Firewalk Ceremony
The path of the soul is a path of movement and transformation. To transform is to release fear and open one’s self to the pure potential that awaits our call. It begins with an intention, and grows as an honored awareness of who we are and who we can become. Transformation represents a transition from one state to another, much like the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis.
Our own experiences and perceptions lead us to believe there is a reason or a need to transform our selves. Some people are quite content in their lives, not questioning the internal road blocks that may be in the way of personal growth and the attainment of a joyous life. We each see our lives through the filter or “lens” of our own experiences. This lens is made up of components that reside in the conscious and unconscious realms.
One of our goals in the firewalk ceremony is to take a conscious look at our lens and decide if there are things in our life we want to release or transform. We will then rise like the Phoenix out of the ashes of death as we transform our lives with intention.
The Gratitude and Appreciation Ceremony
We begin the evening by building an “altar” of wood to celebrate the Standing Ones and the Elemental Spirits. We then adorn this altar with our gifts of Gratitude.
Your Gratitude Bundle is to be made prior to arriving on the land. It is a gift that will be burned in a sacred way. This is a ceremony of bounty, given to the spirits in appreciation for all that they do and all that they are. Great extravagance and flare are called upon for this ceremony! Put your heart into it; imbue your gift with love. Gifts are to be made of burnable materials. Use your imagination and put the powerful intention of THANK YOU, GRATITUDE, and REVERENCE into your gift. Possibilities are food, cloth, things made from the forest, prayer ties, and pictures. No wire or metal.
A Release/Renewal Ritual
The Sacred Fire is created in a powerful way, with gratitude, appreciation, and the open-hearted connection to community. It provides a unique and profound opportunity to release that which no longer serves and claim personal healing and empowerment. The fire, our great transmuter, serves as a central focus in this ritual.
Prepare something to represent the energies you wish to release and/or claim, keeping in mind that imbuing this sacred object is an act of faith and magic. You will be provided an opportunity to dance/cast/free yourself of these energies and be witnessed by a community of supportive beings while claiming your power.
The Firewalk Ceremony
The Firewalk changes our concept of what is possible, what we believe we can do, and what we cannot do. Through the act of walking on fire, the world of possibilities becomes more infinite. Gifts and healing are received whether you are called to walk or not. It is an intimate collaboration between you and the fire.
Karen is an accomplished Firewalk expert who holds space for this and many other ceremonies with the intention of healing for the people and the earth, as well as listening and remembering our connection to Spirit.
Firewalking is one of the oldest transformational tools known. It is most often used as a ritual of purification and healing. It is designed to transform and empower us. We will walk through life knowing that we have the power to change. We will be forever changed ourselves.
Karen Hefner is a certified firewalk facilitator, trained by Tolly Burkan and the Firewalking Institute of Research and Education.
Firewalk Ceremony Details
There are typically three ceremonies: The Gratitude & Appreciation Ceremony, A Release/Renewal Ritual, and the Firewalk Cermony (Walking on the fire is a personal decision, made in the moment in collaboration with the fire.)
the requested offering is $45. Children 12 and under are free
Contact Karen for a discounted rate, if this offering is a hardship or places your ability to attend at risk.
Location: 9390 SE Hideaway Ct., Damascus, OR
What to Bring:
An open and listening heart
Drums, rattles, musical instruments
Clothing for all possible types of weather
Comfortable shoes/boots to dance in—(Slip on shoes for Firewalk)
Folding chairs
Gratitude Bundle —no wire or metal— burnable materials only!!!
Food and drink—for yourself only— bring plenty of water to drink.
Please be prepared to take all trash and other supplies you brought back home with you. We ask each of you to respectfully use and leave this magical land/property in pristine condition.
Waivers are to be signed and fees paid at or prior to the Firewalk
Firewalk Ceremony Paticipants Share Their Thoughts
Hi Karen, I wanted to thank you for your support of our family. I am so grateful for your Presence. And, as a parent, I am so grateful that a ceremony such as the one last night even exists. What a gift to bring a child to such an event. Thank you for being such a HUGE part in making that happen.
With Love and Gratitude, Kate Chapman, Reiki Song, Portland, Oregon
Hi Karen, My reflections of last night's Firewalk have been 'in my face' in a good way. Last night, I was ready to ignore my body's continual 'no' not today, when you said something around listening to 'any No' and don't walk. I heard you, so I kept checking in with my body and heart. I even used muscle and body testing and 'no' was the consistent and clear answer.
I realize now that the Firewalk highlighted a recurring pattern that wanted to be seen and respected. My desire to 'fit in' by 'doing' what others are doing or 'being' what others are being doesn't serve my unique path and sense of belonging to self. Time and time again when I haven't listened to my body and heart, I have been disappointed. The Firewalk helped me to clearly see this tendency to dishonor and doubt myself. Thank you for a wonderful 'first time' experience. I look forward to the 'Fire' that is meant for me and my journey.
Warmly, Maree Piplovick, Oregon
Hello Karen, I wanted to thank you for the New Year’s Firewalk Ceremony. I remember when I first saw a flier about the Firewalk Ceremony awhile back, and I thought to myself… I will have to be further on my path before I can participate in something like that, if ever. Even that night on the 1st, even when I felt the fire draw me in and tell me that I was safe, I questioned whether I would walk. I kept my shoes on when you asked those wanting to walk on the fire to remove them. Then as I watched in amazement, I found myself walking to the front of the line, removing my shoes, asking the fire, asking myself, and walking. It was truly magical, and I want to thank you for holding space that allowed me to experience all of it. I look forward to working together in the future, and to being in more ceremonies together.
Thank you, Jessi Adele, Oregon
Deep gratitude and recognition of the love you culture and grow in all around you. Please know the Fire moves my legacy in ways that quite transcend story ❤️
Thank you, Karen. Bright Sailing 🌞 Peter Schubert
Hello Karen, I spent some time with your fire preparation and was touched by your devotion and gratitude to each wood log. I thank you all for the kindness and warmth. I thank you deep down.