https://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/12/22/kinetic-sculpture-wind-water-and-sun/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/phil-price_tree-of-life_2010.jpgPhil Price_tree of life_2010The Tree of Life sculpture by Phil Price is located at the McClelland Gallery in Melbourne. As shown in the video, each of the discs moves in a mesmerising motion.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/seven-light-bay.pngSeven Light BayA screen capture from streaming museum.org showing the artists impression of the final installation at Seven Light Bay, Japan.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/kinetik-art-tokyo-subway.jpgKinetik art Tokyo subwayLike Mariko Mori and Phil Price, Theo Johnson's art is displayed around the world. This image is from a subway train in Tokyo.2022-04-26T07:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/12/27/the-five-elements-of-the-dagara-west-africa/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/books-on-africa.jpgbooks-on-africaSome of the books on Africa I searched for more information on the Dagara. I also have several books on individual countries and regions. Some's are the only two directly relevant to this post. A lot of other interesting material was unearthed on other African tribes during my search though. That will have to wait for another time.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/livingyourgift2.jpglivingyourgift2The energetics of the five Dagara Elements have been translated into a modern healing system in the US. For $125 USD you can book a Reading by Susan Hough to help understand the nature of your Element according to the Dagara Medicine Wheel. The Reading reveals the characteristics and energetic qualities of your core Element, as well as the mix of additional Elements that influence your life. Susan was trained by Sobonfu Some to chart and read the Medicine Wheel for individuals.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/living-yourgifts.pnglivingyourgiftsThe energetics of the five Dagara Elements have been translated into a modern healing system. For $125 USD you can book a Reading by Susan Hough to help you understand the nature of your Element according to the Dagara Medicine Wheel. The Reading reveals the characteristics and energetic qualities of your core Element, as well as the mix of additional Elements that influence your life. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/mediceinwheeldagar1.jpgmediceinwheeldagarThe five element teachings of the Dagara have been embraced in the West. Some's books are very popular. This version of the Dagara Medicine Wheel comes from a SlideShare presentation on Indigenous African Spirit Technologies, created by the Ancestral Wisdom Bridge Foundation. The Foundation run camps in New York State based on the practices Some has introduced. I'm still trying to find out what the numbers mean. :-)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/medicinewheelsome.pngMedicineWheelSomeA Medicine Wheel is the basis of the cosmology and five element rituals of the Dagara. The five elements are Fire (red), Water (blue), Earth (yellow), Mineral (white) and Nature (Green). The elements have related colours, as noted, and directions. Source: malidoma.com.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/mediceinwheeldagar.jpgmediceinwheelDagaraA Medicine Wheel is the basis of the cosmology and five element rituals of the Dagara. The five elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Mineral and Nature. This image comes from a SlideShare presentation on Indigenous African Spirit Technologies, created by the Ancestral Wisdom Bridge Foundation. The group runs camps in New York state based on the practices brought to the West by Malidoma Some. I'm still trying to find out what the numbers mean. :-)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/africantribes.jpgAfricantribesMurdock1959This hand-drawn map of African tribes accompanies the book 'Africa: It's Peoples and Their Culture History (1959)'. Written by George Peter Murdock, the book was recommended to me by a lady who specialised in African history and culture. She said the book was one of the more objective ones she knew of. The map illustrates the large number of tribes in the continent, each with their own ways of life.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/somebooks.jpgSomebooksMy first introduction to the teaching of the Dagara people was through two books written by Malidoma Patrice Some - 'Of Water and the Spirit' and 'The Healing Wisdom of Africa'. Some, a Dagara shaman, shares his vision for connecting with nature through rituals based on the five Dagara elements.2022-04-26T02:15:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/about/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/jann-sakura-in-okinawa-january-2018.jpgJann & Sakura in Okinawa January 2018Taken on a bus tour in Okinawa in january 2018 this photo shows the first cherry blossoms that move in a wave through Japan as the Spring season expresses itself from the sub-tropics to the sub-arctic.2024-05-24T21:03:26+00:00weekly0.6https://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/11/13/the-feng-shui-phenomenon/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/flowers-march-2012.jpgFlowers March 2012Plants play an important role in feng shui as they bring a life force into the home. This beautiful bunch represents the Fire and Wood elements based on my understanding of feng shui.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/entombed-warriors-xian.jpgEntombed Warriors Xi'anThe Xi'an Mausoleum complex, built for the first Emperor of China in the late third century BCE, was constructed between Mount Li and the Wei River for good feng shui.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/empereor-qins-tomb-xian.jpgEmpereor Qin's tomb XianThe Xi'an Mausoleum, built for the first Emperor of China in the late third century BCE, was constructed between Mount Li and the Wei River for good feng shui.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/feng-shui-books.jpgFeng Shui booksA selection of the books I have collected on feng shui.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ej-eitel-1973.jpgEJ Eitel 1973The first book on feng shui written in english was published in 1873. It was written by Reverend Ernest J. Eitel, a Christian missionary in China.2021-11-10T04:59:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/05/12/northern-transitions/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cherry-blossoms-hokkaido-may-2014.jpgCherry blossoms Hokkaido May 20142021-06-10T21:50:10+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2021/04/22/reflections-on-tasmanian-wilderness-earth-day-2021/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/south-passage-port-davey.jpgSouth passage Port DaveyThe Breaksea Islands seen from waters of Port Davey.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mt-rugby-towards-matsuker-island.jpgMt Rugby towards Matsuker islandThis view down the spine of Mt Rugby draw the eye to the Matsuuker islands in the distance. In between are Bathurst Harbour and Melaleuca Inlet to the right.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/reflections-on-inland-lake.jpgReflections on inland lakeThe tannin in the water are compounds leached from the surrounding vegetation, especially the button grass moorlands.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sun-reflecting-on-bathurst-harbour.jpgSun reflecting on Bathurst HarbourBathurst Harbour is a large body of water. The calm conditions we experienced turned the surface into a mirror.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mt-rugby-reflection-close.jpgMt Rugby reflection closeA closer reflection of Mt Rugby with a yacht moored overnight. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/map-of-region-and-tasmania-tasmanian-boat-charters.pngMap of region and Tasmania, Tasmanian Boat ChartersMap of Tasmania and the southwest wilderness region. Source: tasmanianboatcharters.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/liam-peters-and-jann-april-13-2021-1.jpgLiam Peters and Jann April 13, 2021Our day tour is called the 'Southwest Wilderness Experience', offered by Par Avion. Liam Peters, our pilot, boat driver and tour guide was exceptional.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/federation-peak-under-cloud-april-13-2021.jpgFederation Peak under cloud, April 13, 2021Federation Peak and two alpine lakes, SouthWest National Park, Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/palawa-creation-story-needwonnee-walk-april-13-2021.jpgPalawa creation story, needwonnee walk, April 13, 2021This striking set of rusted steel panels are found at the start of the Needwonnee Walk. They tell the creation story of the Palawa (Aboriginal people) of Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_7124.jpgIMG_7124Our lunch was prepared by a cafe in Hobart who used biodegradable 'plates' (paper-based) and bamboo cutlery. 'BioCups' were used to drink from with plant-based lining. Considerable effort was made to minimise the impact of the tour. 2021-04-23T06:13:40+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2020/02/22/the-wondrous-winds-of-patagonia-and-antarctica/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/windy-hair-better-2.jpgWindy hair better? 2blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/albatross-falkland-islands.jpgAlbatross falkland islandsWe were able to watch albatross surfing the wind for a long period on one of the Falkland Islands. Their gracious movement was mesmerising.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/windycomwithcircle.jpgwindycomwithcircleThe App windy.com has revolutionised the way we 'see' and understand the wind in all of its complexity. Here wind gusts are shown in the region across and around southern South America (where Patagonia is located) and the Antarctic, the only land masses at these low latitudes. Both the direction and speed of the wind can be viewed, with many other meteorological measurements able to be mapped. (This image is from February 22, 2020).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/strong-wind-sign-tdp-np.jpgStrong wind sign TDP NPThe sign to be careful about the high winds had been blown over.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/monument-to-the-wind-2.jpgMonument to the wind 2By far my favourite recognition of the wind in Patagonia was the 'Monumento al viento' - the monument to the wind on the foreshore of Puerto Natales in Chile. The joy of the male and female 'flying' in the wind was contagious. By celebrating the wind it seems more like a friend.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/westerlies-world-map.jpgWesterlies world mapThe main wind directions on this map show the westerlies that have free reign until they run into southern South America and Antarctica.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/windy-glacier-fitzroy-np.jpgwindy glacier FitzRoy NPMy first experience of extremely strong winds in patagonia was at FitzRoy national park. The wind coming down this glacial valley were so strong that I had to crouch down when the wind gusts picked up. With a steep slope on either side of the path the energy of this element was very clear.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/wind-swept-nothofagus-tdp-2.jpgWind swept Nothofagus TDP 2A sculptured Nothofagus at Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia illustrates the power of the wind on plant growth.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/antarctica-and-the-southern-ocean-map.jpgAntarctica and the Southern ocean mapAntarctica and the Southern ocean maphttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/windy.com-tierra-del-fuego.jpgWindy.com Tierra del FuegoThe App windy.com has revolutionised the way we 'see' and understand the wind in all of its complexity. Here wind gusts are shown in the region across and around southern South America (where Patagonia is located) and the Antarctic, the only land masses at these low latitudes. Both the direction and speed of the wind can be viewed, with many other meteorological measurements able to be mapped. (This image is from February 19, 2020).2021-04-22T05:32:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/07/03/musical-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/listening-to-the-waves.jpegThe blue planetWith around 70% of the planet covered in water, and water making up around 70% of our adult bodies, it's important to understand the two way relationship between people and water.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/elemental-music-app.jpeg'Elemental' music Apphttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ice-music-in-the-arctic.jpgIce music in the Arctic2021-01-03T03:38:05+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2019/12/03/woman-on-fire-insights-from-an-elemental-career/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-intro-esa-plenary-for-wordpress.jpgSlide Intro ESA Plenary for WordPressThe photo was taken an hour before my Plenary address at the Ecological Society of Australia conference in Launceston, Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/intro-slide-esa-plenary-for-wordpress.pngIntro slide ESA Plenary for WordPressThe photo was taken an hour before the Plenary address at the Ecological Society of Australia conference in Launceston, Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-16-esa-pleanry-ss.jpgSlide 16 ESA Plenary SSSlide 16: Collective action & the ESA: delivering on Science’s Social Contract and leading by example.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-15-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 15 ESA Plenary SSSlide 15: ESA 2018 conference statement – the grandest of all society’s challenges.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-14-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 14 ESA Plenary SSSlide 14: 2019 Exponential Roadmap, Stockholm Resilience Centre.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-13-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 13 ESA Plenary SSSlide 13: Individual action, inspired by my sister Ruth Williams (here in Asuka, Japan).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-12-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 12 ESA Plenary SSSlide 12: Our house is on fire. Greta Thunburg’s analogy for the climate crisis the Earth is experiencing.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-11-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 11 ESA Plenary SSSlide 11: Unprecedented changes and connections on Earth. Source: climate.nasa.govhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-10-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 10 ESA Plenary SSSlide 10: Lessons from my career; Jann Williams at ‘The Elements’, Dolphin Sands, Eastern Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/slide-9-esa-plenary-ss.jpgSlide 9 ESA Plenary SSSlide 9: The power of blogs – fireupwaterdown.com and elementaljapan.com2020-12-21T21:04:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2020/09/13/shinto-moments-on-the-three-capes-track-tasmania/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hannah-jess-and-sally-tcw-sept-2020.jpgHannah, Jess and Sally TCW Sept 2020Hannah, Sally and Jess (from right to left) were having a 'girls' trip together. Their energy and love of nature was infectious. As a mother and two daughters their adventure reminded me of the times my sister Ruth and I spent with our mother Edna when she was alive. Crossing the paths of these wonderful women was an Shinto Moment of great meaning.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/annies-briefing-2-sept-8-2020.jpgAnnies briefing 2 Sept 8 2020blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/heart-2-three-capes-track.jpgHeart 2 Three Capes Trackblah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/old-growth-dewa-sanzen-oct-17-2020.jpgOld growth Dewa Sanzen Oct 17 2020blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ratakunna-entrance-sept-2020.jpgRatakunna entrance Sept 2020blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wicked-winds-sept-2020.jpgWicked winds Sept 2020blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/wattle-understory.jpgWattle understoryblah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/southern-cross.jpgSouthern Crossblah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hibbertia-three-capes-track-2.jpgHibbertia Three Capes Track 2blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/rainbow-tct-sept-2020.jpgRainbow TCT Sept 2020blah blah blah2020-11-30T03:32:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/11/19/the-artistry-of-elemental-tasmania/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/river-and-flames-flanagan-and-arnott.jpgRiver and Flames Flanagan and ArnottAs I discover more elemental artistry in Tasmania I am adding it to the post. Here we have two debut novels (published in 1994 and 2018), by two Tasmanian authors, focusing on two elements: Water and Fire. Perfect. