by Introducing the effects of the fiery principle
In the previous Steps, we explored the manifestation of the elements on an inner level. We began with the Mirror work in Step One and then moved on to the soul balancing in Step Two. Now, it’s time to shift our focus to the objective experience of the elements. We will consider their reality not just as expressions of our individual constitution, but also begin to evaluate their essence.
However, what we are discussing here is not the pure elemental essence (for more information, see the post on the philosophy of the Elements) but rather the quantitative aspect of the Element —its physical manifestation. Unlike previous approaches, this perspective emphasises identifying the Element as an external factor that can be interacted with through practice.
The principle of the Fire Element is characterised by heat and expansion, forming a radiant shape that extends in all directions, much like a sphere. Physically, it manifests as kinetic energy, with chaotic interactions between its constituent particles (electrons, atoms, and molecules) that generate heat and influence matter. This can be observed in processes such as melting ice, vaporising water, and dissolving rigid structures. Understanding these qualities of the Fire Element will be helpful for our upcoming practice:
- Sit comfortably in your usual position with your eyes closed, imagining that you are at the centre of a sphere of fire surrounding you on all sides; the entire universe transforms into fire.
- Use the pore-breathing technique to inhale the Element through your nose and your entire body. As you breathe in, feel the fire as a warm, expansive force entering both your physical and soul body. When you exhale, clear your mind and focus on maintaining that feeling of warmth within you.
- Continue with your inhalations, gradually increasing the sensation of fiery pressure until the heat becomes more intense. You should feel feverish, as if you are transforming into a blazing fire. Initially, you may perceive these sensations only at the soul level, but with practice, you can translate them into physical sensations. Begin with seven breaths, and gradually increase to twenty or thirty, depending on your capacity. Using a necklace with 40 beads or knots may help you avoid distractions during this practice.
- After the last sequence, maintain the Fire state for a while. Then, proceed with the exercise in reverse order. During inhalation, clear your mind of all thoughts. As you exhale, use the same technique as before, visualising the gradual return of the Fire Element to the universe. Ensure that the number of exhalations matches the number of inhalations. The exercise concludes when the sensation of heat has wholly disappeared.
- In the following sessions, alternate the same practice with your eyes both closed and open.
Bardon references the Tibetan practice of gTum-mo 1 in relation to the exercise. This practice enables practitioners to master the Fire Element to the extent that they can dry wet clothes wrapped around their bodies or walk outside in winter without clothing. However, achieving such mastery necessitates an apprenticeship, which can be challenging for someone from the West. Additionally, focusing exclusively on one Element or practice diverges from the hermetic approach, which emphasises working with all the Elements.
Just as in the previous Steps, we continue to focus on imagination. Bardon emphasises, “The entire process of inhaling the fire element through the body is, of course, purely imaginative and should be practised with the greatest realism of the element.” It has already been said on As mentioned before, some exercises in the earlier Steps aim to recreate sensory impressions using the mind and the imaginative faculties. This approach seeks to unify the being across the mental, astral, and physical planes, and it applies here as well.
Bardon cautions against performing these exercises without first achieving a basic balance in character traits through Mirror work. In the preface to the third Step of soul formation, he states, “Before starting with this Step, the astral balance of the elements in the soul must be established through introspection and self-control, unless you want to harm yourself. If you are uncertain that none of the elements are dominant, you should continue working on perfecting your character during this developmental phase. However, you may still work on the elements of the astral body.”
This warning is not just about the potential dangers of practising before reaching the appropriate level of preparation; it also addresses the futility of proceeding if the essential foundations for success have not been established. It is crucial to strike a balance, particularly regarding your main personality traits. However, you can still progress as long as you take the time to refine the other aspects simultaneously.
- gTum-mo, or the yoga of psycho-physical heat, is part of the completion phase (or strengthening) of the practices followed by the Tibetan bKa’-brgyud-pa school (school of oral tradition). ↩︎
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