Fire It Up!

I’ve been talking about the elements in the last few blogs. This may be an area that you really haven’t ever thought about. But the elements are the basic building blocks for so much of the world we know. To me it’s fundamental information. And having it helps us to use the interconnectedness of creation to create more balance, harmony and joy. For me, those are about the best reasons I can think of. You can find some kind of understanding of the elements as part of virtually all paths and systems of enlightenment. There is a very specific practice in yoga for working with the elements that can create a certain level of mastery that most any of us would like to have if we are honest. 

I think most of us have some sort of relationship with fire. We may not with the other elements as much but sitting by a fire is magical and fire is fascinating to me in it’s mesmerizing, dancing, crackling, transformation. I have a fire pit in my backyard that I hope to use a lot more in the coming year. Last year was the first time in 6 or 7 years that I didn’t attend a fire ceremony led by Karunamayi Amma, a guru and beloved teacher of mine. Pure joy in a body! Anyway, I really missed that event. I would have to say that these ceremonies are among the most powerful and transformative events I attend. Many times, I have traveled a long distance to attend any fire ceremony she is leading. It’s very authentic and colorful and impressive. I love the mantras and chanting and I am a good chanter and know many mantras. Chanting the mantras with her by a fire during a ceremony she is leading is not like anything you have ever done. It has called me many times and I’ve never been disappointed. She says that mountains and mountains of karma are being cleared at these ceremonies. And I believe her.

So the power of fire is something I’m well acquainted with. I’ve led many ceremonies during yoga teacher certifications or private ceremonies. For me, there are 2 times monthly that I’m always thinking about having a fire, new and full moons. And when we are completing certain cycles there are often a few things that we don’t need to keep. Rather than throwing them into the trash, I burn them and release the energy of whatever role it played in the cycle. I feel like this supports the evolution or transformation of that energy. 

Transformation is the primary word I associate with fire. Anything that comes in contact with fire is forever changed instantly. Earth, water, and wind don't usually create instantaneous transformation like fire does. Most cultures have a long history with fire and how they use it for a wide range of purposes. Virtually all indigenous cultures have fire ceremonies of some kind. They can be as elaborate or simple as you like. The ceremonies I have attended with Karunamayi have been done to the letter as it states in the ancient texts. You can’t imagine the details in these kinds of ceremonies. Hours and hours of mantras without break while specific things are being offered. The flowers are extraordinary and the foods are all freshly prepared as offerings. It is a very strict and purposeful way of activating these energies and forces for the healing and peace of humanity. It looks like we may not be able to have it this year either. Sigh. 

The fire is a perfect place to symbolically or literally throw away what you are done with or clear the energy of the past that you might be unknowingly and unnecessarily keeping around you by holding on to things that no longer have that much meaning to you. My mother kept everything. I inherited her cedar chest. It’s an awesome piece. I must need to look through it since I’m mentioning it. Sounds like a good weekend project. I’m sure there are a few things that might make their way into the ancestral cedar chest. That’s what I’m going to call it now. I like it. 

I also see the fire energy as the ability to get things done. The literal physical action required to make things happen. If I’m ever having trouble getting started or finishing something a fire intended to clear whatever is in the way will very likely happen. Not only is it enjoyable and nostalgic but it’s a conscious way to work with the forces that make things happen in nature and our bodies. The fire energy in the body gets digestion done for instance. 

Finally fire provides both warmth and light. So if you are in need of either in any way, gathering your own wood and building your fire is a sacred way of giving yourself both and of using this energy to support whatever you may need or want.