You must fully understand the elements before you can work with them magically.
Becoming the Element of Fire
First, some basic information…
The element of fire is symbolized by flame, the sun, a desert, a volcano, an explosion, and other sources of intense heat. Directionally, Fire lays in the south, which, in the northern hemisphere, signifies summer, and proximity to the equator, where the sun’s power is most intense on the planet. Animals that symbolize Fire can be dragons (who breathe fire), or the phoenix (who rises from its own ashes). Firey plants include red poppies, chili peppers, garlic and nettles. There are other animals, plants and symbols, but this is not the place for me to mention them all.
The deities of Fire are Vesta or Hestia, Vulcan or Hephaestus, Pele, Agni, Brigit and Horus. Magical tools and equipment that are formed by Fire include the athame and all knives, the sword and the crucible.
In humans, Fire displays itself in rage, passion or sexual desire and spiritual devotion. Fire is a living organism, yet not an organism at all. It destroys completely, while it creates a completely new product. It purifies while it consummates. It mesmerizes and magnetizes the watcher, dancing around and devouring every thing in its path. An ancient tool of ritual sacrifice, fire cleanses and transforms its participants. For centuries, many of those misunderstood by society were burned alive, in the hopes of annihilating ‘evil’.
The eternal flame seen in some churches, on altars and in burial grounds symbolizes a divine presence that guards and protects its surroundings. I’m sure you are aware of the power of Fire. Our purpose today is to go further than that awareness, and become the Fire itself. In this way, you will have a deeper insight into the element, and be more able to use, control or manipulate it for your magical work.
[Read through each exercise completely before beginning, or have a companion read as you meditate.]
Sit very quietly, holding some symbol of Fire in your power hand. Relax and shut out all mind noises. Push away all thoughts that enter you, leaving an empty room for the element to inhabit. Allow your body to welcome the element, as it feels warmer and warmer – even hot! Know that heat and energy are dancing through your being.
Imagine that you are engulfed in flame – it is within you – around you – above you – below you. Yet you are not being harmed by it in any way. You have no fear. You are the power, the energy, the consumer of all about you. You have the ability to accomplish any thing you will. You are strong, forceful.
Stretch out your open hand and envision flames flickering on your palm, shooting from your fingertips. You are burning with the passion to achieve your goals. Hold the Fire symbol in your power hand against your body, touching your skin. Know that you have burnt that symbol onto your body as a token of your power. Hear the symbolic branding iron sizzle against your skin as it marks you forever.
Finally, feel the flames begin to fade, as your body begins to cool. Slowly, your being returns to its normal temperature, a comfortable temperature. And yet, the symbol of Fire is branded still into your spirit, the feeling of passionate power is clearly recalled as you require it.
Your first exercise is complete.
After you have mastered the first exercise, proceed to the second…
Facing a southern direction, sit comfortably and quietly. [If you are in the southern hemisphere, face a northern direction.] Relax. Seek within and recall the flames of the first exercise. Be aware of that flame in every cell of your body. Feel the tingle of its energy. Your body temperature is rising, and you are becoming quite warm.
See yourself as the flame atop a candle. You are a blazing bonfire, with people dancing around you. You are lightning, streaking across the sky. You are the sun, bearing down on a desert, opening the day. Feel the completeness of your Firey self. Enjoy your fullness. Know that you are the power of life.
Let your body return to a human temperature, slowly, slowly. See your light dim, but not fail. Feel your power subside, awaiting your need, when you will be able to call it forth in an instant. You are Fire. You are power.
Your exercises are complete.
Repeat these exercises as often as you need to, until you can REALLY feel, hear, smell, taste and see each one; until you KNOW you have become the element.
Be sure to record every exercise and your experience in it, in your Book of Shadows.
Suicide Awareness for First Responders helps you to better understand suicidal people, how to help them, what to do at a scene of suicide threats or completion. Suicide threats and completion among first responders is also covered.
At last, a version of Simple Steps to Sentence Sense for younger students and those whose native language is not English. Students can learn to analyze sentences in 5 easy steps.
