The goal of the burning bowl ritual is to make space for new beginnings. At the end of each year, Unity offers the Burning Bowl Ceremony as an alternative (or in addition) to setting resolutions for the new year. 

Letting Go Gives Us Freedom

For centuries, indigenous groups used smoke as a symbol of their thoughts and prayers rising to the Great Spirit. Engaged couples have also released the past in a burning bowl before taking their vows.

Whatever the circumstances, the purpose of the ceremony is to shift consciousness. It’s about becoming still, naming what you want to release, and letting it go.

When we let go and let God, we experience freedom. Letting go opens us to the power of inspiration, insight, wisdom, and love.

Write What You No Longer Want to Hold on To

How does a burning bowl ritual work? We start by bringing to mind what it is we need to release. Then, on a piece of paper, write down the release. Letting go begins the moment you put pen to paper. It is your conscious awareness that begins the activation of the release of problems, thoughts, and things from your life.

Then we ignite the piece of paper and watch the flame disintegrate it.    

Set our Intentions for the New Year

Once we have completed the ritual, take time to consider the future. We journal and/or visualize what we want to take the place of what has been released. What do you want to experience in life now? How do you want it to take shape?

Join us for this most sacred process of releasing and beginning anew.