The Element of Fire

The summer season heralds the energy of the element of fire. The sun has reached its peak power and we are feeling the heat. Fire is in the lightning of the summer storms, the campfires and grills, and the candlelight. It is the spark of electricity that fires the systems of our bodies.

Yet fire is also destructive. The land has experienced many forest fires that it is healing from. Fire energy can be a harsh cleanser creating a barren blank slate for regrowth, much like the phoenix. Fire is therefore linked with creation, passion, action, cleansing, transformation, and overall energy.

Like I mentioned in my Element of Air post, I feel the athame, a ceremonial blade, is most linked to fire energy. The athame is never used to actually cut anything! It is made of metal, which is forged in fire, with a pointed tip. The point directs the energy you, energetically, intend. I imagine it much like an electric line or jolt that flows from me to through the athame.

Obviously, another essential tool related to fire are candles. Candle magic is one of the most basic types of magic one can do. The process can be tailored in many ways. I often use white candles, but you can use whatever color corresponds to your working. You can carve your intention into the wax, dress it with herbs and oils, and add crystals. Many witchy small business make candles for a variety of spells. I personally like to use candle holders with a wider rim at the bottom and place crystals and herbs there instead of putting them onto the candle. Despite being an Aries sun, I am a bit afraid of fire! Herbs can catch fire, so use them sparingly.

When using actual fire in your witchcraft, make sure your candles are in a safe space and keep an eye on them! If burning paper, make sure to have a cauldron or pot nearby with a lid (or place it in water if that is ok for your working).

Burning incense, can be a combination of air and fire energy. Smoke and ash can be very useful in magick. I find burning incense can be a great offering to deity and help get you into the mindset of working magick. I have yet to explore how to use ashes in my personal practice, but I do collect and keep the ashes from my burned incense. I believe the ashes can be used to create black salt. Comment below if you have a special black salt recipe or ritual!

Fire corresponds with other aspects of witchcraft including: the colors red and orange, the zodiac signs of Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo. The salamander is the elemental of fire. The salamander has a lizard like form and is able to withstand fire.

My fire altar contains a small collection of small cauldrons and candles. My Hecate statues also reside there, for I associate her with fire because of her torches. I also have a few crystals like fire opal placed in that corner.

Since the element of fire is all about creativity and doing things, I encourage you to be creative and think of a way you could use a candle in your magic and then do it! Or one easy way to work with fire energy is to write your intentions, wishes, dreams on wish paper. Wish paper is a very thin tissue like paper that ignites quickly and then floats up as it becomes ash. It is a fun sight to see. Just make sure you have enough height in your space!

How do you call in fire energy into your witchcraft? What other ways do you incorporate fire in your spell work?