How to perform a releasement ritual using the elements

Releasement ceremonies are rituals designed with the intention to surrender past hurts or addictions, especially involving negative emotions, such as denial, grief, guilt, anger, or resentment.

You can perform a releasement as an individual or within a group dynamic. By symbolically letting go, you purge your mind, body, heart, and soul of that which no longer serves a higher purpose.

The basic components of a releasement ceremony include the following:

• A willingness and readiness to let go - Make a conscious decision to release something that you just can't seem to move on from.
• Trusting in the process that all will be taken care of - Surrender the outcome and don't worry about how situations will be resolved.
• Preparation of a physical space - Cleanse the area energetically by using a product like sage and bring necessary supplies based on the format of release.
• A means by which the releasing will occur - Incorporate either one or a combination of earth, air, fire, water, and akasha.
• Closing of the ceremony - Say a blessing, prayer of gratitude, or other affirmative intention like "And so it is."
• Follow through with intentions - Choose peace, empowerment, and confidence in the new direction of your life.

By involving the classical elements of fire, earth, water, and air plus the divine energy of akasha or Spirit, you can transfer your past pains, fears, or addictions to one or more of these outlets. 

Review the examples below for ideas on how to conduct a personal releasement ceremony with the elements. Utilize what feels right and resonates with you. Remember, there is no exact science or wrong way for the ritual. The desire for change and the personal power of good behind the intention are what drives the process.

1. Fire - Write on a piece of paper everyone whom you should forgive, including yourself. Throw the paper into a metal can and burn it. Ask the essence of fire to destroy past negative beliefs and create new ones that totally support a good you. You can also discard the ashes by burying them, pouring them into a sea of water, or throwing them into the open air, such as off a cliff or mountain.
2. Earth - Use a piece of paper to write about a situation that is troubling you. Wrap it in cloth or place it inside a wooden box. Bury it somewhere that won't be disturbed. Call upon Mother Earth to receive your worries and fears and heal them in the highest and best way. Stand over the buried object and feel the ground draw out unwanted energy drains or psychic toxins. Ask Mother Nature to fill any voids with love and light. You can also research books by Dr. Steven Farmer for more information on sacred ceremonies and earth-based techniques.
3. Water - If a particular person in your life is dominating you, you can "freeze" the controlling relationship. Write the person's name on a piece of paper, place it in a bag of water, and put it in the freezer for at least three months. Casually observe how this process manifests in your waking life. Take advantage of this time to build your self-esteem, confidence, and respect. Drink plenty of water and sit or meditate by bodies of water during this period. Invoke the powerful stream of emotional consciousness to change negative self statements into positive emotional ways to help yourself and others. Decide what is the healthiest emotional option and take it.
4. Air - Angels, such as Archangel Raphael, are great support systems in your life's journey. Raphael can help heal addictions to substances such as food and drugs as well as to habits such as gambling. Find a quiet time and space to dedicate about 30-60 minutes for a meditation, like the Angel Medicine one from Doreen Virtue, to ask the angels to release past traumas and current addictions. Visualize the negative energy cord attachments to people, places, substances, foods, or bad habits being severed from your physical, mental, emotional, and auric bodies.
5. God/Spirit/Akasha - The creation of a God Box is another method to surrender difficult challenges into the arms of the divine. Design a box with what interests you most with the intention to put all your worries and concerns into it so that God can manifest a win-win solution. The box is a physical representation symbolizing the universal Spirit from which love originates and emanates. Your fears are surrendered to God for ultimate resolution.

After your releasement ceremony, notice the shift in emotions and how your subconscious and conscious minds react to the ritual. You may have mystical dreams representing a huge release that frees your soul from the bonds that once held you down. Embrace this new path and keep the momentum going through daily prayer, meditation, affirmations, and other spiritual and personal development exercises.

Photo: Morguefile/fattymattybrewing

Affirmations: I am willing and ready to release my past. I live in the present and no longer desire that which holds me back. I utilize the power of the earth, air, fire, water, and Spirit to assist me in my surrendering. I bless this transformative experience and am grateful to live a new life full of purpose and positive intention. I suddenly feel so good! Every day, I choose healthy options to keep my mind, body, heart, and soul in optimal shape. 

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational use only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Contact your physician or other qualified professional if you have questions or concerns regarding your mental, emotional, or physical health.