FIRE POWER
Fire images range from the cooking hearth and campfire, to the raging violence of a forest fire, to the gentle warmth transferred between the hands of a mother and child. Fire is the heat of the sun, which makes the plants grow and the flowers bloom, and makes life on this planet possible, and it is also the lava flowing forth from the depths to create new earth. Fire can destroy like the burning ash of Mount Vesuvius, and it can create, as when metal is formed in the forge. The fire element is associated with the heat of digestion and with balanced metabolism, and can also be felt when tempers flare or laughter bubbles.
Fire creates energy, heat and light. The purpose of fire is transformation as it lifts up the inertia of earth and water into action, energy and power. As fire leaps upward it destroys form and creates a new dimension. Tamastic energy becomes Rajastic and the will to grow and evolve and create is born. The highest form of fire is the transformation and purification of negative tendencies so as to lift the lower elements up to the heart and to purity of intention. On a physical level matter (food) is combusted into energy (movement and heat).
Fire transforms earth to ashes or heats it to produce lava, and earth can be thrown on a fire to put it out. Fire boils water to produce steam, it lifts water up into the sky to create clouds, and water can also put out a fire. Air makes fire burn more brightly and increases the heat of a fire, wind can spread a fire or it may blow it out as breath blows out the flame of a candle. Ether provides the space for fires flames to dance and if that space is not there then the fire falters and dies.
These relationships between fire and the other four elements are played out on multiple levels within ones life. Any of the five elements that swing out of balance carries it’s own illnesses and challenges. In the case of fire, when it is under-active one has a lack of energy or will power to change and to accomplish ones dreams. It is as if the passion has died within you and without inspiration the body reflects this imbalance with fatigue, lowered metabolism, poor circulation, digestive disorders and an inability to stand up for oneself.
Fire treatments can be used to blow gently on fires ember to create a flame and are used by naturopaths to balance an under-active fire element. Treatments include moxabustion, the Polarity Wood Chopper exercise, running and aerobics, laughter therapy, sunbathing and heat treatments, nutrition, poultices, selective martial arts and fire visualization to stimulate the fire element and increase metabolism and energy levels.
Excess fire can manifest as irritability, anger, resentment, blame, aggression, manipulation, high blood pressure, body odour, rashes and itching, liver disorders, digestive problems and a fast metabolism. When fire is at its worst it is displayed in war, domination, and dehumanization of others in pursuit of one’s own goals and desires. Treatments for excess fire involve therapeutic use of the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, to cool the mind and body and bring balance to the passions, along with meditation, and sattvic practices including ethical healing.
The balance of fire is seen in the warmth of joy and laughter, cooperation, friendship and partnership and the ability to focus on ones goals in a balanced and creative way. Fire can create new forms to serve humanity and to liberate oneself and others from outmoded and no longer useful ways of being. Communication, interaction, confidence, personal responsibility, and the ability to risk are all positive expressions of the fire element. A fire can be the centre of home and hearth and it’s the warmth between people that makes life a shared and wonderful experience. Fire offers it’s healing power in warm soup, a cup of tea and a loving hug, and in the golden rays that inspire a flower to lift it face to the sun.