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_0681.jpgElemental DeloraineWhen I drove past the Elemental Artspace in Deloraine for the first time a smile came to my face. What a perfect name I thought to represent a range of Tasmanian artists who use all sorts of media, including clay, wood and metal. I was surprised therefore when the woman I spoke to at the counter said the meaning of Elemental in their case was akin to fundamental or basic. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/land-of-the-sleeping-gods1.jpgLand of the Sleeping GodsI will end this post where I it started, with reference to and respect for the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. It is they who have lived with and adapted to the elements for over 40,000 years. Earlier this year my husband and I moved to the east coast where we look over to the Land of the Sleeping Gods. We are privileged to live amongst and with the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/land-of-the-sleeping-gods.jpgLand of the Sleeping GodsI will end this post where I it started, with reference to and respect for the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. It is they who have lived with and adapted to the elements for over 40,000 years. Earlier this year my husband and I moved to the east coast where we look over to the Land of the Sleeping Gods. We are privileged to live amongst and with the elements. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sixteen-legs-books.jpgSixteen legs booksIf you would like to see the cave spider imagery up close, their are two books associated with the documentary. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/claire-elemental.jpgClaire ElementalAs I've been travelling to the different exhibitions and events, which have been held all over Tasmania, I've been listening to 'Elemental', as you do. It's great! Thanks go to Gaylene Norton to sending it to me. The song that the album takes its name from refers to the life/death relationship people have with the sea, ice, snow, rain and fire. many of the other songs refer to different elements. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fire-and-flood-broad.jpgFire and flood broadThe Devonport Gallery gave me permission to take a wide angle shot of Troy's art. While they commissioned the work they do not own it.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_9329.jpgIMG_9329https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fire-and-flood-cover.jpgFire and flood coverAnother exhibition related to the elements that I saw in October was called 'Fire and flood'. The works by ** were commissioned by the Devonport Art Gallery after the fires and floods in ** 2016. The artist also used metal (one of the five Chinese elements) to create his work on. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_9461.jpgIMG_9461OK. Here is an above-ground and more familiar image of elemental Tasmania. sand, sea and sky. :-)2020-11-22T20:36:52+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2020/11/12/elemental-immersion-on-the-overland-track-tasmania/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/metal-trekking-pole-oct-22-2020.jpgMETAL trekking pole Oct 22 2020Also made of metal, and indispensable on the walk, was my aluminium 'elemental' brand trekking pole.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/fire-hartnett-falls-oct-21-2020.jpgFIRE Hartnett Falls Oct 21 2020Fire-sensitive vegetation is found along creeks and rivers along the Overland Track, shown here at Hartnett Falls on the Mersey River - next to the previous image.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/first-photo-oct-17-2020.jpgFirst photo Oct 17 2020Whatever the weather the Overland Track beckons.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/trev-veggie-garden-nov-10-2020.jpgTREV veggie garden Nov 10 2020Trev's veggie garden Nov 10 2020https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wind-mt-ossa-false-summit-oct-20-2020.jpgWIND Mt Ossa false summit Oct 20 2020September and October are the windiest months on the Overland Track. Apart from the first day, our experience was quite the opposite. I was struck by how calm it was, even on the summit of Mt Ossa on the fourth day. It seemed unusual to have five consecutive days of minimal wind. On a longer time scale the whole year had mostly been calm in northern Tasmania. The lack of high winds was becoming a topic of conversation. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wind-mt-doris-mt-ossa-ridge-oct-20-2020.jpgWIND Mt Doris Mt Ossa ridge Oct 20 2020September and October are the windiest months on the Overland Track. Apart from the first day, our experience was quite the opposite. I was struck by how calm it was, even on the summit of Mt Ossa on the fourth day. It seemed unusual to have five consecutive days of minimal wind. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wood-moss-spiderweb-oct-19-2020.jpgWOOD moss & spiderweb Oct 19 2020Moss and spiderweb catching sunlighthttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/metal-morning-of-last-day-oct-22-2020.jpgMETAL morning of last day Oct 22 2020View along the track using phone with metail in ithttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/metal-inside-boat-straight-oct-22-2020.jpgMETAL inside boat straight Oct 22 2020Arriving at the northern end of Lake St Clair there are two options to travel to Cynthia Bay - the formal end of the Overland Track. One is to walk though the cool temperate forests along the edge of the Lake. The other is to take a pre-booked ferry ride across the Lake, as we did. Over the final day the amount of metal in our lives increased, especially as we boarded the boat and then a bus to return to our cars. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/metal-close-up-of-lichens-oct-22-2020.jpgMETAL close up of lichens Oct 22 2020Close up of lichens2020-11-19T23:28:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/04/19/what-is-air-you-may-be-surprised/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/communication.jpegCommunication from 'What is Air?'Examples of how air helps us to communicate, from 'What is Air?' (Collins, 1963).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/troposphere.jpegThe troposphere from 'What is Air?'An illustration of the troposphere, the layer of air in which we live, from 'What is Air?'https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/what-is-air.jpegWhat is Air?A great discovery at a second-hand shop - the book 'What is Air?, first published in 1960.2020-11-11T23:12:06+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/10/27/unlocking-the-hidden-messages-in-water/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-patterns-of-life-in-ponds-and-streams-1962.jpgThe patterns of life in ponds and streams 1962This 1962 publication from New Zealand beautifully illustrates the patterns of life in ponds and streams, life that is also dependent on water. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tidal-movements-bass-strait-northern-tasmania.jpgTidal movements Bass Strait Northern Tasmaniahttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/illustrations-of-different-snow-crystals-by-bentley-and-humprhries-1962-first-published-in-1931.jpgIllustrations of different snow crystalsIllustrations of different snow crystals on the front cover of Bentley and Humphreys (1962; first published in 1931).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/crystals-from-natural-and-polluted-water.pngCrystals from natural and polluted waterPhotographs by Masaru Emoto of frozen crystals sourced from natural and polluted water (Source: quakersoatslive blog)..https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/three-books-on-the-messages-in-water-by-masaru-emoto.jpgThree books on the messages in water by Masaru EmotoThree books on the messages in water by Masaru Emoto (2001, 2005 and 2010).2020-10-07T22:33:54+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2018/06/17/feet-energy-and-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/toes-the-five-elements.jpgToes and the five elementsPart of a presentation on reflexologyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tai-chi-danish-style.jpgTai Chi Danish styleAn introduction to Tai Chi Danish style. Energy, the five elements and Yin Yang. Plus the health benefits of Earthing. I like it! (Source: www.williamdam.dk)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/acupuncture-and-reflexology.jpgAcupuncture and ReflexologyThe cover of the well worn Acupuncture book on the left shows several Acumpuncture points in the feet. They are related to meridians that connect to the energy lines that travel to the head and shoulders. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/grounding-products.jpgGrounding productscatched onhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/two-earthing-books.jpgTwo Earthing booksThe book 'Earthing', first published in 2010, focused the world's attention on the natural healing energy of the earth and the benefits of walking barefoot. The second edition shown here, published in 2014, has an explanation mark at the end of the book title. The first edition had a question mark. The change illustrates the confidence the authors have in the approach. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/earthing.jpgEarthingThe book and phrase 'Earthing' gained great attention when it benefits of connecting with the earth's energy https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/aboriginal-dancers-sunset_national-geographic.jpgaboriginal-dancers-sunset_National GeographicAboriginal dance and ceremony2020-09-13T05:18:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/06/04/enchanting-india/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/mukul-chand-lotus-lake-image.jpgMukul Chand Lotus Lake imageThis image comes from a post by Mukul on Lotus Lake in the desert State of Rajasthan, a lake surrounded by palaces and Temples. Mukul travels widely in India and posts frequently so there is always something new to discover. Source: 'Enchanted Forests'. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/mukul-chand-image.jpgMukul Chand imageAarti, or offering prayers, on the banks of the River Khrispha. Millions throng the Ghats or the River Banks ( Please see the featured Image) and sing in unison daily during the entire month. Source: A River Worshipped' by Mukul Chand.2020-09-03T06:24:22+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/05/04/praktri-an-integrated-vision-from-india/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5-element-pagoda-toji-temple.jpg5 element pagoda Toji templeA 5 element pagoda at the Toji Temple, Kyoto, Japanhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/nature-reflected.jpgnature reflected2020-09-03T04:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/05/31/popularising-the-periodic-table/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/bowieperiodictable.jpgBowie Periodic TableThis 'Periodic Table of Bowie', seen at the fabulous exhibition 'Bowie Is' in Melbourne, was created by the artist Paul Robertson. It documents the highlights of Bowie's career. I have also seen a similar image for Pink Floyd. Source: https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/tsu-college-japan.jpgPeriodic Table Tsu College JapanThis version of the periodic table was seen at a Secondary College in Tsu, Japan.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/wonderful-life-guide.jpgWonderful Life GuideAn image of the front inside cover of 'The Wonderful Life of Elements', published in Japanese in 2009 and English in 2012. The diagrams provide a guide on how to read the book and illustrates the personalisation of the chemical elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/bedside-table-book.jpgBedside table bookThe authors may be optimistic thinking that people would keep this book by their bedside. The level of detail it captures makes it likely to appeal to a niche audience, such as the creator of this blog.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/raci-periodic-table.jpgraci-periodic-tableThe interpretation of the chemical elements in the periodic table by 38 Tasmanian printmakers. Sponsorded by the Royal Australian Chemsity Insitute in the Internaitonl Year of Chemistry (2011). Source: https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/satirist-tom-lehrer.jpgTom LehrerTom Llehrere, possibly performing 'The Elements' song in 1959. Source: krohsnest.com.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/periodic_table_of_the_chemical_elements___wip_by_jale_pixel-d6a7oh5.pngPeriodic table of the chemical_elements___wip_by_jale_pixel-d6a7oh5There are avery few periodic tables that specifically refer to the chemical elements. This one is an exception.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-bedside-book.jpgThe Bedside Book of ChemistryThe authors may be optimistic thinking that people would have this book by their bedside. The level of detail in the book makes it likely to appeal to a niche audience.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/wonderful-life.jpgWonderful LifeAn image of the inside cover of 'The Wonderful Life of Elements', published in Japanese in 2009. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/t-gray-the-elements-in-action.jpgT Gray The Elements in Action'The Elements in Action' App by Theodore Gray adds an even more dynamic environment to learn about the chemical elements.2020-07-06T07:47:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2020/03/22/the-interplay-of-fire-water-eucalypts-and-light/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-goodenia-hederacea.jpgBlack Mt Goodenia hederaceaEucalypts dominate the overstory of Black Mountain. They are accompanied by a diverse range of shrubs, grasses and herbs. Many animals use this important habitat. I leave you with another photo by Rosemary Purdie, this time of the beautifully bright Goodenia - a native understory plant on Black Mountain. It too responds to the interplay of the elements in nature, close-by and beyond. Everything is interconnected. Image source: Flora of Black Mountain.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-fire-slide-3.jpgBlack Mt fire slide 3For the younger readers of this post, who may not have seen one, this is a slide! It is holding in place the negative of the fire image above, to be viewed through a slide projector. I wonder if you can buy those now? And how people will be taking photographs in another 30 years? If you want to keep photos over a long period it's important to be able to access and use them as the technology changes. Unfortunately this hasn't happened with photos taken during my studies in 1991-1992.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-fire-slide-2.jpgBlack Mt fire slide 2For the younger readers of this post, who may not have seen one, this is a slide! It is holding in place the negative of the fire image above, to be viewed through a slide projector. I wonder if you can buy those now? And how people will be taking photographs in another 30 years?https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-fire-slide.jpgBlack Mt fire slideFor the younger readers of this post, who may not have seen one, this is a slide! It is holding in place the negative of the fire image above, to be viewed through a slide projector. I wonder if you can buy those now?https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-full-resprout.jpgBlack Mt full resproutOver time more sprouts appear until trees can look like green candle sticks. Once the leaves in the canopy are restored, the epicormic sprouts will eventually disappear. Image source: David Blair, ANU.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/pepperdine-university.jpgPepperdine UniversityPepperdine University is surrounded by chaparral, another fire-prone ecosystem. It was a great place to be based if you like getting up pre-dawn to measure how seedlings were fairing.