Springtime Awakenings
by Anna Duval

The first fiery sparks of spring begin with Aries. In many stories from countless traditions, fire plays a central symbolic role. The Greeks told of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods to deliver to humankind. He must have first taken it from Vesta’s hearth, she being the goddess whose one job it was to keep the sacred flame alight, knowing all divine power emanated from it. Wise Prometheus, (whose name means forethought,) had a scatterbrained brother, Epimetheus, (afterthought.) The two had been delegated the task of creating all the world’s creatures, including humanity, and Epimetheus had impulsively handed out all the "best" qualities, (like strength and swiftness, courage and cunning, fur and feathers and wings and shells) to the animals, and Prometheus had to step in to figure out how to make humans superior to them. So, in addition to fashioning humans to walk upright, like the gods, Prometheus gave us fire. Providing protection and warmth, and as a boon to creativity, (as in cooking and metallurgy ,) fire symbolizes the power to be, to create, and to conquer. (alternatively, to share.)

As in the above story from the Celts, there is often this image of taking smaller fires from one grand fire. In ancient Greek and Roman households, a central flame was always kept going, in homage to Vesta as well as for practical uses. (It was considered a bad omen for this central flame to go out! Imagine living without modern matches or pilot lights - how would you light your stove?) There is a connection here, also, between fire and wealth. Small fires, with intention and care, can turn into big ones. Mide’s successor, as caretaker of the central flame, becomes rich, not only with pigs and corn, but with recognition, and all the creative opportunities that are sure to follow.

So here we are now at the vernal equinox in fiery Aries, the time many astrologers interpret as the beginning of a cycle. We note Aries as the first spark, with qualities of impulsiveness and headstrong behavior. In spring we are new, fresh, instinctive, spontaneous, and, perhaps, innocent of what may come as the cycle goes forward. Aries’ downfall would be epimethian in nature, not really thinking what you’ll do with that fire as it grows. Will you follow through? Will circumstances collude to douse the spark? And what if your spark grows to become out of control? Can you manage it? Helpful hints come from Prometheus: whether rational or intuitive or both, think ahead, and at least be grounded and smart in your intentions.

Promethean wisdom can be gathered by studying the 5 Element Theory as it is used in Feng Shui. What I love about using the 5 Elements is how they flow one into the next in their creative cycle. When we plug into that cycle we naturally generate energy in our lives - health, wealth, knowledge, relationships - all the good stuff!

Spring (the wood element) brings forth whatever smoldering sparks that survived the past cycle. (Are your bulbs shooting up yet?) But it is also the time of equalized extremes between water (winter) and fire (summer.) While water energy seeps downward and fire flames upward, wood releases outwardly in all directions. Winter’s Water, (represented in the North), is the place we go to rest and recuperate; it’s the time we can truly let go and receive true-to-source directions for the upcoming cycle. Then spring (wood, in the East) is the time we venture out, clear in our intentions because we took the time to relax, open and receive. Then we can come into spring balanced and centered, looking forward to the passionate heat of summer fun and fulfillment (fire, in the South.)

Chinese Medicine recommends we balance and prepare in spring for all the fire energy coming our way. (Statistics show we have more sex, sleep less, and have way more fun in summertime!) Nurture your jing (the essence that supports the fire of the gate of life) with a liver cleanse and pure, vibrant foods. The wood element is associated with the liver, and when it’s clear we feel expansive, kind, at ease, and can make decisions gently. Then, naturally, all the gifts of heaven and earth can come.

Be aware of the cycle - where are you taking it? Are you grounded and nurtured? If you’re feeling unsure of your beginning, go back to the source until you’ve sorted things out. Balance water in the North and fire in the South. You may wish to observe your creative desires in the East (wood: greens, growing things) - images, colors, or objects to awaken expansive energies. Heal and become full enough. Then trust and empower your growing cycle into the future!

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© 2004 Anna Duval
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