This Unique Ritual Can Help Resolve Conflict With Respect And Care

The Dagara woman lit the bundle of sacred herbs, using the ash to draw a large circle on the ground. Throughout Burkina Faso, ash circles are used to resolve conflict. 

As a spiritual ingredient, ash represents transformation, cleansing, and the release of negative energy.

The person initiating the conflict resolution draws the ash circle. Sitting in the circle with a basin of water, they invite the parties in the conflict into the circle. 

Together they pray for intention, clarity, and guidance from Spirit. They each take a sip of water as a libation and then spit it on the ground. Then they scream.

 Cathartic screaming helps to get energy flowing through the body. After they have finished screaming, they engage in respectful conversation. They take turns listening to one another until all grievances have been aired.  

After the conversation, they take the remaining water from the basin and pour it over themselves to cleanse their bodies before closing out the ritual. 

Ash circles remind us that resolving conflict can still be intimate and done with care.

As we enter the new year, what energy are you trying to cleanse from your life? If there are any conflicts that need resolving, it might be time to do an ash circle. 

Let’s leave negative energy in 2024, starting the new year off grounded in love and community. 

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