THE FIRE
ELEMENT IN
A NUTSHELL:
Time of year
Summer
Energy
Expansive
Attitude
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.
Outgoing, warm,
expressive, social
Organ
Heart and
small intestine
Taste
Bitter
Colour
Red, pink, copper
Natural form
The sun,
wildfires, ruby,
red gemstones
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