So many song lyrics come to mind! ‘We didn’t start the fire’, ‘come on baby light my fire’, ‘a ring of fire’, ‘great balls of fire’, ‘can’t start a fire without a spark’ – I could go on but let’s view the Fire element in Feng Shui. In its positive form it represents energy, action, love and passion. In its negative form, it can be seen as anger, aggression and too much heat. The key colours that partner with Fire are shades of red and purple. Other elements that partner with Fire – Wood feeds Fire, Fire nourishes Earth becoming ash. The elements to avoid are Water which puts Fire out and Metal which is melted by Fire.
Where Can I use Fire?
Checking out the Bagua Map, the most obvious sector is the Fame and Reputation area. This area is all about how you are perceived in public and how you present yourself. The key colour is obviously red, not a favourite colour of mine. This doesn’t mean you need to go and paint a wall red, although some would recommend this. Use accessories such as cushions, a piece of furniture or a painting to suggest that red is there. Candles are a great touch here. In our past Berlin apartment, this is where we placed a favourite Chinese money chest that has travelled with us. A Chinese red vase and pictures depicting abundance with hints of red in the picture frames add enough of the colour and element for our tastes.
Fire can also add passion to the Relationship corner but go easy as it can flow over into anger according to Feng Shui practice. Hints of red or pink can add enough. Our Berlin bedroom was in this area and both of us prefer blues, soft aquas and French caffe latte colours. However, we found a lovely quilt that fitted the Feng Shui element while not being too feminine and adding the right Belle Epoque style we both love. If you are single and looking for a partner, it is recommended to put red in the room but don’t forget to always place two items to signify a partnership. If it is the lounge – look for soft furnishings. If it is the kitchen, red accessories can add energy but be careful that you don’t unbalance the fire and water aspects. If it is the office – it is about your reputation so keep it professional and balance with wood and earth touches. Health and Family is also a sector where a touch of fire can be added as this is a Wood sector and Wood feeds Fire. Just be careful if your kitchen is in this area as you will want to balance the fire and water aspects. Check out my earlier post on the kitchen, a key area in Feng Shui practice. https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/12/10/feng-shui-the-kitchen/
Where to Avoid Using Fire
If you recall, Metal is melted by Fire and Water puts fire out. It is not recommended to put Fire elements in the front of the Bagua map. Fire is about action and passion and in the Inner Knowledge sector, you are seeking peace and calm. The Career sector is a Water sector so you definitely don’t want Water to put out the fire! Keep candles away if your bathroom is in this sector like mine. Equally, the Travel and Helpful People sector has the element of Metal and is also not recommended. Often a touch is all you need and if it really won’t work, there are various cures like putting red ribbon or tape within drawers and cupboards – check with a Feng Shui practitioner who will view the actual space.
