Lady_Elaine
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Posted Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:46 am...
Fire Legends and Fire Magic
by Sheri Richerson
~from Llewellyn's Magical Almanac 2005
Legends abound as to how fire came to be, but all agree that in the beginning humans did not have fire. Some say animals caught fire and gave it to us, some say trees caught fire and that is why you can get fire from rubbing two sticks together, and still others claim fire was a gift from the gods.
An Apache legend says tat long ago, before there was fire, animals and trees spoke to one another. The Fox, cleverest of the animals, spent his time trying to devise a way to create fire. Fox also wanted to learn the cry of the geese. One day he visited the geese and persuaded them to teach him how to fly. The geese made Fox promise that he would not open his eyes while in flight. They made him some wings and Fox began to fly with them and to practice their cry.
One day, however, Fox forgot his promise to keep his eyes shut. As darkness descended they flew over a village of fireflies. The glare from the fireflies was right enough to make Fox open his eyes, and instantly his wings collapsed. He could not control his fall and landed in the center of the firefly village, where a great fire burned continually.
Fox convinced the fireflies to show him how to get out of the village. Two of the fireflies led him to a cedar tree, which they said would bend down upon command and catapult him over the wall whenever he desired. With that knowledge, Fox began to plan to capture fire and escape with it.
First, Fox found the spring where the fireflies go their water. While he was there he discovered colored earth, which he mixed with the water to make paint.
On his return to the village Fox suggested to the fireflies that they could have a dance festival. Fox said he could make the music. The fireflies thought this would be great fun, so they gathered more wood to make a larger fire. While fathering the wood Fox secretly tied a piece of cedar to his tail. Fox then made the first drum, so they he could create music for the fireflies to dance to.
Fox vigorously beat the drum with a stick and moved ever closer to the fire. He pretended to tire and handed the drums to the fireflies so that they could make their own music. While he was doing this he thrust his tail into the fire, lighting the cedar that was attached to his tail. He then escaped the ceremony, saying it was too hot for him. He ran to the cedar tree and commanded it to bend down for him. Fox ran as quickly as he could with the fireflies in pursuit. As he ran, brush and wood along his path were ignited by the burning cedar on his tail.
Fox finally tired. He saw a hawk and gave the burning bark to him and instructed him to scatter sparks over the earth, which he did. The fireflies followed the Fox to his burrow. The fireflies punished Fox for stealing their fire by ensuring that he could never use fire for his own purpose.
Fire Rituals
While there are many more stories associated with fire, the properties of fire and the various elements are important to consider before performing any type of fire magic. The untamed spirit that resides in the flames of a fire is something that many of us would like to use in our everyday lives. However, centuries later, fire still remains a free and dangerous spirit that must be dealt with carefully.
The energy from fire is masculine, and its direction is south. The southern direction means that fire represents the Sun at its extreme southern declination. This is where the Sun is able to fully warm Mother Earth and infuse her with energy that will bring forth an abundant harvest. The masculine energy is yang, which is also a positive energy.
Once fire became available to man, many believed that it had numerous magical powers. Some of that belief came from the stories associated with how fire came to be, and some came from various ceremonies that involve the use of fire magic.
Fire creates the spiritual warrior in service to the highest light of truth. Fire is the force that brings us the true purpose of life. However, fire is also lethal. Fire clear the path that begins and ends with the self. On the other hand, fire is no respecter of life. It will destroy humans, animals, plants, and property indiscriminately. Fire can bestow courage, and helps us preserve a high quality in life. Fire can inspire us to connect with others in both worldly and otherworldly ways. Many fire rituals enable is top charge our energies through physical sensations. Fire energizes our essential, personal self. It also provides the energies of rebellion and revolutionary spirit. Fire is a force that requires a purity of purpose and purity of heart from its warriors. Fire is a celebration of life that inspires the next phase of the journey of self-transformation.
One legend that clearly shows the power of fire comes from the myths and legends of California and the Old Southwest. According to the legend there was a man who loved two women. The women both laughed at him and refused to marry him. The man, upset, headed north in order to make himself a boat. Once the boat was finished he set the world on fire.
Fire magic is most often used to effect necessary change, to purify, for activation or rebirth, or even to burn away an illness or wrongdoing. Fire is the element of the spiritual body and of the spiritual plane.
There is no doubt that there is something mythical, arousing, mysterious, and magical about fire. Fire is the energy of life. Fire is also nature's cleanser. Its flames move and flicker and impart a wonderful warm feeling. Fire is said to change the environment from a mundane, common one to one of adventure and romance.
There is an art to fire magic. Use this spell with a touch of caution, and remember whatever you do will come back threefold on you. The signs of the zodiac that are associated with fire are Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. The magical associations connected to fire include power, creativity, motivation, leadership, purification, strength, anger, authority, loyalty, health and virtue.
The element of fire brings out something in people that causes them to do things that normally they would not think of doing. Fire represents the cycle of life but also destroys anything in its pathway. On the flip side, fire does allow for regeneration. When working with fire magic, results come quickly because of the force within the flames. Fire is the most physical of all the elements. Fire is often used in magic to burn away old desires and bring on new ones.
