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Fire was used for centuries for more than just warming the home and cooking food. It was ritually used for cleansing, banishing, protection, or a celebration. And of course, by religious fanatics to burn people accused of being witches.
There is century old lore about a household fire. For example, it was considered very bad luck for your fire to go out. You would have to get an ember from a neighbor and ensure that it stayed lit as you carried it home. The only time it was ok for your fire to extinguish was on a Sabbat (Samhain would be one of them), when you would rebuild your fire from a piece of the ritual bonfire.
One of my own favorite use of fire is a banishing ritual. The purpose of this burning ritual is to help you cut ties or heal your heart and spirit of a wrong inflicted on you.
First, find an item which reminds you of a painful situation or memory. This could be a photo, an article of clothing, or a trinket. Then, build a small fire in a fire pit or fire place (though I recommend a fire pit). If you don’t own one or it is not allowed in your neighborhood, ask a friend to use theirs.
While saying a blessing of healing, throw the item onto the fire. Visualize your pain being consumed by the fire and melting into the flames, and your heart being pure and free from the pain. Take a deep breath and let it go.
Finally, toss a few herbs on the fire. I suggest any combination of the following: Bay (for protection, healing, strength, and purification), Rue (for healing and love), Sage (for wisdom and protection), Wormwood (for protection and love), Southernwood (for love and protection), Rosemary (for love, protection, and healing), Mugwort (for strength and healing), Eucalyptus (for healing), and Garlic (for healing and protection).
Remember, wish no harm on the one who wronged you...no good comes from harming someone back. |
