Fire + Water: A Mystic's Guide to the Edge of Two Elements
Channeling power and potential at the intersection of Fire + Water 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 + Water: Hot Spring
Hot springs are rich in dissolved minerals that can nourish and support life. In fact, many scientists believe that life on our planet originated from microorganisms that formed along the hydrothermal vents of underwater volcanos. Across cultures worldwide, humans have regarded hot springs as places for supporting health and treating ailments. At the hot spring, we witness how the combination of Fire and Water can extract qualities from one substance by heating and softening it, then transferring it to be absorbed by another entity.
Overview: Triangulating the Edge of Water + Fire
In this post, I approach The Water + Fire Edge as a source of power and possibility by exploring three topics:
1) Examples of the Water + Fire Edge in culture and ecology
2) Qualities that emerge at the Water + Fire Edge across the range of Examples
3) Prompts to connect the Edge of Water + Fire 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 Water + Fire
Below, I’ve collaged and listed some of my favorite Examples of the Water + Fire Edge in nature and culture. I chose these Examples because (to me) they represent a diverse and inspiring range of how the Edge of Water + Fire 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 Water + Fire Edge: Bathhouse (Hot tub; Steam room; Sauna); Underwater volcanos; Combustion engine; Competitive sports; Firefighters; Warm-blooded organisms (AKA Endotherms); Crater & caldera lakes; Flammable liquids (Gasoline; Alcohol; Oils)
Additional Examples of Water + Fire Edge: Hot spring; Shower; Bath; Hookah; Steam; Steel mill; Tea; Bodily fluids (Digestive; Reproductive; Blood; etc.)
Understanding the Edge: Qualities of Fire + Water
Reflecting on these Examples of where the Elements of Water and Fire 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 Water + Fire. 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) Repulsion
The Edge of Fire + Water is powered by polarity. For either of these two Elements to expand or concentrate their presence, they naturally seek separation from the other Element. When they do encounter one another, they cause each other to disperse and dissipate. For example, Fire turns ice into water, and water into steam. Water cools off magma and squelches flames. Repulsion invites us to recognize, accept, and honor the fact that different entities sometimes require fundamentally different conditions in order to thrive. Separation can be supportive.
2) Competition
When Fire and Water attempt to exist in the same space, one will ultimately prevail over the other. This Edge reminds us that (to some degree) all life must compete with and consume other life in order to survive. In our world, we see Competition ranging from natural and necessary, to cruel and unethical. For example, the type of Competition exhibited by carnivorous animals like lions in order to survive can be sharply contrasted by the greedy plundering of empires that consumes countless lives. When performed in a consensual and collaborative context, Competition can also sharpen and strengthen the individuals and relationships within a group, as seen clearly in the realm of sports.
3) Intervention
Intervention at the Edge of Fire + Water can allow us to channel and harness the powers of these two polarized Elements. For example, Water contained within a vessel over a Fire allows us to enjoy a cup of tea, a warm bath, a flavorful soup. Skillful Intervention can create new potentials by bridging and transcending the very differences that might otherwise limit and diminish what’s possible. Through understanding and respect, coupled with creativity and vision, the forces that appear to be at odds can actually be brought into alliance. Their inherent attributes that posed a liability or threat can transform into uniquely valuable resources. By working with the generative powers of tension and polarity, we can transcend an ‘either / or’ outcome and create new possibilities.
Other Qualities at the Edge of Water + Fire:
Polarity; Intensity; Confrontation; Conflict; Negotiation; Separation; Extraction; Protection; Perseverance; Vision; Reframing; Creativity; Design; Nuance; Skill; Luxury; Boundaries; Limits; Alliances; Respect; Shadow work; Facilitation; Transcendence
Reflecting the Edge: Prompts for Personal Connection to Water + Fire
After reviewing the Examples of this Edge and some of their overarching Qualities, you may already be sensing some ways that the Edge of Water + Fire 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 Water + Fire.
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