My KTG girls and I have been talking for the past month or so about doing a ceremony or ritual to bring in the new year for our first gathering of the year. Something that would signify that we were ready to start anew. Since my apartment was already decorated for just such an occaission I volunteered to host our NewYears Gathering. I appreciate these women on so many levels. They never give up on me, are always there to lend support, and they are enabling me to become a better person. A more complete and well rounded person. So I wanted to make sure that our new year cleansing meant something for all of us. I scoured the web searching for ceremonies and rituals and finally decided that a Burning Bowl Ceremony was the best choice for us.
The Ceremony consists of writing down regrets from the previous year. Things that you want to let go of and purge from your soul. Once written you can either tear up the paper and add it to a burning pyre or you can burn the full paper which is what we chose to do.
While you are burning your woes you read the following:
The Ceremony consists of writing down regrets from the previous year. Things that you want to let go of and purge from your soul. Once written you can either tear up the paper and add it to a burning pyre or you can burn the full paper which is what we chose to do.
While you are burning your woes you read the following:
Ready! I release and let go,
ready to make the most of this present moment.
As I reflect on the events of the
past year, I recognize successes and failures, gains and losses. Each event has
taught me something and made me wiser. Knowing this, I acknowledge and release
the past year in gratitude.
In contemplation of the coming
year, whether I am excited or apprehensive, I know [the spirit of God/the
spirit of the universe/my spirit] will empower me to meet every situation with
confidence and strength. With this in mind, I release any concerns I may have
about the future.
Today I am ready to stand tall in this present moment. I appreciate the now, perfectly balanced between the blessings of the past and the promise of the future. This is the moment of power and action. I am ready!
I placed a glass contained candle inside a large beverage tub for the burning portion and had a glass of water on hand in case we had any incidents. But all went according to plan. As an added touch to close the ceremony we read the declaration together and then jointly blew out the candle. Short sweet and definitely to the point. Ready or not 2013 watch out here we come!
As per usual life got in the way for a good percentage of the girls, but the few of us that made it made the most of it. I can't wait to see what this year brings. I can feel it in my bones it's going to be a great one.
