Releasing with Fire: A Vedic Tradition for Letting Go

I was taught a powerful releasing practice by a spiritual teacher who followed Vedic teachings. It's a fire ceremony to release what no longer serves you.
It’s simple yet powerful.
First you write a letter to the part of yourself or to the person you wish to release.
In that letter, you thank them, forgive them, and remember the lessons they brought you.
You let it be a space to honor the role it played, both good and bad, because it taught you how to survive yourself.

When I did this tradition, the release was about the part of me that used alcohol to gain confidence when I was too scared to say while sober.
I would drink, have messy, vulnerable conversations, and lose control.
Often ending up yelling, shouting, even embarrassing my partner.

In the morning, I would wake up refreshed, but he’d be distant. I didn’t realize how much it must have hurt him.
Until...

I wanted to give up alcoholism, so I wrote to that part of me and I allowed her to write back...
Three pages of heartbreak and honesty.
I let her grieve and cry until she had nothing left to say.
Then, with alignment I set those pages on fire.

That was September 2024. I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since.
Now, I find the courage to speak the things without a bottle.

This is the power of release. This technique allows us to witness what no longer serves, and let it go, truly let it go.

The Vedic Fire Ritual for Release

In the Vedic tradition, fire is sacred. It represents transformation—burning away what no longer serves us so we can rise anew, lighter and truer.
Here’s how to do it:

1️⃣ Prepare Your Space
Find a quiet, safe place where you can be undisturbed. Light a candle or burn incense. Have a metal or clay bowl ready to catch the fire safely.

2️⃣ Set Your Intention
Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself.
Close your eyes and bring your hands to your heart.
Speak aloud or silently set your intention: I am ready to release what no longer serves me.

3️⃣ Write the Letter
On paper, write a letter your letter. Write it to the pattern or person you wish to release.
Speak to them as you would to an old friend.
Thank them for the ways they helped you survive. Acknowledge the lessons they brought you, even when it was painful. Offer forgiveness, for them, for yourself. Outline fully what you are ready to let go. Let it all flow out without judgment.

4️⃣ Honor the Role It Played
Before you burn the letter, take a moment to speak aloud how this part or person helped to shape you.
Reflect on the ways it taught you to see yourself more.
Remind yourself that even what has caused harm had a role to play in your growth

5️⃣ The Burning
When you feel ready, hold the letter over the flame and let it catch fire.
Place it in your bowl and watch it burn. As it burns, imagine the energy of that old pattern dissolving.
Breathe deeply. (but not over the smoke)
Let yourself feel the weight of release.

6️⃣ Release and Integration
When the paper is fully burned, scatter the ashes in your garden, a body of water, or simply bury them in the soil.
Offer a final say of gratitude:
Thank you for the lessons.
Thank you for the release. I am ready to live free and whole.

7️⃣ Aftercare
Because this ritual can unearth deep emotions.
Take time to rest, eat, and let your nervous system settle.
Drink water.
Stretch.
Sit quietly.
Let your body know it is safe to live without this old pattern.

If you’re ready to start being more honest with yourself—gently, day by day—my journal, Daily Self Trust with Motivational Quotes, is a simple companion.
Get it here