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-not-shadow-2.jpgBlack Mt (not) shadow 2Unlike other seedlings on this exposed slope that were suffering from too much light (known as photo-inhibition), this seedling sat in the shadow of a tree during the heat and high light of the afternoon sun. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-tree-shadow.jpgBlack Mt tree shadowImage source:https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-eucalypt-resprout.jpgBlack Mt eucalypt resproutMost eucalypts have special buds in their bark that can resprout after fire, if the conditions are suitable. The sprouts can occur on any part of the tree so I used binoculars to scan each individual. It was an exciting time, especially when I discovered the first resprout soon after the fire, and the last one over 12 months later. Source: https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/black-mt-in-distance-fobm.jpgBlack Mt in distance FOBMBlack Mountain is in the centre of Canberra, and is an urban bushwalker's delight. At 812m high the mountain is home to the iconic Black Mountain Tower, used for telecommunications, views and as a navigation point on the circuitous roads of the nation's capital!2020-03-25T00:41:23+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/05/27/fire-and-water-shinto-style/2019-07-11T13:08:14+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2018/09/11/volcanoes-natures-elemental-energy-exemplified/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/davidpylevolcanoes.jpgDavidPyleVolcanoesThe title and message of this book by David Pyle, published in 2003, reflects my approach to volcanoes. I was very pleased to find it.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/sakurajima-book-cover.jpgSakurajima book coverThe spectacular image of Sakurajima shows lightning generated by the erupting volcano. Other amazing expressions of energy are found throughout the book.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/student-pack.jpgStudent PackAnother 'natural disaster' product, another volcano! This Student Project pack, with all of its stickers and stencils, certainly enticed me to make a poster on them! It is not shown with the 35 books above as it was lurking elsewhere in my library.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1280px-pacific_ring_of_fire.pngPacific_Ring_of_FireThe Ring of Fire, a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Source: Wukipedia Commonshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-fuji-japan-times.jpgMt Fuji Japan TimesIn this Dec. 8, 2010 file photo, snow-covered Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 3,776-meters tall (12,385 feet), is seen from an airplane window. Japan cheered the selection on Saturday, June 22, 2013, of its most iconic landmark, Mount Fuji, as a World Heritage site. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-agung-november-2017.jpgMt Agung November 2017Mt Agung, two weeks before the eruption in late November 2017.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-fuji-wikipedia.jpgMt Fuji WikipediaMt Fuji, which last erupted in 1707 (again associated with an earthquake) would be the most recognised volcano https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-tambora-1815-eruption.jpgMt Tambora 1815 eruptionThis artists representation of the Mt Tamora eruption in 1815 is a classic depiction of a volcano in action. It illustrates one of the interactions with the element of air, with the ash circulatinghttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/mt-tambora-eruption-1815.jpgMt Tambora eruption 1815This artists representation of the Mt Tamora eruption in 1815 is a classic depiction of a volcano in action. It illustrates one of the interactions with the element of air, with the ash circulatinghttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/sakurajima-kyushu-japan-june-2017.jpgSakurajima Kyushu Japan June 2017In June 2017 I spent a week in an apartment overlooking Sakurajima, an active volcano overlooking the city of Kagoshima in souther Kyushu, Japan.2018-10-02T03:51:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/07/05/visualising-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/corinnecostello.jpgCorinneCostelloI love the vibrancy and spontenaity of this painting by Corinne Costello. It is based on the mythology of Aphrodite and the practice of Zen in the studio. Corinne sees painting as circular in nature, a process that evolved until there is no dichotomy of content and form. Source: corinnecostello.com.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/jmwturnerwikimediacommons.jpgJMWTurnerwikimediacommonsI have read that JMW Turner had a 'nature first' policy when naming his paintings. I like that! This one is called 'Rain, steam and speed: the Great Western Railway.' It was painted in 1844 and illustrates that 'The Sublime' (see text below) was not longer confined to natural phenomena. Source: Wikipedia commons.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lesleykehoewebsite.jpgLesleyKehoewebsiteThe most recent exhibition held at the Lesley Kehoe Gallery in Melbourne explored the impact of the smartphone on a viewers experience of the energy of artworks. It included a selection of diverse works that are accompanied by a series of thought-provoking essays about the art and its creation are available on-line. These and other essays written by Lesley have given deeper meaning to the connection between artists and the materials they work with.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sunsetbyjann.jpgSunsetbyJannI captured this sunset image from the window of a small plane travelling from Melbourne to Devonport, Tasmania with an iPhone. It is one of my favourite photographs. Most of the images in this blog were taken by me. I really enjoy the process of selecting the composition of the picture and the story you are trying to tell. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tony-smibert-alchetron-com.jpgTony Smibert Alchetron.comAn eye-catching watercolour by Tony Smibert that captures the elements of earth, air and clouds (suspended water droplets) beautifully. Source: alchetron.com, The Free Social Encyclopaedia - this has a very good article on Tony's career.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/christineflintsato.jpgChristineFlintSatoThis ink painting by Christine Flint-Sato in the sumi-e tradition. It is part of a series on vertical landscapes and has a fire theme. This is appropriate as the colour of the ink comes from soot made from burnt pine branches. I was fascinated to learn from Christine that soot comes in different colours. This one is tinged with blue.2018-09-18T04:32:15+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/07/24/the-elements-at-your-fingertips/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/indian-dance-united-hand-gestures.jpgIndian dance United hand gesturesSamutya Hastas are united hand gestures, or mudras, in Indian Dance. This selection from the webiste https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/fingersymbolism.jpgFinger SymbolismThis image shows in greater detail the relationship between individual fingers and the Five elements found in Shingon Buddhism. The diagram is reproduced from 'The Art of Japanese Tantrism' (1979). A number of other relationships with the fingers are also illustrated.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mudras-and-elements-on-hand.jpgmudras-and-elements-on-hand-The fingers and the five elements, an Indian perspective. Source: thedailymeditation.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wla_haa_dainichi_nyorai_great_buddha_of.jpgWLA_haa_Dainichi_Nyorai_Great_Buddha_ofDianichi Nyorai and the mudra of the six elements. Source: Wikipedia Commons.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gorinto-six-element-mudra.jpgGorinto & six element mudraThe six element mudra is also shown here in the mid triangle-shaped section of the gorinto. Also known as the 'Fist of Wisdom' the mudra equates to the Diamond World Mandala. The gorinto (five element stupa) is only found in Japan. This diagram shows the elements both in the fingers (mudra) and in the gorinto itself - which represents the body in this example. The links to the cakras (also known as chakras) in the body is of particular interest. The diagram is taken from a classic text titled 'The Symbolism of the Stupa' written by Adrian Snodgrass (1985).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gorinto-and-six-element-mudra.jpgGorinto and six element mudraThe six element mudra is also shown here in the mid-section of this gorinto. Also known as the 'Fist of Wisdom' the mudra equates to the Diamond World Mandala. The gorinto (five element stupa) is only found in Japan. This diagram shows the elements both in the mudra (hand position) and in the gorinto itself.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/dainichi-nyorai-and-the-mudra-of-the-six-elements-tokyo-national-museum.jpgDainichi Nyorai and the Mudra of the Six Elements. Tokyo National MuseumDainichi Nyorai and the Mudra of the Six Elements. Tokyo National Museumhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/the-fingers-and-the-five-elements-from-brahnadivyasadhanakendra-com.jpgThe fingers and the five elements (from brahnadivyasadhanakendra.com)The fingers and the five elements, an Indian perspective (from brahnadivyasadhanakendra.com)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/the-fingers-and-the-five-elements-from-www-aghori-it.gifThe fingers and the five elements (from www.aghori.it)The fingers and the five elements, an Indian perspective (from www.aghori.it)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mudras-of-india-carroll-and-carroll-2012.jpegMudras of India (Carroll and Carroll 2012)The relationship between the human hand and the elements is covered in this book for China (briefly) and in greater detail for India.2018-07-11T22:09:34+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/04/11/fire-and-water-complementary-and-opposite/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/game-of-thrones.jpgGame of ThronesIn contemporary times the phenomenal TV series 'The Game of Thrones' is based on a world of fire and ice.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fullsizerender-1.jpgAivanhov book cover'The Mysteries of Fire and Water' (1991) by Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov provides considerable food for thought.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fullsizerender.jpgTurner and the Elements book coverThe words on this inside cover of this exhibition catalogue start as thus: J.M.W. Turner was known to his contemporaries as a painter of the elements'. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo.jpgMartin Hill imageA striking image of fire and water by Martin Hill from his exhibition 'Watershed' at Mossgreen galleries, Melbournehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/aikido-and-words-of-power.jpegAikido and Words of PowerThis book by Williams Gleason contains many references to the elements fire and waterhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/firewater-yinyang.pngFir and Water Yin and YangThese Google images illustrate the diversity of ways fire and water are visually linked to Yin and Yang2018-03-17T20:08:03+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/07/19/fire-up-water-down/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/yoshinofrogtanabata.jpgYoshinofrogTanabataHere are some of the frogs! These ones were quite expressive, like the frog in the ceremony.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kinpusenwaterdown.jpgKinpusenwaterdownAt the bottom of the steps one comes to a vermillion bridge that leads to the shrine. Ladels and water can be found near the statues to partake of Shinto purification ritual before entering the shrine. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kinpusen3torii.jpgKinpusen3toriiAs well as the water sprinkled on the fire, the shrine in a secluded valley west of Kinpusen-ji Temple has a special water source said to promote good health. The temple and shrine are linked by hundreds of steps. Many torii are found along the downhill path. These three are next to a mountain stream that is flanked by two dragon-like images.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/gomachanting.jpgGomachantingDuring the fire ceremony shugenja either side of the fire chant and shake their shakujo, a short stick with rings. The sound is mesmerising.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/shugendoforkedstick.jpgShugendoforkedstickHere the saito-shi is tracing a letter symbolic of the Mahavairocana Buddha over the fire. Water is sprinkled periodically to prevent the fire from burning too quickly and to increase the purifying smoke. Further details of the ceremony can be found in an informative article by Paul L. Swanson written in 1981.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/jumpingfrog.jpgJumpingFrogThe Kaeru-tobi festival is based on a Buddhist fable where a man who had incurred the wroth of a local deity was saved by the Shugendo priests at Kinpusenji. They used their skills to change the man first into the shape of a frog and finally back to his original human shape once it was safe to do so. (Details of the fable are from the darumapilgrim blogspot).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/shugendogomaredshide.jpgShugendogomaredshideThe five elemental colours were also displayed on the rope delineating the sacred space around the fire. similar to the shide, a zigzag-shaped paper streamer used in Shinto rituals, each side of the square had a different colour, with a the fifth one around the fire stack itself.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/frogfloat.jpgFrogfloatThe festival is a community event with two floats involved, both containing a frog. One involved the children of the area surrounding the temple. The other float, shown here, was carried past and then to the temple by a group of local men.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kinpusenjitemple.jpgKinpusenjiTempleZaodo,the main hall of Kinpusenji Temple, was decked out in banners of five colours as part of the festival celebrations. The five colours have many associations, including with the elements.2018-03-17T04:01:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2018/03/11/mountains-as-teachers/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/kiyotake-mt-ontake.jpgKiyotaki Mt OntakeKiyotaki, Mt Ontake. January 2018. These sacred falls are used for takigyo (waterfall practice) in summer.2018-03-11T08:03:16+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/12/31/exploring-the-elements-100-times-around/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_1366.jpgJann in CanberraBlahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fullsizerender1.jpgShiatsu chakrasBlahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fullsizerender.jpgFullSizeRenderGorinto six elements https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_1911.jpgIMG_1911Sunrise the day after Edna died2018-01-05T23:19:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/09/16/david-suzuki-rediscovering-our-place-in-nature/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fullsizerender-4.jpgThe Sacred Balance series bookAnother book called The Sacred balance was published in 2002 in association with the television series. Unlike the original book, it is jammed pack with beautiful photos, mostly taking up whole pages. Personally I find the book very engaging and more likely to attract readers.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fullsizerender-3.jpgYou are the EarthThe promotional material on the back of the book starts by saying 'If you care about the future, read this book. You are made of water, air and the food you eat from the Earth's soil...https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/walking-along-the-beach.jpgWalking along the beachI end this post with an iconic scene of footprints on a beach. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/diversity-of-life.jpgDiversity of lifeThe diversity of life - an essential part of the elemental story.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/photo.jpgThe Sacred Balance 19972018-01-03T20:11:20+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/08/22/learning-the-ah-of-air/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8066.jpgTokyo BayAir is a...blanket against the cold of outer space.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8065.jpgDivinityGood air is an anonymous, unrecognised divinity.