Fire ceremony how-tos

11 Oct

When the snake outgrows her old skin, she sheds it. The cicada does the same, abandoning its old exoskeleton when it gets too big for it. Caterpillars do the same when they emerge from the chrysalis. Each of these processes is an act of transformation.

Each of these creatures hits a point in its growth where it gets too big for its old body. In order to keep growing, it has to leave something behind, and step into a new way of being – sometimes with a completely different body.

Physically, we humans grow at a different rate, and the process is more subtle. Emotionally, mentally and energetically, however, we hit growth points where we need to let go of something if we’re to keep on growing.

For me, fire ceremony is an incredibly supportive tool for the growth process.

If I’m feeling blocked, if I’m spiralling through overwhelm or unable to get out of my head, I find fire ceremony cuts through the BS and hyper-charges my growth.

But it’s not always a gentle process. Then again, I’m guessing shedding your skin or transforming from caterpillar to butterfly isn’t particularly comfortable either.

Knowing this, I’ve compiled some tips for fire ceremony before and after care. Read on….

Before the fire

If you’ve signed up to attend a fire ceremony, take some quiet time in the lead-up – on the day of or the day before – to contemplate your intentions. What are you letting go of? What old narratives are you ready to release? What do you long for in your life?
On the day of the fire, be gentle with yourself. If you can, stay away from large crowds. I personally find it easier to get into that calm, receptive state when I’ve had a quieter day. That’s not always possible, and that’s OK.
Eat lightly beforehand. If you can, avoid eating for two hours before the ceremony begins, or at most have a juice or smoothie. Avoid coffee for a few hours before the ceremony. The idea here is to set the scene mentally and physically, so you’re relatively empty and ready to get into a receptive state.

After the fire

Drink LOTS of water or herbal tea to rehydrate and help your kidneys flush out toxins. Fire ceremony is a detoxification process: drinking water will help.
Journal. If you like to write, now’s the time. Journal whatever comes through. And write about your experience from the ceremony, too.
Move your body. Yoga, walking, stretching, a run… whatever floats your boat. This will continue to shift the energy that’s already moving.
Be kind to yourself. The effects of fire ceremony extend far beyond the actual ritual. You could be unravelling for days, weeks or even months afterwards. Emotions may surface; old fears, all that jazz. They’re simply clearing out. Observe them with as little judgment as you can muster.
Be aware that your sleep may be affected. People sometimes report sleeping like logs for 12 hours after fire ceremony, waking completely refreshed. Others report feeling wired and having weird dreams (and not always pleasant ones). Again, this is all part of the detoxification process.
You might experience headaches, or feel like you’ve been hit by a bus. This, along with so many other physical symptoms, is perfectly normal and part of the detoxification process. You can support the process with a cleansing salt-water foot bath. Get a large bowl or bucket, fill it with warm water and at least 1 tbsp of Epsom salts.* You can add essential oils, too. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes.
The Four Winds Light Body School believes there’s a two-week window after a fire ceremony where “instances of opportunity“ can show up. Be open and open-minded, ready to receive these opportunities when they appear. These are your chance to dream a different story.

Ultimately, before- and after-care for any kind of energy work are your responsibility. Only you can really know what you need and what works for you.

There are times, however, when something ‘big’ can show up in or after fire ceremony, or a traumatic memory can surface. If this happens, or if you simply want help integrating, consider seeking the support of a therapist, coach or energy medicine practitioner.

If you’ve been to a fire ceremony and you’d like support in integrating your experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Send me an email to discuss next steps, or book an Initiation session here.