fire
The Fire Element follows the Wood Element. After the growth of Spring, the new bud only thinks of itself until summer. In the summertime, the bud has turned into a flower and reached it’s full maturity level. The flower is now aware of other flowers/buds on the plant. In Spring, it is so important for the seed/bud to focus all of it’s energy on itself for full growth so that in the summertime it is ready to start thinking about others. Summer is a time of increased socialization. The weather is warm outside and people are more active/social. People tend to make the most of the moment on a warm/hot sunny day. Our Fire nature from within moves out into the world, our need to relate to others becomes out prime focus. Flowers reach out in full blossom to show the world who they are and have become. Like people reaching out and saying “look at me.” There is a sense of vulnerability that comes with reaching out to others and really showing your true nature. There can be risk involved in connecting with others. In general, people do not want to be on their own.
The Fire element is the Guardian of Love. It gives us the ability to have feelings towards others. Fire tempers it’s actions on how it will affect others as it develops relationships. If we give out love, we assume that we will get it back. For example, we smile at others & they smile back.
The analogy of a fire burning is helpful to understand this element. A “normal” burning fire can provide warmth, it is a place where people gather, and it can be cozy and create the atmosphere of love/closeness. A fire’s flames burn up and outward, just as people do.