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4996.jpgStorm MatsueThe fury of the hurricane and the havoc of storm and flood are explosions of energy which balance the tenderness and beneficence of air. Terror and beauty, wildness and calm, tearing apart and healing and ending - all belong to air.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/rainbow.jpgRainbowhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8064.jpgAmazon 2The blue dome of the sky, the clouds scudding across it, the glories of sunrise and sunset are visible to our eyes because the air holds in suspension water vapours and ice crystals and hosts tiny dust particles that reflect and diffract light.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8063.jpgEverestThe rainbow and snow-covered landscape are among air's effortless masterpieces.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8062.jpgThe mighty AmazonAir is...shield and protector of life. Sustainer of vegetation and partner in sun-activated laboratory which generates oxygen for human and animal lungs.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_8060.jpgMiyajima Island, JapanAir is..rain provider and arbiter of climate and weather. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0068.jpgIMG_0068Air is... the mainstay of a celestial art gallery which makes pictures of surpassing beauty.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/wonder-by-alan-p-tory.jpgWONDER by Alan P ToryIn his book 'WONDER. Learning the "Ah" of things' Alan Tory explores the myriad of meanings of twenty words that have the power to evoke a strong sense of awe and wonder.2017-08-22T22:11:01+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/03/26/om-aum-the-five-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/image.jpgimagehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_0876.jpgimg_0876https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-5e-video-5.pngOm & 5E video 5Blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-5e-video-3.pngOm & 5E video 3https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-5e-video-2a.pngOm & 5E video 2A?Blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-5e-video-1.pngOm & 5E video 1Blah blah blahhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-5e-video-0a.pngOm & 5E video 0A?https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/om-the-5e-video-0.pngOm & the 5E video 0?https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/yoga-om-swansea.jpgYoga & Om SwanseaMy fourth sighting within 10 days was in an advertisement for Yoga retreats on the east coast of Tasmania. Also shown in red, the Om symbol stands out clearly in the poster even though it is behind a shop window. The association between yoga and om https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cosmic-ohm-deloraine.jpgCosmic Ohm DeloraineOn the same day of finding the bag, I saw the Om (Ohm) symbol on a tshirt hanging outside a shop in Deloraine, Tasmania. Cosmic is a good word to connect with Om considered the sound of the universe.2017-04-23T22:22:28+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/03/01/searching-for-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/image2.jpegimagehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/image1.jpegRuth & EdnaMy sister Ruth and my mum Edna. Ruth gets the award for the best commenter in the first three years of my blog. I am sure if mum knew what a blog was that she would comment as well. :-)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/image.pngViewer mapA map of the countries that viewers have come from over the last three years. I am sure there is much more you can glean from the statistics WordPress provide. This is a good start though.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/image.jpegCheech and ChongThe quote and accompanying pictures from the Cheech and Chong Facebook site. Elemelons, I like the idea!2017-03-13T11:31:21+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2017/01/14/2017-the-year-of-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fullsizerender1.jpgNikala's exhibition flierThe second exhibition I visited in Hobart in early January 2017 focuses on water. The title 'Skins of the River' really caught my eye. It is being held in the Salamanca Art Centre in Hobart until February 13th as part of the emerging artist program. In Nikala's exhibition the images are presented as a collaboration with water, with the artist submerging hand-cut photosensitised sheets into a river at night. The resultant photograms 'reveal a natural language of symbols and traces: cosmic phenomenon of the river contents, mirroring it's motion, strangeness, wildness, stillness and peace'. The artist reveals more about her relationship with water in the statement associated with the exhibition. Nikala will further explore this relationship in 2017 in her Honours year. I shared two of my posts on water - on 'the blue mind' and the impact of energy/vibrations on water - with the artist. I hope they will assist her research in some small way. I know that after having seen Nikala's exhibition my perceptions of water, especially at night, have been altered irrevocably.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_3123.jpgKunanyi January 14 2017Every day we interact with the elements on a personal level, whether we live in the city or the country. So far this year in Tasmania it has been wet, dry, warm, cool, windy and calm. The clouds have been captivating as always. And to top it off this morning, a rainbow - with a hint of a second - over kunanyi/Mt Wellington. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/skins.jpgskinshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_3349.jpgHobart Town HallWithe the New Year Fireworks over, the 'Season's Greetings' banners have come down and the 'Happy Lunar New Year' ones gone up.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hobart-ny-fireworks-2017.jpghobart-ny-fireworks-2017The countdown to 2017 led to a fantastic display of light, colour, sound and smell. The fireworks https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/flames-of-fear.jpgflames-of-fearThe book 'Flames of Fear' has been released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Tasmanian bushfires.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/hell-fire.jpghell-fireThe exhibition 'One Hell of an Inferno' is at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart to mark the large fires that burnt the city.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fullsizerender.jpgRooster Sanzen-inTempleThis 'Year of the Fire Rooster' comes from Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, a town in the mountains of northern Kyoto. Two came home with me from Japan as my sister and husband were both born in the Year of the Rooster.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/year-of-the-rooster-japan-times.jpgyear-of-the-rooster-japan-timesThe Year of the Fire Rooster 2017-01-16T08:02:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/10/29/woman-on-fire/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/living-with-fire.jpgLiving with fireIn recent years I've noticed a change in how communities respond to devastating bush fires. This book is a prime example with its aim to "achieve a really worthwhile community benefit from the apparent disaster." The fire they referred to killed many people. Art is used as a powerful medium to help people rebuild their lives after fire. The wonderful works that have been created is something that I'll write about in another post.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pele-goddess-of-volcanoes.jpgPele Goddess of VolcanoesNow that is a woman on fire! Hugh Kane descries pele as having a dual personally. She can be capable of sudden fury on the one hand, yet gentle and serene on the other. This describes the dual nature of fire and other elements such as water and air/wind.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pele.jpgPeleNow that is a woman on fire! Hugh Kane descries pele as having a dual personally. She can be capable of sudden fury on the one hand, yet gentle and serene on the other. This describes the dual nature of fire and other elements such as water and air/wind.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/la-tolita-sun-mask.jpgLa Tolita Sun maskThis golden sun mask, from the La Tolita culture in northern Ecuador, has survived the ages. The original is in the Museo de Banco in Quito, Ecuador. Gold was seen as a product of the sun by many cultures in South America. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/sunflares2apod.jpgSunflares2APODThe energy of the sun is captured in this artists impression of a solar flare. It looks like liquid fire. Closer to home the sun on fire is images of the rising and setting sun must be the most Source: APOD.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/black-mountain-fire-2.jpgBlack Mountain fire 1991This image was taken by Dr Malcolm Gill, a world renowned fire ecologist, on Valentine's Day in 1991 (this laminated version, which I've had since then, is starting to show some wear!). The fire was on Black Mountain in Canberra, Australia. I took this opportunity to monitor over 1000 eucalypt trees and seedlings for over 18 months. Why? To see how they recovered after fire. The research made me appreciate the resilience of dry eucalypt forests following such events.2016-12-27T10:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/03/09/africa-a-continent-of-mysticism/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/map-of-africa.jpgMap of AfricaAfrica is a large continent with a diversity of cultures and belief systems.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sufi-and-the-four-elements.jpgSufi and the four elementsThis captivating image titled 'Sufi - conquerer of the four elements' was found on Google photos. Thanks go to the artist and photographer.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/finke-river-central-australia.jpgFinke River, Central AustraliaThe sound of the earthhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/rumi-flames-quote.jpgRumi flames quoteA quote from Rumi on the element of fire. Source: Beautiful DIY WordPress blog.2016-12-27T10:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/01/15/contemplating-consciousness/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/consciousness2.pngConsciousnessAn imagehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/koyasan-japan.jpgKoyasan, JapanThe Headquarters of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhist Sect, Koyasan, Japanhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/koya-with-black-and-white-dogs.jpgKoya with black and white dogsA rendition of Kukai (the name Kobo Daishi was given after his death) searching for a site to build a mountain retreat for the Shingon School of Buddhism. The remarkable site of Koyasan was the result. (Source: Green Shinto).2016-12-12T21:52:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/08/27/the-cool-dude-on-the-bike/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/fat-bike-wikipedia.jpgFat bike wikipediaThis is a fat bike, designed for soft unstable terrain such as snow, sand, bogs and mud. Source: Wikipedia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rain-bike-nijo-2106.jpgRain and bike Nijo 2106Japanese people still ride their bikes in the rainy season, either donning wet weather gear as in this image, or holding umbrellas when they are riding. Occasionally an umbrella was fixed to the bike itself. I wasn't able to get a photo of that.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/kunanyi-with-snow.jpgkunanyi with snowAround 85% of Australians live on the coast. Hobart, the southern most city, is the only one that regularly experiences snow - and that's mostly on the mountain. So I suppose that it is not surprising that the concept of cycling to work in the snow, or the broader issue of safe winter cycling in these conditions, was something that had not crossed my mind.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/frostbike-cover2.jpgFrostbike cover2In 'Frostbike' Tom Babin shares the history of biking on snow and ice and a new generation of two-wheeled technology to make riding in winter safe and fun. If you want to read more of his work, Tom writes "Pedal", on of the most widely read cycling blogs in Canada.2016-11-29T07:55:29+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/11/20/catching-up-on-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/hiroshi-sugimoto.jpghiroshi-sugimotoThis image from mengnews.joins.com gives an idea of the size of the pagoda. This one was in an exhibition called 'History of History'.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/the-floating-islands.jpgthe-floating-islandsOne final addition to this catch up on the elements is this book and CD I came across yesterday, both called The Floating Islands. I really like the idea of incorporating music to add an extra dimension to the story being told.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/sugimoto-crystal-pagoda-2009.jpgsugimoto-crystal-pagoda-2009Because I've recently spent a month in Japan it would be remiss of me not to have at least one reference to the elements in this country.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/crystal-pagoda-sugimoto-1.jpgcrystal-pagoda-sugimoto-1Because I've recently spent a month in Japan it would be remiss of me not to have at least one reference to the elements in this country.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mythology-in-detail.jpgmythology-in-detailThe two page spread on 'The elements' in the Eyewitness book on mythology. There is also a separate entry on floods and storms.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mythology.jpgmythologyAnother book I was pleased to find was this one on mythology which has a two page spread titled 'The elements.' Way to go! It makes the point, as readers of this blog are well aware, the all over the world the elemental forces that form it have been the focus of myth-making. It's describes the Western tradition as four elements (see my blog on the fifth element as a contrast) and the Chinese tradition as five elements. Somehow the five element traditions of Buddhist and Hindu mythology get overlooked. As shown below, the other examples describes myths associated with individual elements across different cultures. While the coverage is not comprehensive, it is a good start. The main point is what is important.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mythology-the-elements.jpgmythology-the-elementsAnother book I was pleased to find was this one on mythology which has a two page spread titled 'The elements.' Way to go! It makes the point, as readers of this blog are well aware, the all over the world the elemental forces that form it have been the focus of myth-making.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/childrens-books.jpgchildrens-booksThree months is quite a long time and my collection of books on the elements continues to grow. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/forged-with-flames.jpgforged-with-flamesFrom ice to fire, this recently discovered book is one of many I have collected that tells the story of response and recovery after major wildfires. This one is from the bush fires of 'Ash Wednesday' that occurred in Victoria, Australia in 1983. As we get closer to the anniversary of the 1967 fires in Hobart I will feature the stories and lessons that these very personal and painful experiences tell us.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/forged-by-flames.jpgforged-by-flamesFrom ice to fire, this recently discovered book is one of many I have collected that tells the story of response and recovery after major wildfires. This one is from the bush fires of 'Ash Wednesday' that occurred in Victoria, Australia in 1983. As we get closer to the anniversary of the 1967 fires in Hobart I will feature the stories and lessons that these very personal and painful experiences tell us.2016-11-24T19:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/05/10/the-way-of-the-drum/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_9076.jpgRice paddiesThe taiko symbolised community in Japan. Farmers would take the drums to the fields and drive pests from crops or awaken the spirit of rain. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/medicine-wheel-and-drum.jpgSacred Drum Medicine Wheel LacingThe lacing of Native American drums Sacred Drum Medicine Wheel Lacinghttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/taiko-drum-in-concert-2012.jpgTaiko Drum in concert 2012Taiko in the Australian context. A dynamic performance by taiko Drum in Cowra. The great photo was taken by Eric Graudins.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/drum-used-in-aoi-festival-green-shinto.jpgDrum used in Aoi Festival Green ShintoThe single drum used in religious music played at the recreation of events dating back 1,500 years. Source: Green Shinto.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-way-of-taiko-2013.jpgThe Way of Taiko 2013The connection between taiko and the elements is drawn and adapted by this book, published in 2013.2016-07-28T07:05:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/04/30/rediscovering-earth-from-the-air/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/google-earth-image-canberra.jpgGoogle Earth image CanberraIt's true that now you can view the earth from the 'air' using Google Earth and similar programs. While these are fantastic tools, they are yet to capture the delight of moving with the wind currents, or feeling the heat of the propane fire. Imagine what it would have been like for balloon passengers in the late 1700s to see the earth from this perspective without the benefit of satellite imagery!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/img_0887.pngGoogle Earth Canberra April 30 2106It's true that you can get a similar aerial experience now from Google Earth and similar programs. That experience doesn't provide the delight of moving with the wind currents though. Imagine what it would have been like for balloon passengers in the late 1700s to see the earth from this perspective.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/riparian-zone-canberra.jpgRiparian zone, CanberraSiwan is the creator of the Australian River Restoration Centre, so it is no surprise that a riparian zone or two features in her photos. This image shows a complex mosaic of earth, vegetation and water.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/canberra-from-balloon.jpgCanberra from balloonThe birds eye view from a hot air balloon gives you a different perspective of the place we call home. This image is of Canberra, the national capital of Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/the-lovett-family-and-friends-about-to-take-off.jpgThe Lovett family and friends about to take offThe fire is burning and the hot air is about to take Siwan and her family and friends over the little hills of Canberra, the capital of Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/abq-box-wildcardweather-com.pngabq-box wildcardweather.comAs described in this informative diagram from wildcardweather.com, the Albuquerque Box weather phenomenon potentially allows balloonists to take off and land in the same place. It is a grand example of the interaction between earth and air in forming wind patterns. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/earthfromthemoon1968.jpgEarth from the moon 1968One of the first images of the earth from the moon, taken from Apollo 8 on Christmas eve, 1968. This perspective was influential in stimulating the environmental movement. Source: nasa.gov 2016-05-01T00:10:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/04/02/wisdom-from-the-earth/2016-03-30T02:44:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/03/28/lets-celebrate/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/arctic_trip_bron_jann-dancing-2.jpgArctic_Trip_2008Dancing in the rain on an ice-breaker in a Norwegian fjord. Music, dance and the elements. You can't get much better than that.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/a-ford-earth-dances.jpgA Ford Earth DancesEarth Dances explores how the voice, the drum the drone and the dance are in touch with something fundamental in our existence.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/dance-t-shirts.jpgDance t-shirtsA Midnight Oil t-shirt from 1993 surrounded by Kylie Minogue t-shirts from the mid-2000s. Both are great to dance to!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/stellar-swarm-m80-ngc-6093-one-of-the-densest-of-the-147-known-globular-clusters-in-the-milky-way-galagy.jpgStellar swarm M80 (NGC 6093). NASA.Stellar swarm M80 (NGC 6093), one of the densest of the 147 known globular clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy. The elements are as relevant here as they are on earth. Source: NASA.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gob-header21.jpgRainbow, East Coast TasmaniaRainbows bring colour2016-03-29T22:33:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/01/19/metal-the-evolving-element/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/hephaestus.jpgHephaestusTen days after writing this post I found this glass dish at a second hand shop. Talk about serendipity. Hephaestus, the Greek equivalent to Vulcan, is the god of blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire and volcanoes!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/copper-composition-2.jpgCopper composition 2Copper has been used in its native and alloy form to create objects for human use for at least 8000 years. This copper jug was crafted by Weeda in Ulverstone, Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shauns-flower1.jpgShaun's flowerShaun Williams, a blacksmith from Florida USA, created this flower using earth, air, fire and water. Each work hand-crafted out of metal, no matter how utilitarian or decorative, also draws on the spirit of the maker. Source: Shaun Williams.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/copper-composition.jpgCopper compositionCopper has been used in its native and alloy form to create objects for human use for at least 8000 years. This copper jug was crafted by Weda in Ulverstone, Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shauns-flower.jpgShaun's flowerShaun Williams, a blacksmith from Florida USA, created this flower using earth, air, fire and water. Each work hand-crafted out of metal, no matter how utilitarian or decorative, also draws on the spirit of the maker. Source: Shaun Williams.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wu_xing-wikipedia.pngWu_Xing WikipediaThis image of Wu Xing illustrates the cyclic and interactive nature of Wu Xing. If you Google images of Wu Xing you will see many use the words element to describe the five components. Source: Wikipedia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/yama-kuni-swrod-gift.jpgYama Kuni sword giftThis Japanese sword was a gift from Alan Coleman (Yama Kuni) to the Shinto Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Portland Oregon.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wim-delvoyes-rusting-truck-sculpture-mona-hobart-tasmania.jpgWim Delvoye's rusting truck sculpture, MONA, Hobart, TasmaniaThe interaction between metal, water and air in this sculpture by Wim Delvoye at MONA creates a beautiful layer of rust. Given enough time, these interactions will lead to the sculpture corroding to rust dust.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/konrad-and-the-sun-mofo.jpgKonrad and the sun MOFOKonrad Park, creating improvised music in response to images of the sun. At one stage Konrad carried a cymbal around the room while playing it. The vibrations travelled through your body.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/shauns-sword.jpgShaun's swordShaun Williams, a blacksmith from Florida, created this knife using earth, air, fire and water. Each work created out of metal, no matter how utilitarian, draws on the spirit of the maker as well.2016-02-20T11:59:48+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2016/02/19/food-glorious-food/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hippocrates-nature-is-the-cure-for-disease-logo.jpghippocrates-nature-is-the-cure-for-disease-logoHippocrates, the founder of western medicine, also equated food with medicine. He also saw nature as a healer - the four elements in Hippocratic medicine were earth, Air, Water and Fire. His well known quote 'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food' is coming back into fashion with greater attention being paid in the west to the relationship between food and health. Clean water, air, soil and energy are an integral part of this discussion.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/kazedamari-dinner-june-2015.jpgKazedamari dinner June 2015Sharing food is one of the delights of life, something that crosses cultures. Here food is being shared between members of two Japanese and one Australian taiko group.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/desert-mrs-jones.jpgDesert Mrs JonesTo show that I do take photos of food from countries other than Japan, here is a beautifully displayed desert served at a restaurant in northern Tasmania. The visual elements are as satisfying as the food itself.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0236.jpgHokkaido mealIt's intriguing how the presentation of food plays a big part in our enjoyment of food. It is hard to go past the Japanese art of presentation. This seafood was part of a multi-course meal in Asihodate, Hokkaido. Before eating one says 'itidakimas', a prayer of thanks to **https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/farmers-market-kuaii.jpgFarmer's market KuaiiFarmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture are growing in popularity. They connect people with the producers of the food, adding another dimension to the story.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_9630.jpgYakuzenThis meal is from a restaurant in Kyoto that sells food based on Chinese herbal medicine and the elements. It is known as yakuzen. Thank-you to Sawaka Ama for the image and opening my eyes to this food.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/chinese-indian-medicine.jpgChinese & Indian medicineLinks between food and the elements go back much further than Michael Pollan. Chinese and Indian medicine both stress the importance of the connections between food and **https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cooked-by-michael-pollan.jpgCooked by Michael PollanMichael Pollan is my favourite food writer. His mantra is 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.' Michael's book 'Cooked; is based around the elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth. On February 19th in the US a documentary series based on the book will start on Netflix. It's bound to be thought-provoking.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/trevors-plums.jpgTrevor's plumsThe food we consume, no matter if it is from the bush, a back yard veggie garden, a food stall or a high-class restaurant, has been on an incredible journey. Each sip or bite represents the elements that went into producing the food. The earth (soil), water, air and fire (sunlight) that bought it to life. The spirit that transformed it into something more. These delicious plums were lovingly grown by my father-in-laws 2016-02-19T03:22:32+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/04/05/praying-with-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sam2-850.jpgLake Titicaca, PeruThe Canticle of the Sun is a celebration of the sun, moon, darts and the elements. These were also of great importance to the Incan civilisations in Peru and beyond.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sf2013-260.jpgSF2013 260St Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Until visiting Santa Fe, I hadn't been aware that the city is named after Saint Francis - it's full name is 'the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.'https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sf2013-262.jpgSt Francis, Santa Fe, NMSt Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The city of Santa Fe is named after Saint Francis - it's full name is 'the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.'2016-01-31T02:31:15+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/01/01/happy-new-elemental-year/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/unknown-1.jpegTibetan MonasteryThis Monastery, close to Mt Everest, gives a sense of the power and influence of the elements in the lives of Tibetans.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/unknown.jpegTibetan MonasteryThis Tibetan Monastery close to Mt Everest gives some sense of the power and influence of the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo1.jpgTibetan calendarAn example of a daily calendar combining Source: nitartha.org.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tibetan-calendar.jpgTibetan astrological calendarA Tibetan astrological Elemental calendar based on the Bon tradition and Chinese influences. Source: www.tactus.dk.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/fireworks-and-water-sydney-harbour.jpgFire(works) and water, Sydney HarbourSydney, Australia see in the 2014 New Year New Year with a spectacular display of fire and water. Source: syndneynewyearseve.com.2016-01-01T19:54:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/07/16/the-year-of-the-yin-green-wooden-sheep/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/year-of-the-sheep-card-back.jpgYear of the Sheep card 1993This Year of the Sheep card, printed in the USA in 1993, shows the elements associated with the different years in the 12 year cycle up to 2003. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/year-of-the-sheep-card.jpgYear of the Sheep cardThis Year of the Sheep card, printed in the USA in 1993, shows the elements associated with the different years in the 12 year cycle up to 2003. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/year-of-the-sheep-tsu-japan1.jpgYear of the Sheep Tsu JapanTwo 'Year of the Sheep' statues, Tsu City, Japanhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/year-of-the-sheep-tsu-japan.jpgYear of the Sheep Tsu JapanTwo 'Year of the Sheep' statues, Tsu City, Japanhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/australia-and-sheep1.jpgAustralia love affair with sheepThis two-page spread from the 'Geography and Maps' book in the 1996 edition of 'A Child's First Library of Learning' series may help explain why Australian's identify with the Year of the Sheep. For much of it's history wool was the main export for Australia, leading to the expression 'riding on the sheep's back'.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/australia-and-sheep.jpgAustralia and sheepThis image from the 'Geography and Maps' book in the 1996 edition of 'A Child's First Library of Learning' series may explain why we identify with the Year of the Sheep!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/authentic-year-of-the-ram.jpgAuthentic Year of the RamThis 450 page book on the Year of the Ram demonstrates that 'Authentic' Chinese horoscopes are much more than the twelve animal signs. The five elements and Yin and Yang form an essential part of the complex calculations to draw up a horoscope if you were born in this year. Published in 1987, the current 12 year cycle is not on the cover.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/chinesenewyear2015-woodsheep_postcard-ap-5pj.jpgYear of the Green Wood SheepThis representation literally portrays a Green Wood sheep!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/chinese-new-year-sign-3_grande.jpgThe Chinese Zodiac CalendarThe twelve year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. Source:https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/lesley-kehoe-gallery-year-of-the-sheep.jpgLesley Kehoe Gallery Year of the SheepA beautiful water-colour by Shumei Kobayashi, created for the Year of the Sheep. Source: Lesley Kehoe Gallery, Melbourne.2016-01-01T19:50:09+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/01/25/insights-from-the-edge-of-the-sea/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/elemental-fire.jpgElemental fireThere is something fundamentally human about sitting around a fire, a provider of warmth and a focus for conversation.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/the-edge-of-the-sea.jpgThe edge of the seaThe dynamic and ever-changing sea-shore is full of life, and in this case human flotsam and jetsam. Santa Barbara on the Pacific Ocean.