hinduism and Buddhism Vayu / Pavan — Air / Wind Agni / Tejas — Fire Akasha — Aether Prithvi / Bhumi — Earth Ap / Jala — Water

Fire has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition.

Contents 1 Greek and Roman Tradition 2 Chinese Tradition 3 Magical Tradition 4 Non-Western concepts of Fire 5 See also

[edit] Greek and Roman Tradition

Fire is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. Fire is considered to be both hot and dry, and according to Plato is associated with the tetrahedron. In one Greek myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to protect the otherwise helpless humans and was tortured for his kindness. It is associated with the qualities of energy, assertiveness and passion.

[edit] Chinese Tradition

In Chinese tradition fire is one of the five elements. It is associated with the planet Mars, summer and the south, and the colour red. It is believed to govern the heart. Fire is associated with the qualities of dynamism, strength and persistence, and with restlessness and a sense of adventure. The element fire plays an important role in Chinese Astrology and feng shui , the Chinese form of geomancy.

[edit] Magical Tradition

In the Hermetic and Wiccan traditions, it is associated with the South, Summer, and the color red on the physical plane. It is sometimes represented by a red upwards triangle, the athame, blood, candles, the guitar, rubies, and incense. Fire represents energy, inspiration, passion, and masculinity. In rituals, Fire is represented in the forms of burning objects, love spells, baking, and lighting candles and fires.

The manifestations of the Element of Fire are the sun, lightning, fires, volcanoes and lava, and all forms of light. Cats of all types, especially the lion and tiger, are also thought to personify the element of Fire, as are all predatory creatures, such as the fox. Also the ram is a symbol of fire. Astral creatures of Fire (elementals) are the salamander, phoenix, drake/dragon and, sometimes, the falcon. (Although most associate this with Air). Fire's place on the pentagram is the lower right point. Fire is represented by the Greeks as an apple-bough and in Christian iconography by a lion. Fire belongs to the Tarot suit of Wands. Occasionaly, the chemical element of Sulphur is associated with Fire.

Fire is also an element that humans and many other creatures cannot live without for it offers warmth and light.

[edit] Non-Western concepts of Fire

In China and Japan Fire is represented by a red bird; in the Aztec religion, fire is represented by a flint; to the Native Americans, a mouse; to the Hindu and Islamic faith, a lightning bolt; and to the Scythians, an axe. The Element of Fire shows up in mythological stories all across the world, often in stories to do with the Sun.

[edit] See also

• Fire
• Fire worship
• Burnt offering