Fire Magic
You can experience the magic of fire by trying one of these simple ideas. Watch closely as fires consumes and transforms an object such as paper or wood. Be sure to do this in a safe area - such as a BBQ pit, fireplace, or other similar location. Think about how fire affects you and why fire exists. Think about how fire fits into your everyday life and how often you are exposed to this magical element. Feel the heat of the fire, and see the light it creates. Finally, try to attune to fire.
Candle flames are another good way to experience fire magic. Simply light a candle, and meditate on the flame. Meditating on the flickering flames can sometimes help one achieve a new outlook on life. The flames can spur creativity that has been bottled up for some time. Fire can also kindle sexual desires. This is why fireplaces are often used in bedrooms or in honeymoon suites.
For those of you who wish to use essential oils instead of an actual flame to bring the element of fire into your life, try the following blend. It is particularly fitting for those who are drawn to the dance of flames. Mix equal parts of the following essential oils: ginger, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, and sweet orange. Try adding a few drops of an essential-oil burner, to the dryer while drying clothes, or to a massage oil or to a bathtub.
When creating a fire ritual, the first rule must be ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and participants in the ritual. When preparing the area, make sure the spot is twice as wide as the material that will be burned. It is also a good idea to clear the area of tall grass or other objects that could easily catch on fire. Make sure you have a supply of water or a hose in the area, as well as some extra shovels just in case. Most importantly, do not use chemical accelerants on the fire.
Finally, remember the embers will be carried into the air, but at some point they will come back down. Make sure people watch for these falling embers so that they do not get burned.
Often, rituals are done during the harvest season. This not only offers a wide array of burnable products to work with but also opens up farm fields, which should give plenty of room to build a bonfire.
Many of us have experienced bad luck. Here is a fire magic spell that will help to eliminate any bad luck that comes our way.
After dark, light a fire in a cauldron or other fire-safe container. Take a piece of plain whit e paper, and cut it into a three-inch by three-inch square. On this piece of paper write the words "bad luck," then list all of the things that have been happening in your life. With a black marker draw a big "X" across the paper. Throughout this ritual visualize the bad things going away and not returning. Place the paper in the fire. Repeat these words three times while watching the paper burn.
Continue to meditate on the spell, visualizing the outcome. If possible, stay with the fire and allow it to extinguish itself. If this is not possible, extinguish the fire when you are done.
by Sheri Richerson
~from Llewellyn's Magical Almanac 2005
Legends abound as to how fire came to be, but all agree that in the beginning humans did not have fire. Some say animals caught fire and gave it to us, some say trees caught fire and that is why you can get fire from rubbing two sticks together, and still others claim fire was a gift from the gods.
An Apache legend says tat long ago, before there was fire, animals and trees spoke to one another. The Fox, cleverest of the animals, spent his time trying to devise a way to create fire. Fox also wanted to learn the cry of the geese. One day he visited the geese and persuaded them to teach him how to fly. The geese made Fox promise that he would not open his eyes while in flight. They made him some wings and Fox began to fly with them and to practice their cry.
One day, however, Fox forgot his promise to keep his eyes shut. As darkness descended they flew over a village of fireflies. The glare from the fireflies was right enough to make Fox open his eyes, and instantly his wings collapsed. He could not control his fall and landed in the center of the firefly village, where a great fire burned continually.
Fox convinced the fireflies to show him how to get out of the village. Two of the fireflies led him to a cedar tree, which they said would bend down upon command and catapult him over the wall whenever he desired. With that knowledge, Fox began to plan to capture fire and escape with it.
First, Fox found the spring where the fireflies go their water. While he was there he discovered colored earth, which he mixed with the water to make paint.
On his return to the village Fox suggested to the fireflies that they could have a dance festival. Fox said he could make the music. The fireflies thought this would be great fun, so they gathered more wood to make a larger fire. While fathering the wood Fox secretly tied a piece of cedar to his tail. Fox then made the first drum, so they he could create music for the fireflies to dance to.
Fox vigorously beat the drum with a stick and moved ever closer to the fire. He pretended to tire and handed the drums to the fireflies so that they could make their own music. While he was doing this he thrust his tail into the fire, lighting the cedar that was attached to his tail. He then escaped the ceremony, saying it was too hot for him. He ran to the cedar tree and commanded it to bend down for him. Fox ran as quickly as he could with the fireflies in pursuit. As he ran, brush and wood along his path were ignited by the burning cedar on his tail.
Fox finally tired. He saw a hawk and gave the burning bark to him and instructed him to scatter sparks over the earth, which he did. The fireflies followed the Fox to his burrow. The fireflies punished Fox for stealing their fire by ensuring that he could never use fire for his own purpose.
Fire Rituals
While there are many more stories associated with fire, the properties of fire and the various elements are important to consider before performing any type of fire magic. The untamed spirit that resides in the flames of a fire is something that many of us would like to use in our everyday lives. However, centuries later, fire still remains a free and dangerous spirit that must be dealt with carefully.
