Relax with a Fire Meditation

Fire is the element of change; it is linked to courage and transformation, passion and desire. It represents success, health, and strength. Fire destroys, but is also necessary for rebirth and regeneration. Its flames may burn fast and furious, or it may smolder until just the right moment. Fire is swift and unpredictable, and holds a deep primal fascination for many of us. If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized, staring—long into the night—at a campfire or a crackling fire in a fireplace, you have a pretty good idea what a fire meditation is all about. Here are the basics:

You may wish to set a timer before you begin, or perhaps put on a piece of music and plan to meditate until it is over. Or simply continue for as long as is comfortable.

Light your fire or candle. Get comfortable by sitting on a blanket or towel in front of it. Direct your consciousness to the flames. Look into the flames and watch them flicker and change. Note the colors and feel the heat. Unfocus your eyes and relax your mind. Take a deep breath in hold it and then release it slowly. Continue breathing deeply, in and out. Allow thoughts to drift in and out of your awareness without concentrating on any particular image or idea. Continue to breathe in and out comfortably for the duration of your meditation.

Note: One of the traditions of the Celtic celebration of Samhain was to banish negativity and start the new year fresh. You may wish to do this in conjunction with your fire meditation by writing down any aspects of your life that you would like to be free of and tossing them into the flames before you begin.

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