Friday, March 15, 2013

Pagan Blog Project: F is for Fire



Fire is one of the 4 elements that make up all of creation, the others being Earth, Air and Water. Fire is a profound tool, used, among other things, in candle magic, for offerings, and of course for the more mundane (though no less important) purposes of cooking and warmth.  Fire is truly one of the most important tools that early man learned to use.  

As I stated previously, in my practice, Fire corresponds to the South, Noon, the Summer, Adulthood, the Mother, the Sun King, Manifestation and Action.

Fire is a masculine element which has both creative and destructive qualities. Fire can be used to burn a paper on which we have written a magical purpose, intent or thing we wish to release, thus destroying the paper and sending the magic imbued on it to the universe for action, fire can be a tool to creativity, as an artist, I use heat to cure my sculpture, flame to sear edges and add details - thus Fire aids in my creative endeavors.

Even when fire is viewed as destructive, as when it ravages a forest, it serves a purpose. Fire cleans away the old and makes way for new growth. Some seeds, such as those from the Lodgepole Pine, require fire in order for them to germinate.

Some additional correspondences for Fire:
Color: Red
Stones: Jasper, Quartz Crystal
Tool: Athame
Goddesses: Brigit, Vesta
Gods: Horus, Vulcan
Rituals: healing, purification, sex, banishing, courage, strength and also for Candle Magic
Creatures: Snake, Dragon, Phoenix
Elemental: Salamander

Fire is featured in many a fairy or folk tale. My favorite is the Russian Folk Tale of Baba-Yagaand Vasilisa the Fair. In this story, young Vasilisa is sent into the forest by her evil step-mother to get fire from the Baba-Yaga, which after completing many difficult tasks Vasilisa obtains and brings home the fire. Unfortunately for the step-mother and her daughters, the fire that Vasilisa brings home purifies the home, killing the step mother and her two evil daughters quickly.

In this tale, the Fire was both destructive and purifying, releasing Vasilisa from the influence of her step-mother and ultimately leading her to a much more pleasant life.

2 comments:

  1. I love this post about fire it's really interesting to think of it as masculine energy. Love all your blog it has a fabulous feel to it. If you would like to visit me I'm at http://www.astartemoonblog.com/, blessings to you, Alison xx

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  2. Thank you, I will head over to your blog and check it out. I am glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post!!!

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