The energy from fire is masculine, and its direction is south. The southern direction means that fire represents the Sun at its extreme southern declination. This is where the Sun is able to fully warm Mother Earth and infuse her with energy that will bring forth an abundant harvest. The masculine energy is yang, which is also a positive energy.
Once fire became available to man, many believed that it had numerous magical powers. Some of that belief came from the stories associated with how fire came to be, and some came from various ceremonies that involve the use of fire magic.
Fire creates the spiritual warrior in service to the highest light of truth. Fire is the force that brings us the true purpose of life. However, fire is also lethal. Fire clear the path that begins and ends with the self. On the other hand, fire is no respecter of life. It will destroy humans, animals, plants, and property indiscriminately. Fire can bestow courage, and helps us preserve a high quality in life. Fire can inspire us to connect with others in both worldly and otherworldly ways. Many fire rituals enable is top charge our energies through physical sensations. Fire energizes our essential, personal self. It also provides the energies of rebellion and revolutionary spirit. Fire is a force that requires a purity of purpose and purity of heart from its warriors. Fire is a celebration of life that inspires the next phase of the journey of self-transformation.
One legend that clearly shows the power of fire comes from the myths and legends of California and the Old Southwest. According to the legend there was a man who loved two women. The women both laughed at him and refused to marry him. The man, upset, headed north in order to make himself a boat. Once the boat was finished he set the world on fire.
Fire magic is most often used to effect necessary change, to purify, for activation or rebirth, or even to burn away an illness or wrongdoing. Fire is the element of the spiritual body and of the spiritual plane.
There is no doubt that there is something mythical, arousing, mysterious, and magical about fire. Fire is the energy of life. Fire is also nature's cleanser. Its flames move and flicker and impart a wonderful warm feeling. Fire is said to change the environment from a mundane, common one to one of adventure and romance.
There is an art to fire magic. Use this spell with a touch of caution, and remember whatever you do will come back threefold on you. The signs of the zodiac that are associated with fire are Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. The magical associations connected to fire include power, creativity, motivation, leadership, purification, strength, anger, authority, loyalty, health and virtue.
The element of fire brings out something in people that causes them to do things that normally they would not think of doing. Fire represents the cycle of life but also destroys anything in its pathway. On the flip side, fire does allow for regeneration. When working with fire magic, results come quickly because of the force within the flames. Fire is the most physical of all the elements. Fire is often used in magic to burn away old desires and bring on new ones.
Fire Magic
You can experience the magic of fire by trying one of these simple ideas. Watch closely as fires consumes and transforms an object such as paper or wood. Be sure to do this in a safe area - such as a BBQ pit, fireplace, or other similar location. Think about how fire affects you and why fire exists. Think about how fire fits into your everyday life and how often you are exposed to this magical element. Feel the heat of the fire, and see the light it creates. Finally, try to attune to fire.
Candle flames are another good way to experience fire magic. Simply light a candle, and meditate on the flame. Meditating on the flickering flames can sometimes help one achieve a new outlook on life. The flames can spur creativity that has been bottled up for some time. Fire can also kindle sexual desires. This is why fireplaces are often used in bedrooms or in honeymoon suites.
For those of you who wish to use essential oils instead of an actual flame to bring the element of fire into your life, try the following blend. It is particularly fitting for those who are drawn to the dance of flames. Mix equal parts of the following essential oils: ginger, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, and sweet orange. Try adding a few drops of an essential-oil burner, to the dryer while drying clothes, or to a massage oil or to a bathtub.
When creating a fire ritual, the first rule must be ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and participants in the ritual. When preparing the area, make sure the spot is twice as wide as the material that will be burned. It is also a good idea to clear the area of tall grass or other objects that could easily catch on fire. Make sure you have a supply of water or a hose in the area, as well as some extra shovels just in case. Most importantly, do not use chemical accelerants on the fire.
Finally, remember the embers will be carried into the air, but at some point they will come back down. Make sure people watch for these falling embers so that they do not get burned.
Often, rituals are done during the harvest season. This not only offers a wide array of burnable products to work with but also opens up farm fields, which should give plenty of room to build a bonfire.
Many of us have experienced bad luck. Here is a fire magic spell that will help to eliminate any bad luck that comes our way.
After dark, light a fire in a cauldron or other fire-safe container. Take a piece of plain whit e paper, and cut it into a three-inch by three-inch square. On this piece of paper write the words "bad luck," then list all of the things that have been happening in your life. With a black marker draw a big "X" across the paper. Throughout this ritual visualize the bad things going away and not returning. Place the paper in the fire. Repeat these words three times while watching the paper burn.
Fire burn bright,
Turn my darkness into light,
Take away my bad luck,
And bring me nothing but good luck.
With this fire burn bright,
Bring me good luck, bring me light.
So mote it be.
Turn my darkness into light,
Take away my bad luck,
And bring me nothing but good luck.
With this fire burn bright,
Bring me good luck, bring me light.
So mote it be.
Continue to meditate on the spell, visualizing the outcome. If possible, stay with the fire and allow it to extinguish itself. If this is not possible, extinguish the fire when you are done.
If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein
Blessings Bright and Dark,