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/the-outermost-house.jpgThe Outermost HouseWhat better place to read 'The Outermost House' than within sight and sound of the sea.2015-12-17T23:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/12/12/watching-and-truly-listening/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lhasa.jpgLhasaThis is Lhasa. Probably waiting to be fed. (Photo also taken by Ruth Williams)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/st-francis-santa-fe-august-2013.jpgSt Francis Santa Fe August 2013St Francis of Assissi called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters,” and preached to the birds. (Photo: Santa fe, New Mexico, August 2013).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/colorado-storm-september-2013.jpgColorado storm September 2013Storms contain an enormous amount of energy which dogs and other animals can detect, often long before humans can. Lots of advice is available to fix this 'phobia' in dogs. The response could also be seen as letting others in the 'pack' know of an impending storm.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/calm-after-the-storm.jpgCalm after the stormhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/dragonfly-okavango-delta-botswana.jpgDragonfly Okavango Delta BotswanaWatching and truly listening to nonvertebrate nonhuman animals can be enlightening as well as he big, iconic ones. Based on his behavioural studies for example, Darwin wrote that worms deserved to be called intelligent.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/bull-ellie-okavango-delta-botswana.jpgBull Ellie Okavango Delta BotswanaWatching this large bull 'ellie' feed from a fig tree in the Okavango delta in Botswana was mesmerising. Carl Safina provides some intimate insights into the life of elephants in his book 'Beyond Words'.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/suki.jpgSukiThis is Suki, my sister Ruth's dog. I look forward to our 'conversations' each time I visit.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/faccia-bello1.jpgFaccia BelloRenaldo came to see Faccia Bello as his guardian spirit. A spirit that acted as a link to the massive power and energy of the natural world.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/faccia-bello.jpgFaccia BelloRenaldo came to see Faccia Bello as his guardian spirit. A spirit that acted as a link to the massive power and energy of the natural world.2015-12-19T05:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/11/25/the-soil-as-teacher/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/loess-plateau-john-d-lui.gifLoess Plateau John D LuiLarge scale restoration of the Loess Plateau in China has seen the return of ecological functions and a productive farming system. Source: ecosmagazine.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/earthworms-permaculture-institute.jpgEarthworms Permaculture InstituteWorms provide many benefits to soil as shown by this handful of rich soil from a worm farm. Charles Darwin referred to them as nature's ploughman.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fukoaka-books.jpgFukoaka booksThree of the books translated into English by the author of the International Best-seller 'The One Straw Revolution'. Making soil is the driving principle behind this system of natural farming.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/vincent-lingiari-receives-soil.jpgVincent Lingiari receives soilAn image indelibly marked in my mind - Gough Whitlam, the Prime Minister of Australia, pouring red soil into the hand of Vincent Lingiari to symbolising the return of their traditional country.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/soil-fauna-uws.jpgSoil fauna UWSThese microarthropods are from soil in a birch woodland in Scotland. It is not unusual to find several hundreds of thousands individuals representing hundreds of species in one square metre of soil. They are a small proportion of the amazing diversity of life found in living soil. Source: Dr Uffe Nielsen www.uws.edu.au2015-11-25T22:15:09+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/10/14/dragons-a-force-of-nature/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/water-dragon.jpgDragon water fontDragon shaped water fonts are often found at Shinto Shrines signifying a strong connection with water. This dragon is delivering water to the chozubachi at at Hakone Shrine.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irezumi-van-gulik.jpgIrezumi Van GulikThis unassuming looking book on Irezumi by W.R. Van Gulik dedicates a whole chapter to the Fireman's dragon tattoo and the relationship with the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_7418-2.jpgIrezumiThis unassuming book on Irezumi by W.R. Van Gulik dedicates a whole chapter to the Fireman's dragon tattoo and the relationship with the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/irezumi.jpgIrezumiThis unassuming looking book dedicates a whole chapter to the Fireman's dragon tattoo and the relationship with the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dragon-in-ceiling1.jpgDragon in ceilingA dragon painted on he ceiling at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. The temple is a World Heritage site and is ranked as the first amongst the cities five great Zen temples.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dragon-in-ceiling.jpgDragon in ceilingA dragon painted on he ceiling at Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. The temple is a World Heritage site and is ranked as the first amongst the cities five great Zen temples.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/smaugdestroyinglaketown.jpgSmaugDestroyingLakeTownDragons are often depicted as evil and destructive in the west like Smaug in The Hobbit. Source: lotr.wikia.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/welsh-flag.pngWelsh FlagOur family has Welsh ancestry. It has been interesting to learn more about our heritage.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/flying-dragons-of-the-north.jpgFlying Dragons of the NorthThe Flying Dragons of the North (aka Show Taiks) have chosen the song "Hiryu Sandan Gaeshi (Leaping Dragon)" as their signature piece. Here it is being performed as a concert on Bruny Island, Tasmania. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/swarovski-dragon.jpgSwarovski dragonSwarovski created this limited edition piece, only available in China, for the Year of the Dragon in 2012. 2015-11-01T02:09:04+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/03/planetary-pop-ups-contrasting-cultures/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-copy-3.jpgTengami scene iOSA scene from the Tengami App, created by Nyanmar Games. Image sourced from indiehaven.com.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-copy.jpgCaptain Planet pop-upCaptain Planet and the Planeteers Pop-up book, 1992 Turner Publishing2015-10-29T04:21:57+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/02/a-passion-for-rivers/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo.jpgRipRapIssue36Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, RipRap Issue 36https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/piemanrivertasmania.jpgPiemanRiverTasmaniaCruising the Pieman River, western Tasmania2015-10-29T04:21:05+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/01/women-on-fire/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/image.jpgWomenonFire'Women on Fire' by Debbie Phillipshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wodginafireheader2.jpgWodginafireheaderhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/wodginafireheader.jpgWodginafireheaderSpinifex fire in north-western Australia2015-10-29T02:00:41+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/10/20/the-power-of-waves/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/greenland-fjord.jpgGreenland fjordThis image is literally the calm before the storm. I have strong memories of travelling from this mesmerising fjord in Greenland to the 'confused seas' off the coast. It seemed like the waves were going in every direction. No photos were possible!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/the-wavewatchers-companion.jpgThe Wavewatcher's CompanionThere is much much more to waves and the elements than oceans. These include ** Gavin Pretor-Pinney captures many of these in his book 'The Wavewatcher's Companion'. Gavin is also the founder of the Cloudspotter's Society. Clouds and waves are related, as all things elemental tend to be.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2004-tsunami-geo-tv.jpg2004 tsunami Geo TVThe energy from the 2004 tsunami generated in the Indian Ocean was immense. It is the most devastating tsunami ever recorded with around 300,000 people estimated to have died. Tsunami warning systems have since been put in place to avoid such loss of life in the future.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/aa11-305.jpgGlenelg Beach, South AustraliaWatching and listening to ocean waves can illicit many responses deepening on their size' location and intensity. These gentle waves at sunset gave a great sense of calmness.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/wind-on-the-water.jpgWind on the WaterJack Finlay describes surfing as a spectrum between the physical and the mental. In his words, surfing “At one extreme is an expanse of open ocean over which the wind blows, imparting energy. At the other is a state of mind, a way of seeing things.”https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/carnegie-wave-energy-converters-being-used-off-the-coast-of-perth-western-australia.jpgCarnegie Wave energy converters being used off the coast of Perth, Western Australia.Wave energy converters being used off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Designed by Carnegie, this is the first commercial scale wave energy project in the world.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/tidal-powerplant-release-tidal-lagoon-swansea-bay-plc.jpgCarnegie Wave Energy unitsWave energy converters being used off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Designed by Carnegie, this is the first commercial scale wave energy project in the world.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/waikiki-beach.jpgWaikiki BeachSurfers have an intimate connection to waves. the creation of modern surfing has been credited to Duke ** from Hawaii. Surfing is an essential part of the culture of indigenous Hawaiins. One wonders what these modern day surfers at Waikiki beach have on their minds? https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/wavewatchers-guide.jpgWavewatcher's GuideThere is much much more to waves and the elements than oceans. Gavin Pretor-Pinney captures many of these in his book 'The Wavewatcher's Companion'https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/the_great_wave_off_kanagawa.jpgThe_Great_Wave_off_KanagawaThe Great Wave of Kanagawa would have to be the most recognised representation of a wave in art. Created as a wood block by Katsushika Hokusai around 1830, the image has many layers of meaning. Source: Wikipedia.2015-10-21T02:30:39+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/10/06/goethe-faust-fundamentals-and-yabby-ponds/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/milkweed-botswana.jpgMilkweed BotswanaI can understand Goethe's fascination with plants. I can't stop taking photos of them, in all of their forms. Recently this Milkweed pod caught my eye in Botswana.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/yabby-ponds-3.jpgYabby PondsYabby Ponds, the subject of Nigel Hoffman's Goethian study of place, is located on the southern edge of Kuringai National Park, 20 km south of Sydney, Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/potato-orchid-leith.jpgPotato orchid LeithGoethe was an astute observer of the natural world. His attempt to advance the scientific understanding of plants aimed to provide a way of experiencing nature both symbolically and scientifically.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/nigel-hoffman-book.jpgNigel Hoffman bookNigel Hoffman draws on Goethe's science of living form to describe four stages of scientific inquiry that correspond to the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/frankfurt-2010.jpgFrankfurt 2010When I visited Frankfurt in 2010 I wasn’t aware of the scope and vision of Goethe’s works. If I was, I would have made the effort to visit the house where he was born and worked in.2015-10-06T03:44:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/09/27/celebrating-the-worlds-rivers/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/the-river-a-sanna.jpgThe River A Sanna'The River' by Alessandro Sanna, tells the story of the Po River in Italy through captivating watercolours. Based on stories of the four seasons, the front cover reflects an image from Autumn.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/six-element-practice-sound.jpgSix element practice soundThe Buddhist Six Element meditation, as practiced by Bodhippaksa, focuses on flow. It describes the Water Element as the archetype of the other elements of Earth, Fire, Air, Space and Conciousness.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/riprap-38-northern-australia.pngRipRap 38 Northern AustraliaRip Rap is one of the many ways the ARRC shares knowledge about rivers. The latest volume features the rivers of Northern Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/the-river-by-a-sanna.jpgThe River by A Sanna'The River' by Alessandro Sanna, tells the story of the Po River in Italy through captivating watercolours. Based on the four seasons, the front cover reflects an image from Autumn.2015-09-28T01:33:02+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/09/21/elemental-ecology-revisited/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/4-elemental-frameworks-2.jpg4 elemental frameworks 2Setting the scene with some of the main elemental frameworks and the range of subjects where the elements are expressed. Japan has a mix of the Chinese and Indian frameworks.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/4-elemental-frameworks.jpg4 elemental frameworksSetting the scene with some of the main elemental frameworks and the range of subjects where the elements are expressedhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/final-slide.jpgFinal slideWhat elemental ecology could look like.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/five-phases.jpgFive phasestwo approaches to ecology based on Chinese and Indian philosophieshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/first-slide.jpgFirst slideThis is how I introduced my talk2015-09-22T00:02:47+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/09/27/paying-a-visit-to-elemental-ecology/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/central-australia.jpgCentral AustraliaCentral Australia, a perfect location to be exploring elemental ecology.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hinduism-and-ecology.jpegHinduism and EcologyThis book provides insights on ecology in the context of Hindu traditions, including the five great elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/you-are-the-earth.jpegYou are the EarthChildren are the audience for this book on the elements by David Suzuki and Kathy Vanderlinden.2015-09-21T14:06:47+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/08/30/elements-in-the-extreme/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/katrina-10-logo.jpgKatrina 10 logoThe 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is being used as a symbol for the city to build resilience and look to the future.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/firefighters-washington-state.jpgFirefighters Washington StateMembers of a crew prepare to work on an area of unburnt brush in the Okanogan fires near Tonasket, Washington, on 22 August 2015. Photograph: Jason Redmond, the guardian.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fires-portugal-august-2015.jpgSpain WildfireFirefighters work to control a raging forest fire as trees are engulfed in flames next to a road in Ojen, southern Spain, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. Spanish officials say some 4,000 people have been evacuated from their houses as a wildfire abetted by strong winds spread rapidly through hills around the popular southern tourist city of Marbella. (AP Photo/Sergio Torres)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/world-weather-day-aug-30-2015.jpgWorld weather day Aug 30 2015World Weather Day provides a snapshot of the weather conditions experienced in diverse locations on August 30, 2005. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/extreme-weather-cover.jpgExtreme Weather cover'Extreme Weather', published by Reader's Digest in 2006.