There are a lot of tools in my spiritual toolbox when it comes to manifestation and working with energy…
…but one of my favorites, a – release/invocation burning ritual – is the one I want to share with you today!
The following burning ritual may seem simple (and it is), but if you practice with this technique regularly, you’ll be surprised at the possibilities that it inspires and unfolds.
Step 1: Set your sacred space or altar.
I love working outside, so I create an altar in our backyard. I bring various candles, stones, feathers… whatever calls to be part of the experience. There are no wrong answers here. I also trot out my trusty cast iron cauldron to use as a burning bowl. Don’t worry, no black magic happens here. But, since we’re burning paper and ink (graphite is a good alternative) ensure you have good ventilation.
Step 2: Intention setting and grounding.
This is the most important component of the ritual. You must be grounded and clear in your intent. If you’re just off work, a nasty fight or other energy destabilizing moment, take a meditative walk, shake it out, breathe and come back when ready… Good to go? Great!
To ground yourself, sit or firmly plant your feet on the ground. Take a few deep breaths, envisioning pulling life energy up from the ground with every inhale, and shooting roots through the soles of your feet and sacrum with every exhale.
Once you feel grounded and focused, it’s time to write your intentions. I always start with the feelings or circumstances that no longer serve me. I title this list “Things to Release” and put bullet points below. If a letter to the universe feels more you, then write out your list in prose (or poem!). Just be sure to be honest, open and sincere with what you’re releasing.
Step 3: Invocation.
On the same piece of paper (or a different one, no wrong way to do this), I list everything I want to invoke. This is usually titled “Things I Invoke” or “I Invoke” These are feelings and circumstances I welcome and want more of.
Step 4: Burning & Release.
Once I’ve listed everything I want to release and everything I want to invoke, it’s time to burn both lists. I start by burning the list of no-longer-welcomes. As I ignite the list or letter, I say something like this:Dear Universe: I no longer need the lessons that these feelings, things, or circumstances would teach me. If I haven’t already, I vow to learn these lessons in a different way that feels better and opens my heart.
Dear Universe: I invite these emotions and circumstances into my life at this time to serve my highest and best good. I intend that these things will fuel me to be of better service, to be more present, and to keep open my heart.
I then take a few deep breaths and rub my hands together: effectively washing myself of attachment to anything I just released, both desired and undesired.
The key to this burning ritual is release.
You must be willing to let go of all attachment to both the bad AND the good. When you let go of expectations, then the universe is free to provide for you creatively.
I’ve used this simple ritual to clear my energy and manifest many things in my life. So, you can be as situationally-specific (or not) as you want to be.
And, if lists don’t feel like your style, writing a letter to the universe and then burning it is also a valid form of release. I’ve done all variations and encourage you to do so, too!
When should you do this ritual?
There is no wrong time, but new moons and full moons are excellent times when it seems to be more potent to work with intentions, ceremonies, invocations, and releases. I did this new moon burning ritual to specifically call in the feelings and circumstances I want to experience more of during this upcoming moon cycle.
Also, being in community with others who appreciate these sorts of rituals help with accountability, inspiration, and support—that’s why I created Anima Mystery School, a space for those seeking support and a safe space to connect with their truest selves, the creative, the wild, the witchy. Come explore what we offer and create!
Your supply list to create a similar burning ritual is:
I want to hear stories of how you feel after doing your ritual!
Do you feel lighter? Frightened? Overwhelmed? Overjoyed? Has the universe read your letter or list? Check back in with me and comment or email. I love hearing from you! =)
Burning rituals are just one of the many tools I use in my personal and professional life. If you’d like to learn more about any of the following, consider joining Anima Mystery School or explore my other work!
Peace, love, and (not too many) sparks!
Lola Elle is a sacred space designer, stylist, spiritual mentor, and wellness retreat leader based in San Diego, California. When she’s not writing, supporting clients, or designing, you’ll find her on her mat or adventuring with her two kids and aviator husband.
