The Spiritual Fire of Shiva-Shakti

 5-Day Alchemy Immersion: The Spiritual Fire of Shiva-Shakti

अ॒ग्निमी॑ळे पु॒रोहि॑तं य॒ज्ञस्य॑ दे॒वमृ॒त्विज॑म्

agnim īḻe purohitaṃ yajñasya devam ṛtvijam

“I glorify Agni, the high priest of the sacrifice, who presents these oblations to the gods.”

After 4 days of preparing — gathering the basics of Shakti Tantra, invoking the mantra of the Goddess, and learning to appreciate the wonders of Agni the Scared Fire — Day 05 culminates with a 3-hour Fire Puja to Karthikeya, the glorious God of War and Spiritual Discipline (Tapas, Brahmacharya).

Literally, the spiritual fire of Shiva and Shakti itself. And where else, but at the most important cave temple in Malaysia, Batu Caves.

What a magical experience it was! For many of the students, this was their first time receiving a complete homa (Fire Ceremony) and abhishekam (Water Ritual). The entire sacred ceremony was conducted eloquently by a team of 6 priests working and flowing together effortlessly. It was almost like watching maya Herself unfold and shape-shift before our very eyes.

Fire is always the great purifier and transformer — what more beneath the watchful gaze of Murugan, the divine warrior-child who conquers the delusions of the ego?

This opportunity would not have been possible without the inspiration and help from a dear friend. Through this, not only are we blessed by the Divine Fire, but the teachings of the Goddess and the Sapta Matrikas — who nurtured Kartikeya upon his birth — are given a place to anchor and grow.

As a teacher there is no greater gift than to be able to facilitate such a possibility for my students — especially those few who have journeyed with me spiritually since the start of my career, coinciding with new students, today. It has taken so much synchronicity, prayers, good karma and Grace, to be able to undergo such a complete process.

All 5 days went smoothly. We are all truly blessed. And I trust, so much is about to unfold for us in the coming days (especially after the eclipse).

Om Sharavana Bhavan! Om Ashta Matrika Svaha!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

S.

5/10/2023