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/hurricane_katrina_august_28_2005_nasa.jpgHurricane_Katrina_August_28_2005_NASAHurricane Katrina, the day before land-fall in New Orleans. An elemental expression of great power and energy. Source Wikipedia, who sourced the image from NASA.2015-09-18T22:25:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/04/27/architectural-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cob-buildings-screen-shot.pngCob buildings screen shotCob buildings are having a renaissance in the west, as shown by this Google Screen Shot.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/machu-picchu-overview.jpgMachu Picchu overviewMachu Picchu and the pathway to the Gate of the Sun (far left), viewed from Waynu Picchu. The zig-zag road makes access easier, but detracts from the original. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/underwing.jpgUnder wingThe Winged House in northern Tasmania is canti-levered to give the impression that you are just about to take flight as a bird or plane into the ocean air currents.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/water-feature.jpgWater featureWater is often used as an elemental feature in buildings. The shallow pool shown here offsets the major natural water feature the building overlooks. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/henry-johes.jpgHenry JonesLocal sandstone was used in many Georgian buildings in Hobart, Tasmania including a series of warehouses that have now been converted into a hotel and arts precinct. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/crafthousepjd.jpgModern architecturemany modern houses in Australia area built of earth (bricks), with features of stone and wood. Source: pauljohntson.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mud-bricks-drying-in-the-sun-bolivia.jpgMud bricks drying in the sun BoliviaMud bricks drying in the sun, near Santa Cruz, Bolivia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/djenne_great_mud_mosque.jpgDjenne_great_mud_mosqueThe Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali, Africa. Made of mud brick the building is a World Heritage Site. Source: wikipedia. com (photo by Ruud Zwart)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/arpt-headquarters-by-mario-cucinella-architects-03.jpgARPT-Headquarters AlgeriaThe new ARPT Headquarters in Algeria drew inspiration from the desert sand and wind, and is also designed to withstand desert sand storms. Source: www.greenprophet.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/vastushastrabook.jpgVastu Shastra bookVastu Shatsu is the Indian equivalent to Feng Shui, as this book points out. The 5000 year old science of building is designed to balance the relationship between humans, nature and buildings. It uses the elements, amongst other factors, to achieve this. Unlike Feng Shui it is not well known in the west.2015-09-17T12:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/09/15/earth-water-air-fire-architect/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/miho-museum-tunnel.jpgMiho Museum tunnelThe Miho Museum in Shiga Prefecture Japan was designed by I.M. Pei, a Chinese-born American. The design of the entrance to the museum was inspired by the Chinese expression "Peach blossom spring beyond mortal world." When you emerge from the tunnel that leads to the museum you see a grand space with the buidlings embedded in the mountain.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/albert-einstein.jpgAlbert-EinsteinAlbert Einstein was an alumni at ETH Zurich, the top-ranked University where the four semester series on the elements and architecture was conducted. Einstein understood the importance of the imagination, a critical component of creative architecture.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/architecture-book.jpgArchitecture bookEarth Water Air Fire: The Four Elements and Architecture (2014). Edited by Josep Lluis Mateo & Florian Sauter. Designed by Folch, published by Actar.2015-09-15T22:58:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/08/25/elemental-places/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/spectacular-clouds.jpgSpectacular cloudsSince moving to Hobart I have been struck by the beautiful and awe-inspiring cloud formations. Clouds are another form of water - they form when the invisible water vapour in the air condenses into visible water droplets or ice crystals. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/okavango-delta-august-2015.jpgOkavango Delta August 2015On a recent trip to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, water stood out as the defining element. This inland delta supports a myriad of plants and animals. Elsewhere in Africa water is also critical. A continent where rivers like the Nile and deserts like the Sahara have shaped diverse cultures.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tectonicjapan-cnic.gifTectonic Japan CNICJapan is one of the countries that is defined by all four of the elements as natural forces: earth (earthquakes); volcanoes (fire) water (an island nation that experiences tsunamis) and air/wind (typhoons). Some of these impacts are related to its position on the edge of four tectonic plates. Source: http://www.cnic.jp.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/getty-museum.jpgGetty MuseumThe East Coast of the United States is also a land of fire. The chapparel on the hills behind the Getty Nuseum in Los Angeles have a propensity to burn. The Museum also illustrates the importance of the earth element in this region - it has been built specifically to protect the exhibits from earthquakes. So in terms of defining this region I would nominate the elements fire and earth as defining natural forces. With the recent drought in California people might also turn their minds to water as an element. This demonstrates how the focus can change depending on the circumstances.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/bushfires-1997-2013-tasmania.jpgBushfires 1997-2013 TasmaniaThis map of bushfires experienced in Tasmania over the period 1997-2013 shows their wide extent.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/hobart-1967-fire-response.jpgHobart 1967 fire responseThis book analyses the response of individuals and agencies to the major wildfire that occurred in Hobart in 1967. 62 people died and 1300 homes were lost. All Tasmanians are living with fire as a natural force, something we all need to be prepared for.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/mt-wellingtonkunanyi-on-fire.jpgkunanyi/Mt Wellington 'on fire'In this image kunanyi/Mt Wellington has a fiery glow. Professor David Bowman has described the mountain as "an organic volcano waiting to burn." The last time it did so in a major way was in 1967.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/mt-wellingtonkunanyi-under-snow.jpgkunanyi/Mt Wellington under snowHere the snow on kunany/Mt Wellington can be seen in the context of Hobart, the city it overlooks. "The Mountain" as it is often called, promotes a strong sense of place for many who experience its presence.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/snow-on-mt-wellingtonkunanyi-august-2015-thanks-to-cathy-collins.jpgSnow on kunanyi/Mt Wellington.Snow on the lower slopes of kunyani/Mt Wellington, August 2015. Thanks to Cathy Collins for braving the slippery roads to take this image.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/yachting-is-a-popular-pastime-in-tasmania-with-the-sydney-to-hobart-annual-boxing-day-yacht-race-of-worldwide-fame.jpgYachting in Hobart, Tasmania is a popular pastime in Tasmania with the Sydney to Hobart annual Boxing day yacht race of worldwide fame.2015-08-27T00:42:07+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/06/06/neuroconservation-the-brain-on-fire/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/the-earth-has-a-soul.jpgThe Earth Has A SoulWhile Jung only wrote a few essays devoted solely to the modern man's loss of connection with nature, his concern can be found in much of what he wrote.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/neural-imagery.jpgBrain imaging graphicThis brain imaging graphic was used to advertise a conference held in April 2015 called "Images of the Mind: new frontiers in brain imaging". http://cnc.unipd.it/images-mind-new-frontiers-brain-imaging-milan-9-10-april-2015/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/blue-mind.jpgBlue MindThe book 'Blue Mind', published in 2014, has become a best seller. Source: blue mind.mehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/my_blue_marble_by_vileyonderboy.jpgMy_Blue_Marble_by_VileYonderboyThe Blue Marble Project aims to reinstate a sense of awe, beauty and respect for planet earth. Image source: http://able2know.org/topic/227719-1.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/img_8127.jpgBlue Mind summitsThere have been five 'Blue Mind' summits, starting in 2011. The most recent on examined water in an urban context.2015-06-09T04:20:49+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/05/18/celebrating-our-sense-of-wonder/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/ytb.jpgYellow-tailed black cockatooListen to the voices of living things. Not only does this Yellow-tailed black cockatoo have a wonderful raucous call, you can hear it gnawing away at woody branches and fruits searching for a tasty morsel. Tasmania, Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2228.jpgAutumn leavesThe different hues and colours of autumn leaves are a wonder of nature, especially when they are dancing in the wind.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/rock-hugger.jpgRock huggerTrees are often associated with a sense of wonder. This rock-hugging tree on the coast of Mexico is as captivating as the majestic old-growth eucalypts and sequoias. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/sun-and-surf.jpgSun and surfWalking along the waters edge stimulates the senses - sound, sight, smell and touch.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/rain-and-rainbows.jpgRain and rainbowshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/summer-excercises.jpgSummer excercisesThis book, originally written in German, is designed to give children a hands on experience of nature: the elements, plants and animals. https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-world-of-insects.jpgThe World of InsectsThis 1996 book encourages children to learn about the insect world. Like Rachel Carson, a magnifying glass is recommended as an essential aid.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-sense-of-wonder-3.jpgThe Sense of WonderThe Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson. This 1998 version was published with the nature photographs that Rachel Carson envisaged would accompany her text.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/the-sense-of-wonder.jpgThe Sense of WonderThe Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson. This 1998 version was published with the nature photographs that Rachel Carson envisage would accompany her text.2015-05-21T02:35:37+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/04/18/humans-the-fifth-planetary-force/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fullsizerender1.jpgHow Earth Made Us (2010)The five part series 'How Earth Made Us' (2010) is presented by Professor Iain Stewart. In 2013 I paid for the DVD of the series. Now you can watch it for free on YouTube at http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/how-earth-made-us/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/malocite-rocks_-blog_.jpgmalocite.rocks_.blog_Malachite forms copper when heated.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/how-earth-made-us-water-shapeshift-net.jpgHow-Earth-Made-Us-WaterSource: shapeshift.nethttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/mtconner.jpgMt Conner, Central AustraliaIn the 'Wind' episode professor Stewart stands on the top of Mt Conner, and important Aboriginal sacred site, to view the surrounding sand-dunes. Source: sss.travelnt.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/iain-stewart-very-hot-bbc.jpgIain Stewart is very hot BBCIn the episode on fire Professor Stewart walks through intense flame to show the power of this element.2015-04-19T22:26:16+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/04/07/in-awe-of-the-amazon-air-water-and-earth/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/reflections.jpgReflectionsReflections on the Itenez River, which marks the border with Brazil.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/spider-monkey.jpgSpider monkeySpider and howler monkeys were fast moving targets for the camera in the vegetation along the main river channel.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/flooded-forest.jpgFlooded forestMaking our way though the dense and sometimes tangled vegetation of the flooded forest was a magical experience.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/right-of-way.jpgRight of waymaking our way through some of the tangled vegetation of the Amazonhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/santa-cruz-zoo.jpgSanta Cruz ZooThe Zoo in Santa Cruz is one of many places bearing his name. This image was taken in 2009 when the zoo had undergone a major makeover. The staff work hard with limited resources to look after the South American species in their care.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cloud-swerving.jpgCloud swervingFlying through, over and above the clouds was an unforgettable experience. As was the expansive forest below.2015-04-08T04:42:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/03/29/rain-hail-or-shine/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/simple-pleasures.jpgSimple pleasuresTaking time to enjoy simple pleasures such as the beauty of flowers can help us pause and reflect.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/intense-rain-march-2015.jpgIntense rain March 2015This almost abstract image captures the intense rain that accompanied the hail storm pictured above. March 2015.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/22confused-seas22-greenland.jpg"Confused seas", Greenland.A port during this storm in Greenland would have been very welcome. Now I know what they mean by the expression "confused seas'.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/salt-pans-near-karratha-western-australia.jpgSalt pans near Karratha, Western AustraliaAerial view of sea water drying in salt pans to become the salt of the earth, near Karratha, Western Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/salt-works-dampier-wa.jpgSalt works Dampier WAhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sydney-harbor-bridge.jpgSydney Harbor BridgeThere is a lot of water going under this very large, and very famous, bridge. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/tip-of-iceberg-greenland.jpgTip of iceberg, GreenlandThe tip of an iceberg, Greenland (I couldn't resist putting this in!).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fire-in-the-belly.jpgFire-in-the-bellyThis was my favourite on-line image of the many available for the expression 'Fire in the belly'. The show was a fundraiser for a performer suffering from cancer.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/rainbow-quote.jpgrainbow quoteThis was the most common rainbow quote I found doing a Google search. Source: http://www.hsconline-blog.comhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/diffuse-rainbow-march-2015.jpgDiffuse rainbow March 2015The yachts dance in the wind as the diffuse rainbow behind them lights up the sky.2015-03-29T23:59:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/02/15/worshipping-wood/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wu_xing.pngWu_XingThe complex and intriguing Wu Xing - five phases - of Chinese philosophy. Source: Wikipedia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/the-tree-of-life-un-style.jpgThe Tree of Life, UN styleThis image of the Tree of Life in my office reminds me of the interconnectedness of all things.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/the-2015-wooden-boat-festival-tasmania.jpgThe 2015 Wooden Boat Festival, TasmaniaThe two-yearly Australian Wooden Boat Festival demonstrates the continuing reverence for wood as a boat-building material.