Fire Initation

The Fire Initiation Ceremony is a tradition with Astara since 1977, and an important part of the spiritual path for many Astarians. Each year on Memorial Day weekend (and now even more often at various other times and locations) we gather to recognize milestones along our personal paths and to rededicate ourselves to our spiritual goals.

A Purification Ritual

“Fire, Air, Water and Earth are all purifying substances. Each is a cleansing agent in its own way. And, as we’ve noted before, aspects of each are found in all the others. The same is true of humankind. As individuals we are unique, yet many aspects of our personal beings are held in common with all other human beings. One such is the celestial fire that is aglow in you and every other person, however impossible that may seem.

“Fire, symbol of the Eternal Flame, has been kindled upon millions of altars through the ages — and appeared in an even greater number of home hearths for the same purpose. Its symbolism is carried still further, for fire can be not only purifying, but the warmth it generates is also healing. The symbol of fire is the sign of a consciousness stimulated to its spiritual heights. As John the Baptist told his followers, ‘I baptize with water, but one comes after me who will baptize with fire.’

“Astara’s annual Fire Initiation Ceremony has nothing to do with fire walking. The event is connected with fire as both a symbol and an energy (shakti) of a higher vibratory order. A flame is used by each participant, in conjunction with the highest possible expression of consciousness, to symbolically destroy the negatives present in that person’s life — and to reinforce the positives. In many instances healings occur at the time of the ceremony or not long thereafter. Often aspirations become attainable through the creative (fiery) cleansing of limitations and obstacles and their replacement by the creative fires of higher energy.” (Eighth Degree, Lesson 15, pp. 8-11)

The core of the ceremony involves the release of some undesired condition or situation keeping one from moving on to the next level of spiritual development. This release is symbolized by noting the situation or condition on paper and setting it aflame. Another paper is used to note an aspiration or some quality or condition the seeker desires. That paper is kept, along with the blessed and energized crystal or scarab each seeker receives, and these symbols help the seeker manifest the aspiration in their life.

There are also parts of the ceremony which focus specifically on the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual aspects of the individuals who participate. Seekers focus, along with Astara’s healers, on specific needs or the general condition of distinct aspects of existence here on Earth. The point of this process is to begin the clearing of any blocks, as well as to harmonize progress and growth on all four levels.

There is no fee for this event, but a Love Offering is taken.

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