Fire (classical element)
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Chinese Hinduism |
Fire has been important to all peoples of the earth, and it is rich in spiritual tradition.
Western concepts of Fire
Fire is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. In one rendering of the myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to protect the otherwise helpless humans and was tortured for his kindness. Fire is considered to be both hot and dry, and according to Plato is associated with the tetrahedron.
In Wiccan tradition, it is associated with the South, Summer, and the color red on the physical plane. It is sometimes represented by a red triangle, the athame, blood, candles, the guitar, rubies, and incense. Fire represents energy, inspiration, passion, and masculinity. In rituals, Fire is represented in the forms of burning objects, love spells, baking, and lighting candles and fires.
The manifestations of the Element of Fire are the sun, lightning, fires, volcanoes and lava, all forms of light, and ovens. Cats of all types, especially the lion and tiger, are also thought to personify the element of Fire, as are all predatory creatures, such as the fox. Astral creatures of Fire (elementals) are the Salamander, Phoenix, Drake/Dragon and the Falcon (Although most associate this with Air). Fire's place on the pentagram is the lower right point. Fire is represented by the Greeks as an apple-bough and in Christian iconography by a lion.
Non-Western concepts of Fire
In China and Japan Fire is represented by a red bird; in the Aztec religion, by a flint; to the Hindus, a lightning bolt; to the Scythians, an axe.