Sacred Fire Ceremony with Dr. Tom Pinkson: A Night of Transformation
Last week, 35 of us gathered under the stars in Santa Barbara for a powerful and intimate ceremony — The Sacred Fire Ritual led by the beloved Dr. Tom Pinkson, Ph.D. A trailblazer in transpersonal psychology and shamanic healing, Tom brought his decades of experience and luminous heart to our circle, guiding us through an unforgettable evening of ritual, silence, and spirit connection.
We circled around the fire — not just as individuals, but as a community of seekers. With reverence, we listened as Tom spoke of Tatewaré, the Grandfather Fire Spirit, a sacred force in Huichol tradition that burns away what no longer serves and illuminates what is most essential.
Each person was invited to place a stick into the fire — a symbolic release of something we were ready to surrender. Old stories, limiting beliefs, grief, habits — all returned to the flame, alchemized by sacred intention.
Following this, we sat in silence for 30 minutes. No phones. No distractions. Just the fire, the night air, and the silent teachings of Tatewaré. In this stillness, many of us received visions, feelings, and insights that couldn’t be found in words.
When the silence lifted, we went back around the circle — not to speak of what we let go, but to share what we received. What are we grateful for? What did the fire whisper to our hearts? Vulnerability, courage, and truth poured out of us like water. It was beautiful.
Tom closed the evening with a reading from his newest book, Psychedelic Shaman: Wisdom Warrior Path to Transformation. A culmination of a lifetime walking between worlds, the book weaves Indigenous teachings, plant medicine wisdom, and modern psychology into a guide for navigating these turbulent times with grace and groundedness.
Tom’s presence — at 80 years young — is living proof that the path of wisdom and love only deepens with time. He reminded us that transformation doesn’t come from forcing change, but from aligning with Nature, Spirit, and the truth of who we really are.
About Dr. Tom Pinkson.
Tom is a psychologist, ceremonial leader, and visionary elder who has led Vision Quests for over 50 years. He was instrumental in founding the first at-home hospice in the U.S. and now shares his teachings through books, talks, and the Shamanic Sundays podcast with his daughter. Learn more at www.newvisionofliving.org.
Join Us Next Time.
This fire ceremony was a living example of District216’s mission: to normalize the sacred, to gather in consciousness, and to honor the healing power of ritual. Stay tuned for our next experiential event — and until then, may the fire keep burning within you. 🔥💜
