"Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products." "Fire is one of the four classical elements in ancient Greek philosophy and science. It was commonly associated with the qualities of energy, assertiveness, and passion."
"Heraclitus regarded the soul as being a mixture of fire and water, with fire being the more noble part and water the ignoble aspect. He believed the goal of the soul is to be rid of water and become pure fire: the dry soul is the best and it is worldly pleasures that make the soul "moist". - Russell Bertrand
The element of fire has so many transformational properties, it is a highly symbolic of the human condition. Fire is the only transformative element; it has the power to chemically change compounds in a way that the other elements do not. I feel it is the truest element to our nature as there could be, as fire is the element exclusive to our specie. No other specie of creature has learned to create and manipulate fire. It was one of the greatest catalysts in our existence that allowed for cultural evolution. The transformational metaphor of fire is so akin to the spiritual awareness we have of ourselves. Our bodies manifest each of the elements; we harness them all simply to exist. You could say a 'fire' is ignited which inspires our 'creators' to manifest us in their union. That which sets us apart from simply being our own chemical compound is the the spirit; the fifth element. These five powers combined created Captain Planet who was just a macho, alien, pagan! That's a tangent...
I am soon to end the 3rd week of my journey. The alchemical symbol for fire is a triangle, which has three points. 3 being a very sacred number; it seems appropriate that I would feel so transformed by these weeks. A wonderful, nearly 4 hour, conversation with my host tonight has lead me to a really powerful affirmation that involves the concept of fire and it's various conceptual meanings.
To be continued...
"Heraclitus regarded the soul as being a mixture of fire and water, with fire being the more noble part and water the ignoble aspect. He believed the goal of the soul is to be rid of water and become pure fire: the dry soul is the best and it is worldly pleasures that make the soul "moist". - Russell Bertrand
The element of fire has so many transformational properties, it is a highly symbolic of the human condition. Fire is the only transformative element; it has the power to chemically change compounds in a way that the other elements do not. I feel it is the truest element to our nature as there could be, as fire is the element exclusive to our specie. No other specie of creature has learned to create and manipulate fire. It was one of the greatest catalysts in our existence that allowed for cultural evolution. The transformational metaphor of fire is so akin to the spiritual awareness we have of ourselves. Our bodies manifest each of the elements; we harness them all simply to exist. You could say a 'fire' is ignited which inspires our 'creators' to manifest us in their union. That which sets us apart from simply being our own chemical compound is the the spirit; the fifth element. These five powers combined created Captain Planet who was just a macho, alien, pagan! That's a tangent...
I am soon to end the 3rd week of my journey. The alchemical symbol for fire is a triangle, which has three points. 3 being a very sacred number; it seems appropriate that I would feel so transformed by these weeks. A wonderful, nearly 4 hour, conversation with my host tonight has lead me to a really powerful affirmation that involves the concept of fire and it's various conceptual meanings.
To be continued...
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