For centuries, spiritual alchemists have sought after the philosopher’s stone and the transformation of led into gold.
If you’ve ever seen a popular depiction of an alchemist, witch or magi, there’s often a concoction being mixed up in a fire, with the flame turning into a violet color when the potion is successful.
In fact, this type of fire goes back to biblical times. As described in Exodus 3:2 KJV in the story of Moses and the burning bush: “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.“
This fire does not burn, it’s no ordinary fire, it is a spiritual fire of self-transformation that some people refer to as the “the violet flame.”
The violet flame is a symbolic name that is given to the transformative abilities of spiritual energy. Spiritual energy can help us move through many obstacles on our path and heal a multitude of problems from physical and emotional issues, to relationship problems.
The Power of Fire
Fire has been a source of light, heat, and protection since the beginning of our time. Much like our spiritual paths, fire can be dangerous, but also an agent of change and rebirth in a new form.
I often joke around with some of our students that hanging around us for spiritual guidance is usually notoriously disruptive, kind of like being next to a harsh fire.
Fire is the only one of the four classical elements that can quickly transform something completely.
For our ancestors, fire must have seemed magical: it brought us together, encouraged us to share stories, reflect, and enter deep meditative silence. The ever-changing nature of the flames until this very day speak to us of the magical and ephemeral nature of reality.
What is the Violet Flame?
Also called the “Flame of Transmutation,” the “Flame of Mercy,” the “Flame of Freedom,” and the “Flame of Forgiveness,” the violet flame is a sacred fire that transforms and purifies negative “karma” or blockages.
The violet flame is a powerful symbol and form of imagery that can be used as a catalyst for our spiritual journeys. The reason for this is that it creates the space necessary for healing any soul blockages we carry, and it makes use of two important tools: the healing properties of color and sound.
The Healing Power of the Color Violet
Color has been known for centuries as a powerful tool to prepare our states of mind, change our moods, emotions, and feelings.
In the hermetic traditions of Egypt and Greece, colored stones, minerals, and crystals were used in chromotherapy, also known as color therapy. Chromotherapy is slowly proving itself through modern science to be an effective treatment for emotional and mental distress. In recent times, behavioral researchers have effectively implemented the power of color through spaces what have been painted in specific colors for their healing qualities. Ever wondered why hospitals are often painted in blue tones? This is because blue is associated with calmness, which is very useful in a hectic environment!
If everything is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies, then each color carries its own wavelength and specific properties.
Of all colors, violet has one of the highest vibrational frequencies. Violet is a combination of blue and red and helps promote spiritual growth, universal love, imagination, creativity and the integration of ideas. Not only that, but the color violet stimulates our openness to divine wisdom, promotes selflessness and speeds up our natural healing process. The color violet is usually associated with transformation.
It is not surprising then that violet connects us to the Sahasrara, or crown chakra within our energy fields which is generally considered the seventh primary chakra, according to most tantric yoga traditions. Violet is also the color of the seventh ray which is a concept that has appeared in several religions and esoteric philosophies.
Violet Flame Meditation
If you’d like to harness the power of the violet flame for yourself, you can do so with a simple visualized meditation. I’ve found this to be a great inner work practice.
If you don’t already have a sacred space that you dedicate for meditation, yoga or other exercises, find a place where you won’t be disturbed, and sit comfortably with your back and head erect and your legs and arms uncrossed. Rest your hands on your upper legs, with palms facing upwards.
Keep in mind that when working with the violet flame, there are decrees (or mantras) which are repeated. A common one starts with “I AM” meaning “God is in me.”
1) Choose your intention
Think of a problem that you’ve recently discovered and would like to focus on. Your problem could be a personal blockage or an earthly concern such as fear of social instability. You may want to use a visual aid like a photo or magazine cutout in front of you.
Would you like to save this?
Your information will never be shared.
2) Make yourself open through a mantra
To help you establish a sense of oneness with life and make yourself receptive, begin reciting a mantra. I choose “OM MANI PADME HUM,” you can use one of your own, or pick one from these meditation mantras.
Repeat your mantra as many times as you feel is necessary for your mind to find stillness and serenity.
3) Begin visualizing a sphere of light
Visualize at the center of your being, a sphere radiating flames of white light. As you breath deeper, notice how these flames burn brighter and brighter with each breath, turning into a blazing white sun.
Continue repeating this breathwork until the sun has grown so big, it is a sphere of white flames that surrounds your whole body, above your head and below your feet, and extends at least three or more feet away from you.
4) Transform the light into a Violet Flame
Now that your physical energy and conscious awareness are centered, you will begin transforming this white light into a violet flame.
In the center of this blazing white sun, visualize a small violet spark. Watch as this small spark gently grows and spreads over the white flames, slowly transforming the white light into a dazzling sun of violet flames.
Begin repeating the following decree: “I AM the Violet Flame of presence, blazing and transforming whatever within me that needs to be healed.” Repeat this energetically and as many times as you feel necessary.
As you repeat the decree, notice if you feel more loving and spacious. Try different words, always starting with “I AM the Violet Flame…” to create your own decrees and find whichever provides you the most healing.
5) Sending your Flame to others
If the intention you set in step one is not a personal one, but a social or global one, bring the image of the external problem into your violet flame. This is where the visual aid you chose may help.
While you’re visualizing your violet flame and repeating your decree, hold your hands up in front of you with your palms facing outwards as if the problem were in front of you. Observe how the violet flame begins radiating its light through your hands toward the situation in order to transform it.
6) Closing your Flame
Once your problem has been dissolved by the violet flame, you can begin closing your meditation session. You’ll know that your violet flame meditation has been successful when you feel a sense of inner peace and spaciousness inside of you.
Start repeating the same mantra you used to enter the meditation to close your meditation (in my case it’s “OM MANI PADME HUM.”)
As you do, watch the blazing violet flame slowly shrink into the center of your forehead, where your third eye is.
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That’s it! Let me know your experiences with this meditation in the comments below.
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i love this.