Spring Equinox Fire Ceremony

Spring is a time of rebirth, a celebration! It is time to remove obstacles that have kept us stuck, forgive ourselves and others for wrongs endured, and allow space for healing and growth. We all have at least one negative thought or pattern of behavior we wish to overcome, or wounds still yet to be healed. Now is the time to remove them; 2012 is an especially auspicious year for inner growth.

On Tuesday, March 20th, I had my annual Spring Equinox Fire Ceremony. The ceremonial fire was lit at sundown, the space was cleansed with sage and set with the intention of removing old obstacles, bad habits (of body and mind), and letting go of the past so myself and the other participants could all move forward and embrace, with open arms, our bright futures.

It was a casual gathering where people popped in and out throughout the evening. I encouraged the guests to come with an intention or a prayer. Some came with their desires already written out, but I had scraps of paper available on a sacred altar, so they could write down their wishes for cleansing their body and soul and then toss them into the flame, thus removing it from themselves and turning it over to the Cosmos to handle. The altar was prepared ahead of time with objects representing the four elements and symbols of Spring and rebirth.

Then we all sat around the sacred fire, in a sacred circle; We chatted, mourned, commiserated and lightened our load a little bit more. After the last person left the circle, and right as the embers' glow began to dim, the Earth blessed us and helped complete the cleanse with a beautiful thunderstorm, intense yet surprisingly peaceful, nurturing and calm. The perfect ending to our spiritual rites.

I hope you will give some thought to the change you would like to see in your inner and outer world, and in your own way, during this transition into Spring, turn over to the Universe all your wounds, scars, negative habits and anything else you've been burdened with for far too long. Even if you don't set up a sacred altar or have any sage to burn, just remember to set aside some quiet time to review the past winter (or year or years if you have never done this). This could be a morning meditation, an evening after-dinner walk, just any quiet time to yourself so you can hear and listen to your heart. Think about that which you most want to be free of. An old relationship that is no longer serving its purpose? People you need to forgive? Self-hatred? Self-abuse? Personal resentment for not sticking to your new year's resolution?

Whatever it is, when you are ready, take a piece of paper, write it down (and you will most likely have more than one thing; I had 5 big ones), and in a safe place (like a ceramic bowl or metal bucket) light the piece of paper on fire, and offer it to the Cosmos. In so doing, you turn it over to the Unknown Universe to solve, to carry, to heal, so you no longer have to. Know that it has been removed and that you are now free. Take a deep breath. Breathe in (on the inhale) a feeling of peace and freedom, and out (on the exhale) bless the Universe and bless yourself.

Be free. That is my wish for you.

Love + Light,
Karen