Of the five elements in feng shui, fire is the one that often commands the most attention. This applies to all facets of this fiery element of summer. Earth, metal, water, and wood are all just as significant; they're just apt to be more subtle. Fire, by its very nature, gets noticed.

In the physical world fire is represented by qualities that remind us of flames -- reds and bright oranges, triangular or cone shapes. Lighting, candles, and the sun also are symbolic of fire. People and animals, as well as those things made from animals, bring a fire quality to a space. This includes clothing, furniture, and/or decorative items of fur, leather, bone, and/or feathers. Art that depicts animals, sunshine, light, or fire itself all evoke this element.

Each element is associated with a time of day and a season. Think about the heat of a fire and it is easy to understand why midday is the time and summer is the season of fire. Energetically the movement is upward, just as flames reach up in the heat of a fire. We naturally balance the fire of summer by seeking water and shade.

When fire is in balance it supports action, motivation, leadership, and healthy emotional interactions. It's about excitement and fast action. Spaces with a balanced amount of fire support these qualities. When there is too much in an environment, it stimulates aggression, impatience, and impulsive behavior. It is for this reason that bright red is not a good color for children's rooms or for any bedrooms. Consider that people who drive red cars receive more speeding tickets. The fire color is noticed and perceived as active or fast. In that case, red, the color of fire, attracts more attention than is desired.

A lack of the fire element has the opposite effect. There tends to be a lack of energy and/or motivation. Emotional darkness and coldness can set in. The fire has gone out. By bringing in some red color, triangular shapes, or other fire symbols, it is easy to lift the energy of a space. Art depicting the fire element can go a long way toward adding this energetic element to a room.

All this applies to people also. Those with a dominant fire element are easy to spot. They are the ones who are always noticed. They tend to dress flamboyantly and wear a lot of reds and other bright colors. They are often known as active, passionate, enthusiastic, volatile, and/or exciting and fun. Many leaders have fire-dominated personalities. If you want to have a good party, be sure to invite some fire people.

Too much fire in your personality? People with too much of this element can be overwhelming to be around. Remember that water puts out fire. Bring asymmetry, water, and blues into your environment. Art depicting water can be very soothing. Nobody wants to put out the fire completely - just keep it from raging out of control. So a little bit of water added with intention can go a long way!

What if you want to have more of this fire energy? In addition to creating an environment with more fire components, think about adding fire to your wardrobe. If flamboyant red clothing is not something you're comfortable in, consider triangular jewelry, or leather or wool clothing. Add touches of red to your bedroom to support passion.

Some environments need more fire energy than others. Even a space that doesn't require much fire energy usually needs a bit of it. Sometimes a person who consciously creates a soothing environment will find that it is difficult to be productive in it and not know why since the space is so relaxing and appears as though as should be meeting all the needs of those who use it. This often applies to offices of massage therapists and other healers. A couple of candles and strategically placed pieces of art can provide the energy of fire to support the work that needs to be done in that space.

It is always important to have all the elements represented because each one brings specific qualities to an environment. Balance is always the key to a space feeling welcoming and supportive. Use intention to support any changes you make to enhance, lessen, or balance fire energy.


Carol C. Wheelock, M.Ed. of Feng Shui Vermont is a certified feng shui practitioner who has studied in the United Sates and China. She practices Black Sect or western feng shui. Carol does private consultations for homes, schools, libraries, and businesses; clutter counseling and clearing; spaces clearings; phone consultations; presentations; and teaches workshops throughout the United States. She also does personal clearings.