Shen: The Spirit of Fire Element

Each of the 5 Elements has their own Spirit.

The Spirit of Fire Element is known as the Shen. Also referred to as the Heart Mind. Shen resides in the Heart, and the Heart is part of the Fire Element.

In Chinese Medicine we do not teach that the mind resides in the brain. Instead, the mind resides in the Heart. All the knowing comes here. Our intelligence, intuition and answers to life’s questions comes from the Heart, not the brain.

Shen is the lightest of the 5 Spirits. It is the most Yang, as it comes from the Heavens. Shen is the way we are connected to cosmic forces. If you are looking for guidance, connecting to your North Star, then healing the Shen would make sense.

Shen needs to be anchored with Blood, otherwise it wanders.

Wounds, Betrayals, Violations must be healed both in the Pericardium and the Heart. Otherwise, the Shen lacks circulation and nutrition it needs to shine. These insults also impede our ability to connect with our Shen and receive inspiration that move us into expression.

We can see the brightness of Shen in the eyes, or lack there of. Is the person’s spirit present and luminous? And do they feel settled in themselves?

Give your Shen the right environment so that she can burn brightly and give light to the darkness. The Spirit of your Fire Element has much truth to illuminate through you.