Air + Fire: A Mystic's Guide to the Edge of Two Elements
Channeling power and potential at the intersection of Air + Fire through The Edge Oracle
Context: The Edge Oracle
The Edge Oracle is a collection of original symbols, each representing a specific ‘edge’ or in-between place. The intention of The Edge Oracle is to provide tools and frameworks that integrate the wisdom and power held by the (often overlooked) liminal spaces of our world, into our everyday lives.
The first set of symbols within The Edge Oracle represents the 6 Edges that connect the 4 traditional Elements of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. For more background, check out my Introduction to The Edge Oracle post.
Symbol of Fire + Air: The Star
Growing outward from its explosive core, the Star is not a fire that can be controlled. It has no choice but to shine and expand - which occurs through the tension of two opposing forces (inward; gravity + outward; pressure). However, we do not know exactly how the Star’s initial core explosion is created. It remains one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics. What we do know is that every Star’s life will be determined by the unique combination of elements and conditions that formed it. By fusing the elements within its own core, the Star emanates the light and warmth that breathes life into other worlds across the galaxy.
Overview: Triangulating the Edge of Fire + Air
In this post, I approach The Fire+ Air Edge as a source of power and possibility by exploring three topics:
1) Examples of the Fire + Air Edge in culture and ecology
2) Qualities that emerge at the Fire + Air Edge across the range of Examples
3) Prompts to connect the Edge of Fire + Air to your personal life
This framework — Edge Triangulation — is designed to provide ways to access, understand, and reflect the wisdom of any Edge. This is a foundational aspect of The Edge Oracle, and subscribers to DEEPER will receive first access to future posts where I’ll be sharing more tools and methods like this for engaging with wisdom from the Edges.
Accessing the Edge: Examples of Fire + Air
Below, I’ve collaged and listed some of my favorite Examples of the Fire + Air Edge in nature and culture. I chose these Examples because (to me) they represent a diverse and inspiring range of how the Edge of Fire + Air can manifest in physical and conceptual forms. As you view/read them, I encourage you to notice which ones spark the most curiosity or interest for you, and to take note of any Examples that come to mind which are not on this list.
Collage Examples of Fire + Air Edge: Stars; Songs; Children; Dragons; Lightning; Fireflies; Celebrities; Fireworks
Additional Examples of Fire + Air Edge: Sparks; Lasers; Artists; Microphones; Radiation; Sunbathing; Siroccos; Dehydration; Nuclear fusion; Solar power
Understanding the Edge: Qualities of Fire + Air
Reflecting on these Examples of where the Elements of Fire and Air meet in our world, we may start to notice some recurring conceptual Qualities that exist at this Edge. Based on my own observation, research, and reflection, here are three key Qualities that emerge consistently at the Edge of Fire + Air. I’d also encourage you to personally engage with the Examples of this Edge that resonate strongest with you, and see what other Qualities might emerge from them.
1) Authenticity
The Edge of Fire + Air is the energy that breathes and burns at our core. Here, we are invited to trust the pull and power of our desires, while also deepening our connections to their inner sources. By examining our personal history, patterns and tendencies, we can become more familiar with the shape of our life, and how our desires weave through it. And yet — our motivations will always remain somewhat of a mystery. The Edge of Fire + Air invites us to embrace our evident and undeniable powers, in spite of uncertainties. Authenticity breeds expansion, both inward and outward.
2) Uninhibitedness
The Edge of Fire + Air is where our core passions meet unbridled expression. The way forward is to be as true to our present experience as possible, and give voice to it with whatever resources are available. There is a childlike impulse and freedom — no filter. This quality does not look for support from beyond oneself and the present moment — this is the trust fall into your own purpose and resilience, with courage that is not dependent upon how others will observe, understand, or interpret you.
3) Emanation
The art of transforming our inner explorations into outward expressions is the work of Emanation. While it is potent, personal work — it is not precious. Emanation invites us to shine and be seen without becoming too attached or entangled by where our expressions move. Rather, it asks us to stay focused on the alchemical process of giving form to that which is unseen. As we become more fluent in channeling the internal to the external, our Emanation becomes more quick, easeful, and light. The more deeply we collaborate with the powers at our source, the stronger and further we are able to share its shine.
Other Qualities at the Edge of Fire + Air:
Singularity; Ego; Initiating; Impulse; Instinct; Desire; Motivation; Independence; Disruption; Courage; All-in; Carpe Diem; Invigoration; Explosiveness; Visibility; Self-trust; Regulation; Celebration; Gratitude; Mystery; Source
Reflecting the Edge: Prompts for Personal Connection to Fire + Air
After reviewing the Examples of this Edge and some of their overarching Qualities, you may already be sensing some ways that the Edge of Fire + Air is reflected in your own life. To help us further access the power of this Edge, here are some Prompts to identify and strengthen your personal connection with the Edge of Fire + Air.
When you see [Quality] and [Example] — insert any of the aforementioned Edge Qualities / Examples that most interest you. I recommend using a journal to write, reflect, and see where it leads.
Edge “Example” Prompts:
What do I find beautiful, admirable, or unique about [Example]?
What don’t I understand about [Example]? Through research or having a direct experience with [Example], what becomes revealed to me?
After noticing what inspires and/or intrigues me about [Example] from the previous two questions — what do these attributes of [Example] reflect back to me about myself, my desires, or my current situation?
Edge “Quality” Prompts:
Where does [Quality] feel most present or most absent in my life right now? How do I feel about that, and what can I learn about myself or my situation based on the presence or absence of [Quality]?
What are my biggest priorities right now? For each of those priorities, what is my relationship to / the role of [Quality]? How could I try shifting my relationship to [Quality] as a way to better support this priority?
What are some things I have learned about [Quality] through personal experience and/or from observing it elsewhere? How might I apply these learnings to support me now?
Closing Thoughts & What’s Next:
Through The Edge Oracle, my intention is to create more awareness, understanding, and collaboration with the possibility and power that exists at the Edges of our world. Through DEEPER, I will continue to expand upon this with upcoming posts about:
-Each of the 5 other Elemental Edges, and their unique Examples & Qualities
-How to work with the Edges in a Question/Answer format (and combine it with other practices like Tarot & Astrology)
-The Edge Temple: How the 4 Elements and 6 Edges work together
…. and lots more!
Thanks for being here. With love,
Dante Deeper