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sacred-old-growth-tree-japan.jpgSacred old-growth tree, JapanAn 800 year old sacred tree with shimenawa and shire at Yuki Shrine, Mt Kurama, NW of Kyoto.2015-02-15T20:50:41+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2015/01/05/being-well-with-help-from-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_4007.jpgAboriginal AustraliansMy explorations to discover more about the relationship between Aboriginal Australians and the elements continue. This image taken at Taronga zoo, Sydney.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1164.jpgUplifting viewBeautiful views, especially over water, can do wonders for your sense of well being. This one is from the East Coast of Tasmania, Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/elemental-wellbeing-books.jpgElemental wellbeing booksA selection of the impressive selection of books on wellbeing and the elements covered in this post.2015-01-06T21:52:27+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/12/22/the-solstice-and-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/jap2-714.jpgStone lantern, Nara, JapanBoth the sun and the moon are important in the rituals of Japan. They are both seen on this stone lantern at Nara, at least that's what I understand the crescent and circle illustrate.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/sunrise-leith.jpgSunrise LeithSunrisehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/cusco1-364.jpgSacsayhuaman, CuscoSacsayhuaman, the site of the nine-day Festival of the Sun, an Incan ceremony held at the winter solstice (june)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-copy.jpgThe solsticesThe solstices (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica)https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_3118.jpgEl Castillo, Chichen ItzaEl Castillo2014-12-22T07:17:24+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/12/16/uniting-the-states-elemental-style/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_0422.jpg'Fire powered' motor vehiclesOne of the more popular sections in the book with reviewers relates to Fire - it discusses the invention of engines and their use as motive power. Americans have certainly embraced the motor vehicle with gusto.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1448.jpg'Fire powered' motor vehiclesOne of the more popular sections in the book with reviewers relates to Fire - it discusses the invention of engines and their use as motive power. Americans have certainly embraced the motor vehicle with gusto.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_4687.jpg'Fire powered' motor vehiclesOne of the more popular sections in the book with reviewers relates to Fire - it discusses the invention of engines and their use as motive power. Americans embraced the motor vehicle.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-copy-3.jpg'The Men Who United The States''The Men Who United The States (Winchester 2013) uses wood, earth, water, fire and metal as the framework to describe the founding of the 50 States of America.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/img_1958.jpgMonticelloMonticello, Virginia - the home of Thomas Jefferson. The large tree in the foreground, now a stump, dates back from Jefferson's time.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo-copy-2.jpg'The Men Who United The States'This book uses wood, earth, water, fire and metal as the framework to describe the founding of the 50 States of America.2014-12-16T21:29:40+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/11/28/giving-thanks-for-the-gifts-we-receive/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-21.jpgMesmerising snow in NYCBeing able to watch the snow dancing and playing from the 25th floor in NYC was a delighthttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-11.jpgEruptorEruptor, a lava monster from the Skylander video game, at the 2014 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, NYChttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/image.jpgWinter Storm CatoSnowfalls associated with Winter Storm Cato, November 26, 2014.2014-12-13T00:25:05+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/11/07/the-russian-firebird-a-symbol-of-inspiration-and-art/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo.jpg'Russian Magic' by Cherry GilchristThe story of Prince Ivan and the Firebird is on the cover of this release of 'Russian Magic' (Source: Amazon).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-2.jpgThe back of a Russian miniature lacquer platThe back of the plate fills in more of the story, revealing the country of origin and the artisthttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-1.jpgMiniature Russian lacquered plateDiscovering this miniature lacquered plate (10cm wide) led me to Russia, magic and the mystical Firebird.2014-11-07T22:20:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/10/18/seven-elements-plus-one/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/okunion-cemetery-koyosan-japan.jpgOkunion Cemetery, Koyosan, JapanKoyosan, Japan - the home of the Six Great-Elements - the sixth being consciousness.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fireworks-chinese-new-year.jpgFireworks, Chinese New YearThis image of Chinese New Year fireworks came up when I typed 'fire riotous celebration' into Google images. I've flown over China during the New Year celebrations and it is spectacular from the air as well. Source: Reinhard Krause, Reuters.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/soil-creating-life.jpgSoil creating lifeSoil has given birth to this beautiful succulent in my sister's back-yard. It has given her family much pleasure. Source: Ruth Williamshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-rivered-earth-vikram-seth.jpegThe Rivered Earth, Vikram SethThe Rivered Earth by Vikram Seth. The fourth libretto is called 'Seven Elements'.2014-11-02T01:45:54+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/10/11/travelling-with-john-muir-an-astute-observer-of-nature/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/spirit-beams-east-coast-of-tasmania.jpgSpirit-beams, east coast of TasmaniaSpirit-beams in a different setting, the east coast of Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/spirit-beams-eastern-australia.jpgSpirit beams eastern AustraliaSpirit beams in a different setting, the east coast of Tasmania.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/john-muirs-thousand-mile-walk.jpgJohn Muir's Thousand Mile Walkhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-very-wet-and-green-everglades.jpgThe very wet and green EvergladesThe very green and wet Everglades where John Muir walked in 1867 (Source: Columbia Water Centre).https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-vast-arid-red-centre-of-australia.jpgThe vast, arid red centre of AustraliaParallel sand dunes and sporadic outcrops in arid central Australia. Taken from a jet plane.2014-10-12T09:12:55+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/09/08/tibetan-prayer-flags-filling-all-of-space/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vibrations-being-sent-over-water.jpgVibrations being sent over waterhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bodhnath-stupa-kathmandu-nepal.jpgBodhnath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal2014-09-13T07:52:58+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/04/25/quintessence-a-multifaceted-element/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/the-five-great-elements-rediscovered.jpegThe Five Great Elements Rediscoveredhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/the-five-great-elements.jpgThe Five Great ElementsThis book by Swami Nityamuktananda is a great reference on the five elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/quintessence.jpgquintessenceA restaurant called quintessence in south-eastern Australia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/four-elements.jpgfour elements2014-09-08T06:59:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/09/01/a-day-in-our-lives-with-the-elements/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/twilight-sept-1-2014.jpgTwilight Sept 1 2014https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_6499.jpgA delicious mealVegetables, rice and olive paste - served on a ceramic plate, sitting on a wooden table - a marvel of the elementshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/birds-on-beach-sept-1-2014.jpgBirds on beach Sept 1 2014https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/blue-gum-blossom-aug-21-2014.jpgBlue gum blossom Aug 21 2014https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/spring-blossoms-aug-5-2014.jpgSpring blossoms Aug 5 20142014-09-02T11:13:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/08/24/the-complex-cosmology-of-the-aztecs/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/the-new-fire-ceremony.jpgThe New Fire CeremonyThe New Fire Ceremony illustrated in the Codex Borbonicus (Source: Wikipedia). Four high priests take 52 pieces of wood to be burned in the sacred fire. This is the source used to reignite fires across the Aztec empire at the beginning of the new 52 year cycle.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/the-fourth-aztec-sun.jpgThe Fourth Aztec Sunhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/life-in-the-aztec-world.jpegLife in the Aztec Worldhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/aztec-sun-stone-reproduction.jpgAztec Sun Stone reproduction2014-08-24T11:03:45+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/18/alchemy-is-in-the-air/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/kundalini-dance.jpgKundalini DanceKundalini Dance, one of my brother's connections with alchemy and the elements.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/windswept.jpgWindsweptAlchemy is in the air - leaves are dancing in the wind as the Autumn equinox approaches. 'Windswept' by Westminster, Australia.2014-08-23T01:58:55+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/06/09/solving-the-mystery-of-the-six-pointed-star-sort-of/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/asanoha-google-images.jpgAsanoha Google imageshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kifune-shrine-star-pattern.jpgKifune Shrine star patternhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/onigiri-star-pattern.jpgOnigiri star patternhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/seimei-shrine-kyoto.jpgSeimei Shrine Kyotohttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/star-pattern-san-fran.jpgSix pointed star pattern from San Francisco2014-08-23T01:53:19+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/06/11/oxfam-and-the-elements-serendipity-in-action/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/authors-whod-donated-their-elemental-stories-to-oxfam.jpgOxfam elemental storiesAuthors whod donated their elemental stories to Oxfamhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/oxfam-elements-book-list.jpgOxfam elements book listhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ox-tales-water.jpgOx-tales Water2014-08-23T01:52:11+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/08/08/welcome-to-the-worlds-of-elementals/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/the-elementals.jpgThe ElementalsThe Elementals, art by Ramona Fradon; from left to right, Salamander, Undine, Sylph, Gnome. Source: Wikipedia.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/elementals-on-google-images.pngElementals on Google imagesImages on Google when you use the search word 'Elementals'. Colourful isn't it!https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/weather-warden-titles.jpegWeather Warden titlesA selection of titles from the Weather Warden series by rachel Caine. The Wardens protect humanity from Mother Nature using their powers over the elements.2014-08-23T01:26:46+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/10/theres-an-elemental-app-for-that/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-copy1.jpgElemental AppsA selection of Apps designed for iOS that include the elements in the title and/or content.2014-08-23T00:40:31+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/03/25/harmony-everything-belongs/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/harmonyprince-ofwales.jpgHarmony by Prince of Wales'Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World' (2010). The Prince of Wales with Tony Juniper and Ian Skelly.https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/harmonysteiner.jpgHarmony by Steiner'Harmony of the Creative Word: The Human Being and the Elemental Animal, Plant and Mineral Kingdoms' (2001). Twelve lectures by Rudolf Steiner revised and translated by M. Barton.2014-08-23T00:39:45+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/05/17/water-water-and-rice-seedlings-everywhere/2014-08-23T00:36:45+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/06/23/jung-psychology-and-alchemy/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/the-secret-of-the-golden-flower.jpegThe Secret of the Golden Flowerhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/understanding-jung.jpegUnderstanding Jung2014-08-23T00:34:59+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/07/17/celebrating-the-year-of-the-horse-five-times-around-2/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kifune-shrine-ema-with-horses.jpgKifune Shrine ema with horsesTwo horses on a wooden ema from Kibune Shrine, Kyoto, Japanhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/red.jpegRedThe colour red is associated with the celebration of a 60th birthday in Japan2014-08-23T00:33:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/08/01/ten-reflections-on-my-first-twenty-posts/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-copy-2.jpgKoyosanSacred Koyosan, a place of stone and towering forests - the home of the Shingon Buddhist Sect and the six elements, Japan https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ollantaytambo.jpegOllantaytamboA visitor to Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of Peru, absorbing the energy therehttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-copy.jpgA fjord in GreenlandTravelling along this fjord in Greenland at midnight was truly magicalhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo.jpgKata-TjutaThe beautiful shape and presence of Kata-Tjuta on the horizon, a sacred site for Indigenous Australianshttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fajada-butte.jpegFajada ButteFajada Butte at the entrance to Chaco Canyon, an important Native American site in New Mexico, USA2014-08-23T00:32:07+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/2014/08/19/moche-masters-of-clay/https://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/close-up-of-the-kiln-used-to-fire-modern-moche-pottery-san-jose-de-moro-archaeological-site-peru.jpgClose-up of the kiln used to fire modern Moche pottery, San Jose de Moro archaeological site, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/kiln-used-to-fire-modern-moche-pottery-san-jose-de-moro-archaeological-site-peru.jpgKiln used to fire modern Moche pottery, San Jose de Moro archaeological site, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/modern-recreations-of-moche-fine-line-pottery-san-jose-de-moro-archaeological-site-peru.jpgModern recreations of Moche fine-line pottery, san Jose de Moro archaeological site, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/moche-fine-line-pottery-larco-museum-lima.jpgMoche fine-line pottery, Larco Museum, Limahttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-description-of-the-moche-potato-pottery-larco-museum-cusco-peru.jpgA description of the Moche potato pottery, Larco Museum, Cusco, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/two-moche-representations-of-nature-a-potatoe-and-bird-larco-museum-cusco-peru.jpgTwo Moche representations of nature - a potatoe and bird, Larco Museum, Cusco, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-moche-representation-of-a-deer-larco-museum-cusco-peru.jpgA Moche representation of a deer, Larco Museum, Cusco, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-moche-representation-of-a-duck-larco-museum-cusco-peru.jpgA Moche representation of a duck, Larco Museum, Cusco, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/moche-portraits-larco-museum-store-room-lima-peru.jpgMoche portraits, Larco Museum store-room, Lima, Peruhttps://fireupwaterdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/moche-portraits-larco-museum-cusco-peru.jpgMoche portraits, Larco Museum, Cusco, Peru2014-08-23T01:51:12+00:00monthlyhttps://fireupwaterdown.comdaily1.02024-05-24T21:03:26+00:00