The Fire Element

The most energetic, exuberant, and expansive of the elements, fire is associated with midday hours, the south, angled shapes, the planet Mars and the full moon. Fire is the sun itself and the spark that creates fusion.  Read more from Feng Shui professional, Diane Gallin

It’s the element that warms and excites us and makes our lives a little more interesting. Fire energy is there when we are happy and explodes when we are mad. It entertains us and ignites our passionate thoughts and feelings. Fire alerts us to danger and attracts a crowd. Fire tells the world your story and in business promotes your talents and gifts. But mostly, fire energy emanates from the heart.

Fire’s association with the cardiovascular system is found in traditional Chinese medicine, where a person’s physical and emotional health are viewed as one. Not only is the heart responsible for moving life-giving blood through the body, but this complex circulatory system is also tasked with dispersing life force energy (ch’i) through the spirit. This is called “shen.” A broken heart in Chinese medicine is a physical condition, as is anxiety, fear and sorrow. Self-confidence and enthusiasm are gifts of a happy heart while emotional upset invariably leads to physical deficiencies that affect behavior, mood and energy levels. However, if the fire element is out of balance either in a person’s physical constitution or surroundings, there are simple steps you can take to remedy the situation.

Here are some signs that the fire element is out of balance and what you can do about it.

EXCESS FIRE

If you are feeling hot, agitated, stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, restless or confused it is likely there is too much fire energy around you and it will be helpful to introduce water. Wear black or dark blue clothing, go for a walk in the cool night air, soak in a bath or take a swim. Turn the lights and temperature down in your home or office and listen to clear, soothing music. Try to avoid large crowds and noisy events until you are feeling settled and strong again. Pace your activities so there is enough rest and relaxation time. Spend time alone or with peaceful people restoring your own equilibrium before offering to take on the burdens and distractions of others.

DEFICIENT FIRE

If you are feeling insecure, exhausted, cold, withdrawn, timid, melancholy, forgetful or speechless, you might benefit from having more fire energy in your surroundings. Spend time outdoors during the midday hours to replenish your fire energy. Wear the colors red and orange and stay physically active, preferably during the day. Take a walk through the city and mingle in crowds. Allow lots of natural light into your home and work environment and up the wattage of lamps at night. Listen to stimulating music and spend time with positive people who lift your spirits, not dampen them. Extend your hand to others then open your heart to allow them in.

As with each of the five elements, there is both a yin and yang nature that changes with the seasons of the year. Fire’s nature is to expand and reach but it must also be contained. Learning to harness the power of fire in your own surroundings will illuminate your path along the way.

This articles also appears on Diane Gallins website in an article titled, Fire and Shen.

Diane Gallin is the founder of Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting in Tampa Bay Florida. She distinguishes herself in the feng shui world with her clear and practical application of the ancient Chinese art and science to modern buildings and lifestyles.

Learn more about the fire element in this piece, The Feng Shui Fire Element and the Fame and Reputation Gua, by past IFSG CEO, Bridget Saraka.