Fire, one of the four elements of our world. Fire has played such an important role in our evolutionary history that it makes sense that fire worship as always been with us. The importance of the sun, the warmth from the family hearth, and the power of volcanoes and lightning are all represented in fire. The craft of the blacksmiths, iron, warfare and metal tools. The ability of fire to mold and create but also to destroy and burn gives it immense power and a whole wealth of gods and goddesses characterize this element. So what it is to be guided by fire and what does it mean if the element of fire is part of your energy?
Fire spirits burns bright. In play, they are adventurous, brave, energetic and outgoing. They have a youthful spirit regardless of age and are often progressive and excitable. In work, they have natural leadership qualities, feel passionate and actively pursue their goals. They may have a burning desire to create, inspire or lead and they can often feel a calling to deliver an important message to the world. On the flip side all of this passion, this brightness can become destructive. Fire spirits can sometimes be brash, chaotic, disruptive, irresponsible and unreliable. Just like fire can keep you warm but also burn, fire energy needs to be channeled with thought and care.
Below are a few fire and flame goddesses from around the world, I've tried to cover the different aspects of fire worship and the characteristics that are make up their energy.
PELE
Goddess of volcanoes, fire and lightning. She who shapes the sacred land of Hawaii. Pele is loved but also feared on the islands. Many choose not to say her name in case she is listening. Pele is beautiful, passionate, fiery and full of energy and impatience. Her love is powerful and deep but can cause great pain to her and those around her. Her spirit, like the volcano that she inhabits is volatile and can be wrathful if she is hurt. Legend says Pele will curse any who steal from her and many Hawaiian rocks have been returned to the island by people who believe they now have bad luck for stealing from her. For more information on Pele, read this post. www.thecoventinapress.co.uk/post/goddess-pele-of-hawaii
SEKHMET
Sekhmet is an Egyptian goddess, whose name mean 'she who is powerful'. She was created with the fire of the sun, from Ra's eye as he looked upon the Earth. She was the fire, the weapon that would destroy you for your disobedience. Goddess of the hot desert sun, war, the plague and chaos. She was definitely a Goddess to be feared, however she was also a healer and for her friends she could divert the plagues and cure any illness. She was the patron of all healers and the protector of the Pharaohs.
HESTIA
Hestia. Greek goddess of the hearth fire and one of the twelve Olympians. Worship of Hestia was centered on the hearth, both at home and as a sacrificial fire. In ancient greece, fire was essential in the household for warmth, food and sacrificial offerings and Hestia was the divine personification of the hearth fire. She was everywhere and all important, but hers was not the burning bright fire of destruction but the warming fire of home and hospitality and she was loved and respected by all.
DRAUPADI
Draupadi, Hindu goddess of fire. She was born from the sacrificial fires themselves. She is the heroic princess from the Hindu epic of Mahabharata. Draupadi is a complicated goddess, known for being full of romance, charisma, intrigue and mystery. She displays all the exuberance of a fire spirit. Draupadi was strong-willed and stubborn but in all the best ways. A woman with unbending will, proud and angry with the strength to bear the trials and tribulations life threw at her and there were many.
GABIJA
Goddess Gabija is the fire spirit in Lithuanian mythology. Many of the rituals and traditions surrounding Gabija are still practiced today and fire is sacred to all Lithuanians. Gabija is a feminine energy and the women of the household would protect the scared hearth fire. This included banking it at night, feeding her and making sure only the right materials were given to her. She would never be disrespected or insulted, as Gabija could walk, burning everything in her path.
I will definitely be exploring fire energy more in my journey as I find the fine line between creative power and destructive power fascinating. And although I am an Earth spirit, through and through, we could all do with harnessing that fire from time to time. If you like this post and are interested in finding out more about the other elements or Goddess in this post head over to the Goddess directory.
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