23/07/2009

To be sure, all elementals are unique and bring forth unique gifts to the cosmic table of life.  But fire elementals (also known as Salamanders) are particularly remarkable.

The key to what sets Salamanders apart from other elementals (earth, air, water) is also what causes their presence to be underestimated in our dealings with elementals. 

Why? Because fire elementals represent inherent potential in all life. 

True, Salamanders are in full-bodied force when their energy is ignited, and when their presence is made manifest by a frenzy of flames.

However, it is the potential that fire elementals imply that is the vessel of true power.

Everything has the capacity to either ignite or be consumed by the element of fire.  Within all creation indwells an underlying *spark* and that animating spark is an energetic kinsman to the Salamander clan.

What does this mean on a symbolic level, and how can this knowledge enhance our collective awareness?

It means a primitive, higher power indwells the soul of all life and tapping into that primal power provides a fuel so magnificent we run the risk of losing ourselves to it completely.

Why? Because fire elementals are the spokespirits for essences such as:

•    Activation
•    Creation
•    Purification
•    Sexuality
•    Assertion
•    Consumption

With these kinds of energies under their belt, Salamanders can be utterly overwhelming.  But, to the practitioner who has invested him/herself to the nature of the fire element, the rewards can be illuminating.

Salamanders are gatekeepers into intense worlds of energy and spirituality.  Indeed, they are considered guardians of wild, fiery realms by shamanic practitioners.  Also, energetic mages invoke fire elementals when conducting shape shifting practices. 

This makes utter sense as the nature of Salamanders is extremely changeable, not to mention unpredictable and sometimes volatile. 

Ancient alchemists and mystics often debated as to the viability of the lessons taught by fire elementals.  They reasoned these energetic beings were so combustible, knowledge gained from them was as fleeting as the ashes left in
Salamanders' wake.   Elemental experts argued only  fleeting, nomadic wisdom could be gained from Salamanders because of their flash-to-smolder nature.

I disagree.  I believe the devoted Adept and pupil can sit at the side of this energy, adding fathoms of permanent depth and knowledge from Salamander-kind.

And I still maintain the most important of these lessons is the concept of potential. 

When working with Salamander energy, here are some meditation suggestions to spark enlightenment about fire elementals and their indwelling potential:

•    Work with Salamanders by acknowledging the location of their cardinal throne from the South.
•    Light a candle and/or burn incense as a way to acknowledge fire elemental energy.
•    Incorporate your lower chakras (root, sacral) when working with fire elementals.
•    Focus on your inner creativity being coaxed into ignition by your indwelling soul-flame.  That soul-flame holds hands with Salamander spirit and their union will be consummated by your creative impulses.
•    Meditate upon your inner fire, sultry and surging with warmth.  Visualize your neuro-network illumined with the gentle presence of fire elementals.
•    Feel warmth and an undercurrent of fluid power associated with the Salamander run through every orifice of your awareness.
•    Now, let that warmth spread, but before it gets too far, begin to form a mental and spiritual encampment.   Formulate stones around your spiritual fire in order to channel, focus and contain the energy.  Working with fire elementals requires mental discipline.  Left to run amok and without respecting their power can prove to be unpleasant.
•    After circling your spiritual flame with a tight focus of motive and intention, sit around your divine campfire and contemplate the indwelling potential. 
        --If you require purification, submit it to the fire. 
        --If you need more passion in your life, express this to the fire. 
        --If you desire more creative spontaneity, convey this to your inner fire.
•    Never fully extinguish your meditative fire.  Rather, use your focus to reduce the pyre down to a flicker, and allow the flame to smolder to ashes of its own volition.  Visualize this reduction.  See the hot coals warming you from the inside out. 
•    Know this indwelling warmth is always available to you - always there to rekindle your sensuality, creativity and passion.

These are just a few tips to working with Salamanders.

If you want to know more about elementals, and what they are, check out this article: An Introduction to Elementals

Don't stop with Salamanders.  Explore all the elemental clans by following these links:

• Earth Elementals (Gnomes)
• Air Elementals (Sylphs)
• Water Elementals (Undines)

Written by Avia Venefica of www.whats-your-sign.com