Firewalk
The Power of Firewalking
Firewalking teaches a profound lesson about the power of the mind, and the effect that our thoughts and beliefs have on our experience of reality. It shows us the vastness of human potential. And most importantly, it helps us to shift the energy of fear.
- Unite body, mind and spirit in a tangible, conscious experience;
- Define your personal vision and goals;
- Overcome long held fears;
- Teach your body a new way to respond to fear;
- Become conscious of patterns that interfere with your forward movement;
- Commit to living more fully
- Learn to see yourself, others and the bigger picture in a new light;
This Fire Is For You
For thousands of years, cultures all around the world have practiced the ancient ritual of firewalking.
- Those who fear fire, and are intrigued with its ability to transform.
- Those of you who are ready to move forward into your lives with focus and intention.
- Those ready to explore truth and embodied healing.
- Those who wish to experience more vitality and passion
The element of fire is powerful medicine that can stay with us for weeks and years to come. Come remember your truth and restore balance with this fire medicine. You are welcome.
What Becomes Possible
As the night unfolded, I let go of these uneasy feelings and allowed myself to rest upon the support of the group and trust in Stephanie. Through this support and trust I was able to participate in the workshop and firewalk ceremony wholly.
After walking across the fire, I realized a POWER hidden within me. This power gave me strength to answer questions that had earlier brought fear. Because of this memorable Friday night, my new found power will be alive in me forever.”
We’ve all Been Taught That Fire Burns
When we walk on fire without burning, many other possibilities open up for us. Physical and emotional barriers can fall away. When we examine the beliefs that create undesirable patterns, we are able to replace these beliefs and change our lives. As we practice the art of creating our own reality, we quickly evolve to new states of harmony.
The Firewalk Ceremony
Everyone’s experience is unique, and there are many ways to experience firewalk. It is a personal and sacred journey.
- Experience deep levels of surrender, trust and faith.
- Call on our inner light to meet the energy of the fire.
Ignite or rekindle a vision from our deepest Self. - Allow the sacred energy of the fire element to purify and heal us.
- Walk as a sacred prayer of the heart.
- Become reminded that we are beings capable of walking forward with intention.
One of the greatest joys of facilitating these gatherings is in witnessing the close community that forms as a result. When we gather in community to support each other and the whole, we begin to create real and lasting change in the larger picture.
A History of Firewalking
Ancient Origins
St. Francis of Paola was recognized by the Catholic Church in 1519 as a Saint, largely because of his ability to handle fire without getting burned.
Traditions Around the World
Over thirteen hundred years ago “Yamabushi” mystics, who combine Buddhism and the nature worship of Shinto, created a firewalk festival in the mountains outside Tokyo which continues today. It is said that thousands of spectators witness mystics firewalk first and then join in and walk the coals themselves in a purification ritual.
On the Indonesian Island of Bali, young girls walk on fire in a ceremony called Sanghyang dedari; the Balinese believe the gods to be “children of the people” and the young girls are said to embody them during the firewalk.
It is rumored that ancient Romans would be excused from paying taxes if they were witnessed crossing the coals without being burned. The Vikings were said to have walked on hot chains.
Tibetan monks, chanting, cross the glowing coal bed one hundred eight times to deepen their capacity to concentrate and focus. The Kahunas, mystics of the Hawaiian Islands, walked on glowing hot lava in honor of Pele, their Fire Goddess.
Dr. William Tufts Brigham
In 1880 a young Dr. William Tufts Brigham of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu found himself on the hot lava while spending the day with three of his Kahuna friends. Dr. Brigham wrote of his experience:
“When the rocks we threw on the lava surface showed that it had hardened enough to bear our weight, the Kahunas arose and clambered down the side of the wall. It was far worse than a bake oven when we got to the bottom. The lava was blackening on the surface, but all across it ran heat discoloration that came and went as they do on a cooling iron before a blacksmith plunges it into this tub for tempering. I heartily wished that I had not been so curious. The very thought of running over that flat inferno to the other side made me tremble. The Kahunas took off their sandals and tied Ti leaves around their feet. About three leaves to the foot. I sat down and began tying Ti leaves on outside my big hob-nailed boots. I wasn’t taking my chances.
The upshot of the matter was that I sat tight and refused to take off my boots. In the back of my mind I figured that if the Hawaiians would walk over hot lava with bare callused feet, I could do it with my heavy leather soles to protect me. Without a moments hesitation the oldest man trotted out on that terrifically hot surface. I was watching him with my mouth open and he was nearly across—a distance of a hundred and fifty feet—when someone gave me a shove that resulted in my having a choice of falling on my face on the lava or catching a running stride. I still do not know what madness seized me, but I ran. The heat was unbelievable. I held my breath and my mind seemed to stop functioning with the first few steps my boots began to burn. They curled and shrank, clamping down on my feet like a vise. The seams gave way and I found myself with one sole gone and the other flapping behind me from the leather strap at the heel. I looked down at my feet and found my socks burning at the edges of the curled leather uppers of my boots.
I beat out the smoldering fire in the cotton fabric and looked up to find my three Kahunas rocking with laughter as they pointed to the heel and sole of my left boot which lay smoking and burned to a crisp on the lave. I laughed too. I was never so relieved in my life as I was to find that I was safe and that there was not a blister on my feet, not even where I had beaten out the fire in the socks”.
Firewalking as Healing
Some 30 years later, Father Marquette reported similar firewalks among the Ottawa Indians and Jonathan Carver writes in his 1802 book Travels in North America that one of the most astounding sights he saw was the parade of warriors who would walk naked through a fire, with apparent immunity.
These ancient rituals are continued today to restore power and possibility and to enhance the well-being of communities. The benefits of firewalking clearly outweigh the risks.