I have had the amazing opportunity to attend and participate in two fire ceremonies this year. One was with Grace Barr, who lived with shamans in Peru. She held space and performed a Despacho Ceremony where, collectively as a group, we added offering elements to the mandala. Once the despacho was complete, she cleansed those who wished to be cleansed with it, patting us down with the package. After completing the cleansings, she brought the despacho to the fire, then chanted and danced around the fire until it was consumed. She asked that we did not watch as the offering burned. We, the participants, were given rattles and joined in with her song. It was a transformational experience, to say the least.
The other fire ceremony I attended was held on the beach, where Laura Grabinski held space. We did a short yoga flow prior to the ceremony. Her despacho included offerings of fall plant guardians, as it was a full moon and the autumn equinox. We all contributed to the offering, which she later burned in her fireplace at home, since it was too windy on the beach and we were not permitted to have a fire. We also created our own “spirit arrows” using sticks and ribbon. We focused our energies and intentions on the ribbon as we wrapped it around our sticks. When we went home, we burned the spirit arrows to release our offerings and healing to Spirit.
What is a Fire Ceremony?
A fire ceremony is a symbolic event intended to support release and healing, often held during the full or new moon when the veils between worlds are the thinnest.
Typically, fire ceremonies are conducted in the presence of a shaman or spiritual teacher. However, many shamans believe that humanity is in such a state of chaos that we need all the support we can get, and that anyone who feels called to hold space may do so.
Fire is a transformative element. It allows us to focus on the lessons we’ve learned and the healing we’ve done, symbolizing the turning over of these energies to Spirit to enable complete healing and the release of limiting beliefs.
Holding the Fire Ceremony
The fire ceremony is ideally held outdoors, where you can connect to Mother Earth and Spirit. There can be one fire for everyone or each participant can have a small, individual fire, like a tea candle. Whether using a single ceremonial fire or individual flames, the fire should be manageable and safely contained.
Please keep safety in mind when starting and maintaining any fire.
Your Offering
You should consider your offering carefully before the ceremony. Your “spirit arrow” could be a small stick, piece of wood, or even a toothpick (a good choice for a tea candle). If gathering your spirit arrow or other offerings from nature, be mindful to ask for permission before taking anything.
Preparing Your Offering:
- Meditate to identify something you wish to release that no longer serves you.
- Acknowledge and give thanks for the challenges you’ve faced, recognizing them as gifts for your growth.
- Set intentions for what you would like to focus on in the future.
Once your offering is chosen, use your breath to blow your intentions onto your “spirit arrow” several times. Alternatively, you can write your intentions on a piece of paper and allow the fire to consume and transform them, offering them to Mother Earth and releasing them to Spirit.
Moving Through the Ceremony
- Create Sacred Space
- Cleanse the space and participants with sage to clear energies.
- Light the Fire
- Call in the Four Directions
- Thank and Honor All Present
- Show gratitude for both physical and spiritual participants.
- Gather Your Spirit Arrow and Offerings
- Set Intentions
- Group Offering
- A collective offering can raise the vibration for the group and Mother Earth.
- Burn Your Spirit Arrow
- Group Offering is Burned
An Example of Autumn Equinox Offerings
Fall Plant Guardians
Acorn
As the seed of the great oak tree, the acorn symbolizes strength, potential, and new beginnings. A single acorn can grow a massive oak tree, reminding us of the patience needed to achieve goals. They are often placed on military tombs to represent power. The acorn represents longevity and new life, resonating with the Sacral Chakra for creativity and sensuality.
Cinnamon
Known for its protective, psychic-enhancing, and cleansing properties, cinnamon is associated with the first lock, mulabandha. It fosters spiritual awareness and a mystical connection to divine energies.
Clove
Clove is protective and especially useful for repelling negative energy and manifesting abundance. Used in rituals of purification and protection, it helps release shadow energy and enhances mindful awareness. It represents the realm of love and allure.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is tied to renewal and rejuvenation. It is believed to help release old, stagnant energy and embrace new growth, making it popular for those seeking a fresh start. Eucalyptus trees are often seen as guardians of the land, offering protection and guidance, and aiding in mental clarity and calm.
Pumpkin Seeds
Symbolizing how something small can yield great abundance, pumpkin seeds are connected to the harvest season and represent prosperity and good fortune.
Sunflower
The sunflower’s unique quality of orienting itself toward the sun represents its unwavering devotion to light. In Native American tradition, it symbolizes abundance and harvest. The sunflower embodies qualities like faith, vitality, warmth, and spirituality, and is a powerful symbol of longevity and fire.
After the Fire Ceremony
Be on the lookout for signs from Spirit following a fire ceremony. You have asked for guidance and released your fears and intentions for healing. Responses from Spirit and the universe may come in various forms, even as challenges that allow you to overcome what you sought to release. These life lessons are gifts from the universe that support your path.