Celebrating Gardens
May 18, 2023
Reflections on a Qigong Retreat
September 2, 2023Elements of Change - Fire
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” Rumi
Here we are at the summer solstice, the high point of the solar cycle. Summer is the season of fire. At this time of year, the rotation of the earth around the sun results in longer daylight hours and it is the most naturally active time of year, a time of celebration.
Fire represents awakening, the triumph of light over dark, growth, inspiration, energy, creativity, self-development and passion.
Fire is the element of transformation, it is the spark of life, consciousness and action. Fire is the initiator that transforms what is on the inside of us, into outer action and manifestation.
The Oak tree is linked with the Summer Solstice. The Celtic word for Oak, duir, means doorway, and Oak, as the king of the forest, is seen as a doorway to the darker cycle of the year that is about to begin.
I have a favourite Oak tree that I regularly spend time with. I still recall the first time I noticed its majestic beauty and approached it reverently.
My palm connected fully with its ancient bark and there followed a profound depth of stillness as my breathing slowed. I felt my energy field expand, becoming more present and connected. There was a sense of coming home, of belonging and renewal.
The Bach Remedy Oak - courtesy of The Bach Centre
Being in the presence of this mighty Oak is deeply healing as it engages my senses fully. Its strength, endurance and stability, like the Oak Bach Flower essence “picks us up when exhausted and tempers resilience with self-awareness.”
I suspect many people are drawn to the beauty of this tree and I would urge you to find a tree whose energy you resonate with and spend some time with it. Give thanks for the wisdom of nature, available to all minds curious about the magic and wonder of the universe.
Use fire to cleanse and purify, to let go of limitations and attachments and anything that blocks your potential. Transcend the limitations of the ego, the illusions we create for ourselves.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, in the cycle of life, fire represents our most productive years. These years are for the fulfilment of our life purpose. Each person’s capacity for work and service is greatest during this phase of life.
As the sun stands still, be still and notice where you are, right here, right now. Allow the increased light to illuminate the spiritual light of consciousness within. Connect to your inner fire, allow your innate integrity and truth fire your spiritual journey.
Dedicate and light a candle as a symbolic act to honour the light within. Call upon your inner light to show you how to be in the world, how to see situations you find troubling and how to see the light in one another.
When we ask for light we learn that we are light, the living flame of love. Give thanks for this wisdom and understanding, which helps us see ourselves and all humanity as we really are.
The spiritual life is a guided life. Be open and receptive to the universal inspiration which seeks expression through you. We are each a spark of the divine.
Be still and ask, “where is my presence most needed today.” Offering our presence to the world is how we bless each other. Be open to blessings. We are designed to be a gift and a blessing to each other.
