This meditation is based on a classic technique from raja yoga.

I use it both on its own and as a part of longer ceremonies. It is a powerful and evocative meditation. It invokes the power of the element of fire and reminds us of our divinity. It’s cleansing and energizing, warming and comforting.

I hope you all enjoy it.

Baptism by Fire

Place a candle on an altar or table in front of where you will be meditating.

Light it and take your seat.

Take three deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting your body relax more deeply with each exhale.

Then, spend a couple minutes just paying gentle attention to your breath.

Don’t try to control it, just observe.

Now, look at the candle in front of you.

Watch the flame dance for a few breaths.

Then, close your eyes and picture the flame in your mind.

Imagine it growing as you inhale and shrinking as you exhale. 

Then, think of a space within your heart, and in the midst of that space is the flame.

Think of that flame as your soul, your true Self, and inside that flame is an effulgent light, the Soul of your soul, the Father of Lights.

Watch how that flame grows and shrinks as you inhale and exhale, always growing more than it recedes.

Feel the warmth and love radiate out from your heart, across your chest, over your shoulders, down your arms and hands, all the way to your fingertips.

Feel it radiate down over your stomach, down your legs, down to the bottom of your feet.

Then, feel it come back up all the way to your neck, across your face from your chin to your forehead, and up over the crown of your head. 

Now, let the light within the flame expand outward infinitely.

Let your whole vision be filled with light.

Pure light!

Brilliant, radiant, beautiful light!

You have become light as well.

Your body was consumed by the fire and only light remains.

(End with a few minutes of silence.)

Let the knowledge of the divinity within fill you with love, joy, and peace.

You are a unique and beautiful ray of the Pure Light.

❤🙏☀