Fire is something that has transfixed man for as long as we have had recorded history. Fire is what keeps us warm. Fire cooks our food. Fire in proportion can be useful. Fire out of control is devastating. The Chinese looked at fire as being one of the primary elements. It is the most Yang of the elements. It holds mystery in its flame. When it comes to Feng Shui, fire is a very potent and strong elemental remedy. It is not to be used haphazardly. Not only because of the potential risk inherent in fire, but because fire strengthens the Earth element. Energetically speaking, the Earth elements can be a very harmful form of qi. Using fire can strengthen the negative aspects of the earth creating accidents or sickness. Used correctly though, it can strengthen your wealth qi.
The first question we usually get from people when discussing the five elements is "What is the fire element?" The fire element is the actual application of fire. A candle or even a red bed spread can be used for the fire element. As you noticed, the color red can be used too. Ideally, the actual element should be used. There are many times though, that the element is too dangerous to use, so we recommend something red. A good substitute for the actual element would be a red light bulb, or a red lampshade. These provide a vibrant color and importantly, heat. These are more effective than a red carpet, although as an alternative a red rug or bed spread works as well.
How does it interact with the earth element? As mentioned
above, the fire element provides strength to the earth element. This can be negative
or positive. In the eight trigrams, there are two trigrams of earth and the center, which
is also earth. When calculating the Qi of a building or house,
we look for either the number 2 (the Kun trigram) or the number 5
(the center). These two trigrams, during this time period, are less
favorable and can create sickness or accidents. The Ken
trigram (8) on the other hand, can bring prosperity and wealth. It
is also good for children. This is the one case where fire can
be used beneficially to strengthen earth.
Fire can also be used to reduce negative wood qi. In some cases wood qi can bring gossip arguments, and lawsuits. This is unlike using the element of wood as mentioned in an earlier article, but rather here we are referring to the qi within a building. Qi is a form of energy and can take on aspects of any of the elements. When it is a wood qi, it can have the effects mentioned above, or it can bring the flowering of a new relationship.
How can it be applied? The fire element can be used in a variety of ways. You can use a candle. The color of the candle does not really matter so much as long as you are burning it. If you are not burning the candle, then try to use red or purple candles. Here it is the color, not the candle itself that is providing the remedy. As previously mentioned, using a red lampshade or a red nightlight is an effective solution for the fire remedy. Hurricane lamps are also effective because they are safer than exposed candles. Lastly, anything that is vibrant red can be used. The actual element of fire is preferred though.
Fire, as a Feng Shui remedy is very potent. It does take some understanding though on how to properly use it. Used incorrectly and it can bring sickness and separation. Use this element safely, as it can be dangerous in a practical sense as well. Kids, dogs, and candles usually do not mix. When used correctly though, it can bring money and help with relationships. It takes a trained Feng Shui pracitioner to determine where best to apply the fire element. Lastly, use all of the five elements judiciously and in balance. Too much of anything is not good.
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