Firewalker gets ready for Halloween

Sep 18 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

FLAME haired “goddess” Oona McFarlane has been preparing for the most magical night of the year.

Oona, an advanced firewalk instructor, is based at Tir nan Og Holistic Centre and Enchanted Realm near Drymen.

Set in a courtyard setting in the grounds of a country estate on the edge of the national park, the centre was recently nominated for Soul and Spirit magazine’s awards as “favourite bricks and mortar shop”.

Oona recently returned from The Goddess Conference in Glastonbury, where she led the annual firewalk.

And fire will be a major feature at a Halloween event at the centre on Saturday October 31.

Oona said: “The Samhain Firewalk will be an opportunity to honour our history and ancestors, celebrate the achievements of the year gone by, and create the magical vision of the year to come, through connecting with the magical element of fire.

“From groups fundraising for charity to individuals ready to embrace change, to teams and companies looking to put a spark into plans for the future, a firewalk is an unforgettable experience of confronting fears and discovering true potential.

“On the night a ceremonial fire will be lit and carefully tended. The evening’s main event, walking on red hot coals, will be a symbolic moment of incredible power.

“Firewalking is a metaphor for all those moments in life when we have a choice. Will you follow your heart and spirit into new, and possibly dangerous, territory in order to pursue your dreams and ideals, or will you shrink back from your possible futures and play it safe?

“In the moment of choosing to walk on fire, we give ourselves an opportunity to affirm our trust in our own power and magic, to demonstrate our ability to use our fear for transformation, and to rekindle our passion for our visions of what could be.”

The firewalk takes place at 6.30pm. Booking is essential as spaces are limited and cost £60 per person or £50 for joint bookings. For bookings and details of other workshops and activities at Tir nan Og telephone (01360) 449300.