Fire Element as an ally for transformation | The School of Shamanic Initiation
Fire provides the avenue to let go and release heavy energy, to transform, renew and be reborn. Why fire is important in esoteric teachings?
Fire as an element has been used in old esoteric - shamanic traditions for healing and transformation. Fire ceremonies were conducted by many Initiation cultures from Native Americans to Pacific Islanders. Fire ceremony honors lessons from your past, present and future by placing them in the fire which are then turned over to the subtle realm. By releasing and recognizing old patterns in the fire, you experience them at a physical, emotional and energetic level.
Fire was considered sacred and signified purification among other things including: destruction and renewal. It represents transformation and change because it destroys while simultaneously creating something new which creates an opportunity for growth especially during times where we need to cleanse ourselves of negative or unhelpful energies so we can begin again with renewed energy. The Fire Element also helps us connect more deeply within our own authentic self by releasing who we think we should be allowing room for self-expression. A great metaphor for life in general which requires us to burn through so many different experiences both good and bad while continuing our growth process towards enlightenment. Fire reminds us that all things are impermanent including the seasons, relationships, jobs etc so we should appreciate each experience as it unfolds without attachment because nothing lasts forever - not even time itself!
Fire brings us heat which represents action - drive, vitality, enthusiasm, ambition; it also brings light that illuminates understanding and knowledge on all levels of your beingness: physical/emotional/mental/ energetic. The element of Fire can cause destruction if it isn't contained so one must build the fire carefully, take your time and focus on its energy before starting a fire ceremony.
The elements of nature are powerful allies for spiritual growth and personal development. Fire becomes an ally that can be used to heal deep wounds from our past or present. Fire is the element of change.
We can learn from our ancestors, fire has been an important element in cultures from the ancient times until today. Offer our gratitude and prayers through a Fire Ceremony before burning items that represent old patterns, beliefs, fears etc... Even if you might not always see changes right away after performing Fire Ceremonies - it's helpful to recognize when something shifts! Remember the key is being surrounded by nature helping fire cleanse our personal energies, release what needs to go out of our lives and trust that new opportunities will come into our life as soon as we're clear enough to receive them - which they always do once we have truly created room for new things in our life.
A Fire Ceremony can be really pragmatic:
You will need matches to start the fire.
Find an area where you feel safe and comfortable enough for burning items that represent ideas, emotions, behaviors, beliefs etc... This could be outside on your backyard, porch or balcony.
Place everything you want burned in front of you while holding space with intentionality. Close your eyes if needed until ready to light up the Fire! Set intention to the ítems. Focus. Once Fire has been lit then open eyes again & throw all into Fire slowly one by one.
Fire is the element of change, transformation and renewal, "I now release all old patterns, ideas, behaviors that no longer serve me into Fire; it's safe with you Father Fire" (feel free to create your own intention and invocation)
After Fire has burned out completely then put flowers on top of ashes or simply leave them there for nature. Be sure nothing left over will burn again. If so just extinguish Fire properly if possible & pour water onto ashes to ensure they are cool enough before leaving them be in nature.
Remember fire can also have a positive effect if used wisely so please respect Mother Earth by not burning anything toxic or harmful items.
Thank you Fire Element for being an ally and help to release the old!
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