Fire Symbols and Meanings

Alchemy symbol and/or Aristotelian symbol for the element of Fire:
In the practicing alchemist’s point of view, fire is a catalyst to both initiating and completing metaphysical demonstrations. This symbol signifies upward mobility, forward motion, rising flames and aspirations to solar embodiment (in both literal and philosophical senses). To move into the energy of fire is to be utterly consumed, transformed and lifted out of limitation (vis a vis: smoke rising – also bringing to mind the symbolic message of the phoenix in alchemical literature). For a look at all the element symbols click here

Another Alchemy Fire Symbol:
Found in alchemical texts, this symbol corresponds with southern directions in practical ritual, the season of summer, and is also a symbol associated with archangel Michael. This emblem also signifies connections made within the realm of transformation – the point meeting in the center is both connected and affecting each opposite end (as well as bridging opposites). Find more alchemy symbols on this website here.

Celtic Symbol of the Triple Flame (Awen):
The ancient Celts were keenly aware of the metaphorical significance of fire and its spiritually transformative properties. Examples of this knowledge are found in Celtic statues and art in the form of three flames or rays found upon the faces of deities or Celtic clansmen and women. These flames were rendered in lines aspiring up and outwards to the subject’s forehead with the base of the three lines meeting at the bridge of the nose. This motif is symbolic of Awen a Celtic concept of enlightenment, inspiration, and total unification of polarities (in other words, a calm balance struck between male/female, physical/ethereal, etc. within the human awareness).

Chinese Symbol Trigram for Fire:
The I Ching, or Book of Changes is a philosophical body of work whose foundation stems from eight symbolic trigrams. In turn, each trigram resonates with corresponding energies. In this case, the Chinese symbol for fire (as seen in the trigram shown left) corresponds with the element of fire. This trigram also indicates southern directions (useful in Feng Shui practices). The symbol speaks of clarity, independence, health and vision (philosophically speaking, but this trigram rules the physical eyes within the body). The Chinese animal that corresponds with this fire symbol is the pheasant. For more Chinese symbols click here.

Ken Rune, a Symbol of Fire and Strength:
The Nordic Futhark, a rune system of divination based on 24 alphabetical symbols derived from ancient Germans, Scandinavians and Anglo-Saxon tribes established a magnificent form of communication between that which is physical and non-physical. The ken rune, shown left, represents the flame or fire. It is a symbol of positive action, sexual prowess, passion, warmth and positive direction. As an oracle this symbol indicates a blossoming of understanding that will light the way for new adventure. It also indicates winning and success, and so it is also a symbol of victorious warriors.

Mayan Symbol Version for Fire:
A composite of several symbolic elements: K’ak is represented by the flame itself; as a whole, this represents the Hand of Fire – the fire holder. This glyph is also representative of the incense burner, a sacred device which is the focal point of fire rituals. This specific Mayan fire symbol is an artistic rendition of the yajaw k’ak’ which translates to mean “servant of Fire.” More importantly, the symbol itself expresses the point of ignition of magic – that explosive apex in time and place when cosmic flame enters the awareness. This is a state of unification between body and psyche, as fire is a consummate unifier. See also hand symbolism here.

Native American Symbol of the Seven Rays:
From the Uto-Aztecs comes this common fire and sun symbol motif representing the seven rays of spiritual development. Each ray is symbolic of the energetic fire that ignites the whole (or soul) of man. The seven ray sun is also a symbol of fire in the Cherokee symbolic language as each of the seven rays are symbolic of the seven ceremonies of the year, each revolving around a sacred fire.

Shinto Tomoe Symbol:
Not strictly a fire symbol, but included here for its lessons of balance. The word tomoe means “turning” or “circle,” and the symbol is also called a fire wheel. The Shinto/Buddhist symbol shown here is reminiscent of the yin yang symbol, and holds many of the same symbolic/energetic traits. This symbol is occasionally shown with three flames, each symbolizing humanity, heaven and earth – the three foundations of Shinto philosophy.

Tibetan Mo Divinatory Syllables:
A practice of Tibetan monks is to recite six syllables in their meditations with the understanding that the focused energy of each syllable powerfully corresponds to a particular cosmic force. In our scenario, the symbols shown left are the syllables, “tsa ra,” which means “the sword of flames.” In divinatory language, this symbol indicates the power and influence inherent in the force of fire. The recipient of this oracle should understand the destructive powers of fire, and in this understanding wield cosmic fire as a tool for declaring love, taking right action, and moving through blockages.