Earlier today I was blessed to guide a friend through the process of clearing in way that may seem odd to many.

Burning photos.

Many may not be aware of the impact of burning photos of the past has on us.

Believe me, it’s not the first time I’ve been presence in the process of burning photos.

A few years back I was visiting a friend and we decided to burn some photos, it was old wedding ones that not longer served her. She lit the fireplace and waited for the flames to rise then she carefully placed the wedding album on it and let it burn.

But then something happened.

The fire vanished instantly once the album was ‘burnt’, leaving only a gold frame, as though the marriage energy had ended – just like that.

Fortunately, neither of us dealt with the ashes…

Then some years later it was my turn to burn photos. I had spent all weekend making two piles, one of my ex-husband and the other of all people from the past. Then seeing dad had a wood heap already set, I organised a male friend to join me in case I went to pieces afterwards. Once ready he carried my ex’s and I carried the other pile down the hill.

Within moments he lit the fire and I waited with every intention to throw the photos on slowly and say a few words...

But the fire heap was laced with bracken the heat got so fierce that I had to stand back and toss them on as fast and quick as I could.

Said my words of gratitude each time.

THEN

We waited.

We watched.

Until the last of the photos had disappeared before us, then water started to roll down my cheeks and he embraced me briefly, as friends do.

We turned and slowly walked up the hill.

With a knowing I was now healed as my body now  felt weak.

The burning of photos of the past was required on two more occasions before the process was complete.

First time was done safely in the back yard and then second time I nearly had the neighbours on fire!

~~

Today, the fire was fast, slow, then roaring and then almost vanished in one hit then it all was perished with a feeling of relief.

That the job was done.

For closure.

In order to move forward.

On a new journey…starting tomorrow.

 

Post written circa 9th October 2016