Ritual Bonfires: Reclaim the Flame
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
― Gustav Mahler
Reclaim the flame of the burning times by kindling the tradition of ritual bonfires.
People tend to think of fire as destructive and volatile, they often think of withces in the same way. Though association of bonfires during the burning times haunts history, fire has always been an elemental ally and arguably the most powerful element that witches can utilize.
Fire can destroy things, but it also has the power to warm us and light our way.
Fire rituals have been part of my practice since childhood, and it’s the element I’m most attuned to. My father was a Leo, my mother an Aries, and I a Sagittarius with a heavy presence of ALL three fires in my chart. I grew up burning campfires on weekend trips, and using a chiminea in the back yard on cooler nights. It has always provided an atmosphere for magick, story-telling, song-singing, strengthening connections or letting go of others in a way that nature appears to bow down to.
Magickal practice involving ritual fires should be done outdoors, like a campfire, bonfire, in a fire pit or outdoor chimney. But you can confine your fire in a small cauldron or fireplace, though make sure you’re practicing in a well vented area free from flammables. These rituals are meant to help us work with the element, and harness its power aside from other tools such as incense or candles.
Because it’s powerful and potentially dangerous, always practice fire magic with caution.
Be sure to select a wide open space outdoors, away from any overhead branches or obstacles and free from flammable gases.
Pick a magickal location that is meaningful to you and appropriate for your intention. Walk around the area, see if the energy is right for you, if not, look for another spot. Create a circle for your fire as a demonstration of the earth’s cycle or the cycle of life. Ask the space, it’s inhabitants and the elements to support your magick. You may choose to dig a ditch, and/or place stones around the circle to contain your fire.
Clear the area of potential flammables such as twigs and pine needles or cones. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby. Never leave unattended. Keep children away from open flame. Dress appropriately. Long hair, capes, long sleeves, loose or baggy clothes are a fire hazard, so pull your hair back and keep your dangles out of the flames.
Don’t burn in your yard if your town prohibits it, instead seek out areas where you’re allowed or apply for a town permit. Don’t burn fires during times of fire bans, such as high winds or draughts. Don’t pile wood higher than 3 feet.
Be careful what you burn, some herbs are toxic or highly flammable. Use dry wood that is free from metal shards like nails and railroad ties. Avoid fresh cut or rotting wood. Some campsites have regulations on what can be burned to protect the environment. Make sure you follow local protocol. Don’t cook food over open flame of burning wood or herbs that omit toxic fumes.
Use woods that are specific for your intention. Birch is sacred, used for cleansing and expelling evil. Cedar is aromatic, often used for healing and strengthening psychic powers. Maple is used to gain clarity and focus. Oak or “wizard wood” is used for protection and prosperity. Pine for healing, protection, purification and dispelling unwanted energies. There are many more and endless combinations.
Add herbs to support your intention and enhance your ritual magick. Again be sure the herbs are safe for burnings. Do your homework. Sage can be used for medicinal and purification rituals. Sweet grass invites good energies and encourages positivity. Dried roses may be used for romance and love. Lavender to bring peace and serenity. Juniper for healing spells and mugwort to rid negativity.
It’s common to burn spells written on paper, or journal pages, either in manifesting your intentions or purging yourself of unwanted energies. It’s deeply empowering to watch your paper curl and blacken before it turns to ash and disappears. Be careful, the type of paper or even ink you burn could be hazardous so use discretion.
You may want to have appropriate crystals with you to support your magick, however don’t place them into the fire. Keep them at a safe distance to prevent cracking or shattering if they gets overheated.
Depending on your preference you may use matches, or a lighter, or even rub two sticks together, whisper your intention as you light your fire.
If you’re done with your bonfire and cannot remain to watch it burn down completely, then use a metal rake or shovel to turn over charred materials and douse the area with water. Ashes may be used to make magickal black salts.
I’ve had bonfires at any sabbath, though Beltane is known for fire leaping, Samhain is a good time for a manifestation fire, while Mabon is a great time for purging fires.
For Yule, create a fire before the sun has set. Move clockwise around the fire, and allow thankfulness and gratitude to develop within. Remind yourself that you’re a child of the earth, and as strong, beautiful and capable as the mighty fire before you.
Recite:
Shadows go away, darkness is no more,
As light comes back this day, brighter than before,
Warm the earth and heat the ground,
Warm my heart and spirit unbound,
Light the path and clear the way,
Welcome back the sun to stay.