The Fire Element

Fire has always provided one of the most prominent metaphors, spanning different peoples and cultures. This significant element represents purification, destruction, power, energy, and transformation. Moreover, thanks to its versatility and practical uses, harnessing fire was an important milestone in early human development.

“Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain.”

The Art of War, Sun Tzu

In the Chinese philosophy of wu xing, fire is also related to the energy of ascension and luminosity. It represents summer, and signifies a time of celebrating and rejoicing in the beauty, fullness and fruition of life. This is the element that represents energy itself.

As the second phase of wu xing, fire is generated by rubbing together two pieces of wood, and it must be fuelled by the burning of wood. It then begets earth as fire reduces everything to ashes, which become a part of the earth again. In the conquest cycle, water overcomes fire, which in turn overcomes metal, which can only be melted and forged by heat.

Since fire is a kind of combustion or burning, it gives out light, creates heat and increases temperature. Flames burn upwards, and thus, the fire’s energy is upward. But it is hard for fire to burn forever, and even sunlight disappears in the night. Fire, as such, is not sustainable.

The fire element is most welcomed in the feng shui areas of the south, southwest, northeast, and centre. It is always best to express the feng shui elements subtly, with visually pleasing and aesthetically appropriate items that go well with your home or office decor.

Here are ways to enhance your feng shui by adding the fire element to your space:

1. Other than an actual fireplace, the next best thing to the actual fire energy is candles. You can easily bring a strong fire element presence into your home with candles. Choose these in the fire element colours (red, purple, yellow, or orange) or go for candle holders in these colours.

2. In feng shui, colour is one of the easiest ways to bring the needed shift in the energy of your home or office. Fire is expressed in several colours, so feel free to paint a feature wall in the south in these.

3. Decorate your room or office with the symbols of tigers or horses – these pertain to the fire element and bring good fortune!

4. Go for a wooden bed in your room.