Church of Understanding

Burning Day

 

September 11 is a day that carries with it a memory that goes beyond any one culture, but affected the entire world as we know it. It is for this reason; and the images of burning burned into our consciousness, that we chose this particular day. In acknowledgment of the ability of individual beings to impress an effect based on belief, we choose to take away all negative powers from this date, and impress upon it our own standards, rescuing it to positivity.

 
We do this by applying our own ritualistic forms to this date. It is a common belief that smoke, being a doorway between the physical realm and the spiritual realm, carries our prayers without greater directness. We also accept that it is human nature to require physical symbolism for our spiritual needs. Although some may only see destruction in fire, we see it as our passion giving wing to our desires.

 
A burning ritual may be completed in many ways, the simplest of which is to designate a physical object to symbolize your prayer, lighting it with prayers and intention. Burning Day rituals acknowledge that not all burnings are positive in nature, requiring pre-meditated consideration. We do this by preparing ourselves for the sanctity and spiritual battles of Burning, by spending the previous day in concentrated prayer, meditation and for some, cleansing, so that when we arise on Burning Day, we will be pure in thought and in deed.

 
On this day, gather your thoughts. Things that interfere with your ability to follow your direction, relationships about which you are uncertain, all cares should be representationally presented in a fire-safe container. From bon fire, to ash tray, place your written lists, pictures, books, flags, whatever symbol reflects your spirit’s concerns should then be safely lighted by a hand guided through spirit. These representations should then be spoken over as they are allowed to burn. If this is done in a public forum, you must take care to explain your choices: although burning the flag of your country may symbolize your desire to give over your nation to the will of God, viewers may see it as an insult. In our environment of tolerance and compassion, explanation is often required. (For items of potential conflict, explanation may need to be presented BEFORE burning!)

 
In the act of burning, remind yourself and others present, that this is no longer your concern. This act gives the physical over to the spirit, testing our faith and our values. Let go and let God (by whatever name). Believe that your faith is correct for you, and Know that the Creator who has cared for you thus far, will continue to care for those things you give over in grace.