Avalon’s BBC Beltane Eve
Firewalk
Where Magic met Science
On Beltane Eve, in an amazing beautiful spot at the base of Glastonbury
Tor, with an energised and excited group of people, and a BBC film crew
interested only in the science of firewalking, it can get very surreal indeed.
We had a truly magical and fantastic evening, and although I was a little
concerned about having the film crew there, it turned out to be just perfect
and added to the magic and our enjoyment.
When we arrived on the site, at around 4.30pm, it was very
windy and threatening a storm. The TV presenter, Michael Mosley, was sitting in
his car reading the paper and there was no film crew to be seen. He seemed a
little nervous when I asked him if he was really up for firewalking, he assured
me that he was. He asked what we will do if it rains, I told him that firewalks
are very beautiful in the rain. He helped us carry some torches and tools down
to the yurt and introduced us to
the crew.
I believed that it was possible for the presenter to
firewalk for two reasons. He wanted to do it (clear intent), and he had a firm belief
in his body’s safety. This is the ‘bare bones’ of firewalking, the things that
all firewalkers have in common. It didn’t matter that his belief was mainly
based in science; he had to truly believe he was safe.
Wizard firewalks add the ‘Faith Factor’ to this ‘bare bones
theory.’ In our workshop we use chants and music, movement and exercises to empower
the impact of the experience, Michael would miss this part.
If you use
firewalking to prove a scientific theory, you will prove a scientific theory,
no more, no less. When you use it to create empowerment, magic and
transformation you create an incredible life changing experience.
This is where the true magic of firewalking lies; it is not
in the ‘How is it possible?’ The magic lies in what you do with this powerful
tool for transformation.’
We built the fire and Michael went and filmed by a barbeque
on the windy hillside – I suspect he was cooking meat to demonstrate something
or other. It didn’t matter much to me. In the context of firewalking, barbequed
meat has no relevance whatsoever.
This was set to be an incredible evening, I felt sorry that
Michael might miss out on much of the magic. This was his first visit to Glastonbury,
and there he was, beneath the Tor, with a group of wonderful and energised
people, at a magical Beltane Eve firewalk, and supposedly, only his belief in science would get him across the coals
unharmed.
The magic was humming in the air; the energy of the site is
amazing with the backdrop of the Tor, and our beautiful yurt was nestled under
the most magnificent flowering oak. And we were surrounded by lights and
cameras doing a show for the BBC! How bizarre!
When the first few people arrived at the yurt, I was doing a
piece to camera with Michael; he then joined us inside for the practical part
of the workshop and to sign the all important disclaimer.
We went outside again and lit the fire with a sacred flame.
This flame, carried by Brigit and held in her shrine has burned for more than 3
years, in a sanctuary surrounded by the waters of Avalon. The group was already
high in energy and connecting strongly as we collectively lit the fire and
affirmed a fire of inspiration.
This was a community healing fire, in the style of the
Kalahari Kung Bushmen, where ‘NUM’ (energy) is built, and the fire is walked by
shamans for the healing of the whole community.
Michael went to his car and ate cold pizza, whilst we had
loads of fun in the yurt. The workshop was great as usual, the group became more
and more energised, dispelling fear and limiting beliefs; becoming more and
more convinced that they would walk across fire.
During the breaks, some of the participants were interviewed
about their experience, I have no idea what they said, and they looked very
enthused as they spoke. As the energy of the group was rising, and the fire was
getting ready to walk on more and more people from the community came to
witness this fabulous event.
Michael joined us by the fire on a few occasions, he told us
that he had spent some time living in India and he appreciated the magic of
what we were doing. One of the participants gave an offering of ‘sacred dust
from the holy land, India.’ Michael accepted some – he was starting to connect
with the magic of the evening.
The energy we then built up in the yurt was really tangible,
on one occasion I went outside and left the group to raise the energy
themselves, they were full of vitality and excitement. Even the audience were
beginning to feel that the group was ready. I wondered how Michael was doing.
This was a Beltane Firewalk, and clear intent was very
important. This would be a fertile and powerful fire of purification and would
herald the seeding of something new. So, before we went out to the firewalk, I
asked the group, ‘What do you want to give birth to this year?’ and then I took
them through a guided meditation to focus and empower their intent.
We went outside whilst chanting Shiva Shambo, Michael asked
Max what the Shiva chant meant, and later he began chanting along with us – I
think a little more than science was in his belief system by now, faith factor
was beginning to creep in.
Each person took a turn patting the coals; a chance to get
really close and feel the heat of the fire. I insisted that Michael join us. He
commented that it was really hot; I smiled and told him ‘Yes, it’s around 1500
degrees C.’ He didn’t look comfortable.
Max declared Glastonbury’s first Beltane firewalk open!
Lynton, a close friend of ours, walked first, closely followed by the other
participants, and then we allowed space for Michael to walk. He walked
successfully twice, whilst we cheered to support him! He looked relieved afterwards.
Then the dance across the coals began to unfold into joyous
celebration as the group walked across the glowing coalbed time and time again.
I walked really slow, relishing every footstep my feet crunched into the hot
coals. The energy of the group transformed to delight and wonder at what had
been achieved, people connected with a deep Beltane magic. I am still waiting for the images of the firewalking
The film crew were great, they were very considerate and I
forgot they were there for much of the time. I am not entirely sure how they
will present the footage, though I suspect that physics will be used to explain
the firewalk.
The 5 minute insert is due to be transmitted on the One Show
on Wednesday 21st May at 7pm on BBC1.
When you watch the show, look for the transformation that
occurs as people walk, get a sense of the magic and vital energy of the
evening; listen out for power words and magical intent – you can’t deny that
kind of beauty and enchantment.
This is where science meets magic. I hope the magic of
Avalon; the bright flame, the wonderful group of firewalkers, Wizard
firewalking and the fire of inspiration shine through clearly.
