Fire Ritual, the how’s and why’s
Fire was likely the first technology that captured our attention, fascination, respect and amazement. It illumined the darkness. Warmed us. Allowed us to cook foods. To gather. To wonder.
From the beginning, humans have revered fire for its light, warmth and capacity to purify. In traditional and indigenous cultures, fire ritual is performed to honor seasonal and lunar celebrations and rites of passage.
As we approach the autumnal equinox, one of the four seasonal markers, when, for a fleeting moment yin (darkness) and yang (light) are in equal balance. Then the yin energy begins to increase and each day the darkness grows. During this time of seasonal significance, I invite you to create a fire ritual to support you in releasing what no longer serves you.
In its simplest expression ritual is a routine that creates rhythm in our daily lives. Making your morning cup of tea with presence and the enjoyment you derive from the experience is an example of ritual.
On a deeper level, though, ritual is an act infused with intention that marks a moment in time. Ritual is not religious. It does, however, imply consciousness, both individual and a greater consciousness. Ritual is a bridge between the seen and unseen worlds.
In this ritual, you will write your intention(s) on a piece of paper and offer the paper to the fire; asking the fire to transform and transmute your intentions. ( How to Craft a Powerful Intention) Another possibility would be to burn pages from an old journal, photos or another item that symbolizes what you are releasing.
This is a beautiful, poignant and powerful ritual to perform at any time and especially so in the fall when the whole of the natural world is letting go.
Steps:
Gather “fuel”: Any items that symbolize that which you are releasing: old photos, letters, journals or write words on small pieces of paper.
Select a vessel: If you do not have a designated fire pit, then a small metal trash can or metal flower pot will do. The vessel must be able to contain the fire.
Prepare your fire: Depending on the size of your vessel, you can use small twigs, branches and/or small logs. Make sure all are dry. You can use cardboard, old papers and or drier lint stuffed into an empty toilet paper roll to start the fire.
Honor the spirit of fire with your presence. Be in your senses. Offer gratitude in word and make an offering to the fire in the form of dried herbs, flower petals, leaves, sticks and/or corn meal.
As a yin season, autumn invites us to reflect upon our lives; where we come from, who has shaped us and what we value.
This is a favorite photo of mine, circa 1991. My dad and mom with my nephews, Louis & Tony, in our then backyard. My father departed in November 2013 and my mom departed in May 2020. I miss them both.
Set your intention:
After offering gratitude, clearly state your intention aloud. For example, “I release X in order to make space for more of Y. I offer my intention to the fire to be transformed.”
Slowly offer the items that symbolize what you are releasing into the fire.
Witness: Watch the fire burn away these old forms. Watch the smoke rise towards the sky. Stay as long as you like.
Close the ceremony: Once again thank the fire. Make sure the fire is safely extinguished.
Journal: Write down your experience and any insights. Allow space for your emotions to flow through. Given that ritual speaks to the unconscious, watch your dreams. They may have messages for you.
Allow your journaling to be time to connect with yourself, emote and reflect. Invite the life giving rivers of your being to flow. May these waters bring healing and insight.
Ritual is a symbolic language that is rooted in our collective unconscious. And it is the symbolic language of ritual that allows it access the unconscious. When you bring your whole self to a ritual it catalyzes healing and integration from the subconscious to the conscious.
Without meaningful ritual, we are left feeling restless, lost and isolated.
Let me know how your ritual unfolds. Send me feedback and/or questions. Wishing you a beautiful autumnal equinox.
