The Mayan Fire Ceremony
A sacred practice of prayer, offering, and connection — guided by trained Aj Q'ij, the daykeepers of the Mayan tradition.
Through the fire, we enter into relationship with Spirit, with the Earth, and with the unseen forces that support life.
The Mayan Fire Ceremony is a living tradition. It is a way of creating a sacred fire as a portal of connection — a space where prayers are offered, guidance is received, and healing can take place. For those who participate, this is a direct and felt experience of connection.
The Ceremony
A Prayer in Action
At its heart, the ceremony is prayer made visible. A mandala of natural materials is carefully created on the Earth — each element carrying intention, meaning, and energy. When the fire is lit, it becomes a place to offer prayers, a space for healing and transformation, and a bridge between the human and spirit worlds.
The offerings placed into the fire carry our prayers to the Creator, each one holding a different quality: gratitude, healing, clarity, or remembrance.
The Sacred Fire Mandala
Unlike many fires, no wood is used. The fire is built as a ceremonial mandala — a living structure of energy placed with prayer and intention:
Sugar to form the circle
Ensarte (resin-rich tree materials) and other Mayan ceremonial materials made as the base fuel
Herbs, flowers, and natural medicines placed in layers
Candles, chocolate, honey, and other offerings
When the fire is lit, Spirit is invited into the ceremony — bringing life to the mandala and activating it as a sacred space.
Preparing for the Ceremony
How to Prepare
You are invited to come with presence and care. We recommend bringing:
Comfortable layers for changing weather
Water and personal snacks and dish to share for potluck meal
A blanket or chair for sitting
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Fresh flowers for the altar
Instruments, if you feel called
Many people choose to dress beautifully as a way of honoring the sacredness of the space.
A suggested contribution of $25 and up supports the continuation of these ceremonies and the stewardship of the land.Ceremonial Offerings
You are also encouraged to bring offerings that carry your prayers and intentions. Common offerings include:
Dry herbs (sage, cedar, lavender, rosemary, juniper, sweetgrass) · Flower petals · Medicinal roots · Tobacco · Cornmeal · Natural beeswax candles (red, black, white, yellow, green, or blue) · Chocolate · Honey · Sugar · Cinnamon sticks · Bird seed
Each offering carries a unique energy, contributing to the collective prayer.
Families & Children
All ages are welcome. Children may come and go from the ceremonial space as needed, with the understanding that the space is held with respect and awareness.
A Note on Respect & Lineage
These ceremonies come from the living traditions of the Maya of Guatemala and surrounding regions. They are guided by trained Aj Q'ijab who have received these teachings through lineage and practice. We approach this work with humility, respect, and a commitment to right relationship. Participation is an invitation to learn, listen, and engage with care.
What to Expect
Ceremonies are held outdoors, directly on the Earth. They are immersive experiences that unfold over time.
Preparing and laying out the ceremonial space
Creating the fire mandala together
Lighting the fire and offering prayers
Time for reflection, silence, or sharing
Closing with gratitude and integration
Duration: Approximately 4–6 hours · Each ceremony is unique
Afterward, we often share a potluck meal — time to connect, ground, and integrate the experience together.
After the Fire
We like to gather for a potluck meal after the ceremony, to have time to nourish and connect after sharing this sacred space together.
Integration is an important part of the process. We encourage rest and reflection, journaling or quiet time, and sharing with others if it feels right.The ceremony doesn't end when the fire goes out — its effects often continue to unfold.
Tat Erick also offers personal sessions, you can email is at info@earthpeoplesunited.org for more information.