Chariot of Fire!

At the upper right side of my work in progress titled "The Glory of God (returns to the Temple)" is the image of Elijah exiting stage left. The scene is here to tell us that it is possible to enter into Heaven while still alive. No need to lay the body down! 2 Kings 2:11 ... behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Once again I use a well known piece of art from a revered artist, Gustave Dore in this instance, and reproduce it in my own way to tell the narrative. Below is Elijah Taken Up To Heaven in a Chariot of Fire, created in 1886.

The vehicle of the Chariot of Fire is such a visceral image (brings to mind that signature bit from The Hunger Games).

The manifestation of the divine in the form of fire is found in the form of "tongues of fire" on the day of Pentecost. The manifestation of God in the element of fire is also found in the passage in the book of Exodus where God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.

Fire is also major symbol of the powers of transformation and purification. Its basic movement is upward rather than downward like water. Traditionally, the basic symbol for fire is an upward pointing triangle or pyramid. Colors of fire are the advancing colors of red and orange and the aspects of fire are flames and rays. Fire is always moving and consuming. Coincidentally, today is the first day of the astrological sign of Aries which is a fire sign!