Fire represents the intuitive function, although that word requires some explanation. As we have seen, fire is one of the masculine, creative, yang elements. But we are accustomed to thinking of intuition as something feminine - as in the phrase "woman's intuition". But what we call intuition is, in fact, a very high development of the feeling function.
Astrology text books often equate fire with "energy" or "spirit". It is the vital spirit which moves us, inspires us, which endows us with whatever quantum of energy we may possess. Horoscopes which are lacking in fire often show individuals who are listless, easily fatigued, and short of energy.
The fire is the vital spirit wihtin us all. By regulation of this fire-by control of our vital energies-we effect the transformation from ego to Self. Intuition knows without needing to analyze. It perceives, it never judges. Those whose charts are rich with planets in fire signs have that vital energy, that intuitive knowing. But the balance of the elements will give us clues as to whether we are dealing with an intuitive, feeling, thinking or sensing type.
Extraverted fire signs may be great entrepreneurs. They really know how to play a hunch. They tune in, with that inner knowingness, to events taking place in the outside world. But if they can make a fortune, they can also go broke, for they tend to overlook physical limitations. They likewise ignore their on health. They are often susceptible to "burn-out" as they get bored easily, seeking always to rekindle their flame.
Introverted fire sign types have the same highly developed perception of psychic reality which characterizes their extroverted cousins. They are more comfortable with their dreams and visions than the physical realities. If the car or the lawn- mower breaks down, they won't have the vaguest idea of how to fix it; problems with money or machines may actually fill them with anxiety and dread.
Fire may also be defined as the principle of spontaneous combustion. People possessing a great deal of the fire element can relate completely spontaneity and combustibility. The fire function plays an important roles in the health and vitality of an individual. The earth's main source of natural fire is solar, the sun, which gives us heat, life radiance, and warmth. As mentioned before people lacking in the fire element will seem without natural radiance and warmth. They will feel uninspiring and seem unenergetic and listless.
Of all the four elements, fire needs the most room to breathe. If asked to do a job with others, especially when someone in charge is breathing down their necks, fire signs can "set the place on fire" or explode with anger. Because of this difficulty in working with authority figures Fire signs are the first to recognize their need to be their own authority figure. Earth and water types may simply fail to understand these fire-directed individuals whose greatest fear is living out their lives in an ordinary predictable routine.
The fire signs often do not do well on cloudy days or handle depression easily. They need sunshine and invigorating stimulation to keep them motivated, happy and productive.
