Burning Bowl Ceremony for the New Year

The New Year is upon us and it’s a time of traditions. Fireworks, resolutions, black-eyed peas, champagne and kisses at midnight! And everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions and New Year’s goals. If you are going to set new goals for the new year, I think you have to start by making space for those goals. Clearing out the old ideas, old thoughts and old burdens that no longer serve us. This year, let go of the past and start a new tradition to ring in the new year, a ceremony called the Burning Bowl Ceremony.

What is a Burning Bowl Ceremony?

The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a time to relinquish anything that burdens your mind and, at the same time, identify those things in your life that you wish to bring about in the coming year. It is also a time to forgive yourself and others in exchange for inner peace.  The ceremony will provide an ideal time to let go things that no longer work in your life.  

The burning bowl ceremony is a powerful ritual—a symbolic release—to let go of anything that no longer serves you. It is the opportunity to release old wounds, negative or unhealthy thought patterns, unfulfilled expectations, mistakes, or situations that may be holding you back from living your best life.

Start a New Tradition

A tradition practiced by many spiritual beings, this is a ceremony you can make your own. The core of the ritual is about a shift in consciousness, being still, becoming aware, naming what you are releasing, and letting it go—then standing in faith for what is next. 

1. Start by getting still, quieting your mind of any distractions, and explore in your mind, and allow your heart to tell you all the things that you want to release. Ask yourself, what is it that I no longer want to carry forward with me into 2019. After meditating on this for a minute or two, start writing on a piece of paper. You don’t need to write a novel, just write out single words that represent the burdens, issues, struggles, and negative thoughts you no longer want. No one will see this list, so be honest with yourself. There is nothing to hide.
2. Then symbolically and with intention, cast your list into the eternal flame of the “burning bowl” and begin anew. Watch as the list disappears and know that your struggles can be gone just as powerfully and instantaneously.
3. Return again to the quiet stillness of your mind. Take out another piece of paper to write on. List all the ideas, qualities, attributes and goals that you want to draw into your life in 2019. Write a letter to yourself, positively affirming all of these goals as if they have already happened. Giving thanks for the abundance in your life. Seal this letter in an envelope and mark “Do not open until 6-30-2019” on the outside.

How to Prepare

• Get grounded. This is a ceremony that you need to feel from your heart.
• Use a heat friendly glass or metal bowl or cauldron. Make sure this is a bowl that can handle heat and flames.
• You will need a source of flame for the burning. You can use short candles or alcohol (like Sterno) to keep the flame burning.
• Ensure you have water or sand near to put out flames just in case.
• Use flash paper to write your release notes on. This can be obtained from a magic store or online. This is great for a dramatic effect as the paper will smokelessly burn up with no residue remaining.
• Store your 2019 letter in a drawer or safe place. Set a reminder on your calendar to read this letter 6 months from now!
• Invite friends over to participate in the ceremony with you!

Wishing you Happy New Year and Cheers to all your 2019 intentions coming true!

Happy Travels,

~Prosperity Passenger