Neptune's Dolphins

As the physical manifestation of their element, the Elementals are its purest form. For fire, the Salamander is representative of that building block of nature. First named “Volcanus” by Paracelus, this Elemental was thought to be volcanic in nature and origin. Since they are erratic and intense, Salamanders can be liken to volcanos. They do hold dominion over lava and ash, as well as, lightning, all destructive and unpredictable.

 

Salamanders receive their name from the Greek word “salambe” which means “fireplace.” This particular Fire Elemental resembles the amphibian. The story goes that fire salamanders lived in rotting logs, often sleeping in them. When the log was thrown into the hearth fire, this amphibian would race out. Therefore, people regarded the newt to be the representative of the fire. Hence, the salamander with a black body and yellow spots received the name “Fire Salamander.”

 

In the basic elements of existence, Fire is considered “substance,” Air “motion,” Water ‘quality,” and Air “quantity.” According to Heraclitus, Greek philosopher, Fire was the first substance from which all other matter flows. As the Ultimate Reality (Arche), Fire gave rise to the other elements. Pondering his ideas, the Stoics came to see that the Cosmos was directed by the Great Central Fire (at the Center of the Cosmos).

 

Expounding on his beliefs, Heraclitus said that the world order exists like “an everlasting fire, kindling in measures and going out in measures.” His first principle was “all things are exchanged for fire, and fire for all things.” By being in eternal flux, a constant transformation of opposites happened. However, there is also an unity of opposites, since fire was both destructive and stabilizing. (“Fire for everything and everything for fire.”) By purifying, fire allows for stability to happen and therefore this element gives sense and order to the Cosmos.

 

In the Cosmos, there are different kinds of Fire Elementals. Some ignite fire and sustain life like Salamanders. Basilisks, which resemble lizards, despise humans, killing them with their gaze. The pixie-like Geancanach of the Hebrides can be found near hearths. These Elementals play pranks on people. Will-O-the Wisps appear as fireflies or fairy lights. They are often found in marshes leading travelers astray. Meanwhile, Djinns appear as dust devils in the desert. As servants of the Goddess Aine, Dinnshenchas protect women by taking on terrifying forms.

 

A kind Salamander will offer a warm heart and inspire great beauty. They will help a person weather their inner storms by offering stability. Burning away what is no longer needed, a Salamander offers transformation for each person.

 

Fire Elementals can act as a catalyst in a person’s life. They can move the person forward to do what is needed. However, they are more invested in transformation than with the outcome. Therefore since Fire Elementals will destroy things, a specific goal is needed in guiding them.

 

To know a Fire Elemental, stand in the sunshine and feel the rays on your back. Gaze upon a flame and see one dance. If a Fire Elemental contacts you, they will leave red, orange, and yellow objects. Others will reward you with a yellow glint off a shiny object or a red blaze of flame.

 

Fire Elementals are profound beings. Living in the blazing infernos, they are pure energy. To know one is to be inspired and passionate. Therefore, care needs to be made with Fire Elementals as They will turn everything into ash eventually and then remake it.

 

Suggested Reading:

Alexandria Chauran, “Faeries and Elementals for Beginners”

Taylor Ellwood, “Walking with Elemental Spirits”

Manly P. Hall, “The Elements and Their Inhabitants”