The Art of Carrying Sacred Fire

An initiation into the ancient art of blessing with fire and sacred smoke

Across many traditions, sacred smoke has been used for centuries to cleanse spaces, bless people, and hold prayer. In the Tolteca fire teachings, the copalera is more than a tool - it is an instrument of service, used to bring balance, clarity and harmony to people, places and ceremony. This training offers a rare opportunity to learn the foundations of working with sacred fire and copal smoke in a respectful and grounded way.

The Training

During this day-long gathering around the fire, you will learn:

• how to work with the copalera / popoxcomitl

• traditional protocols for copal smoke cleansing

• blessing practices for yourself, your home and your family

• how to prepare and hold sacred space

• the ethics and responsibility of working with fire and ceremonial tools

The emphasis of the day is not simply learning a ritual, but understanding the spirit of the practice - working with presence, intention and respect.

Each participant will receive their own hand made copalera as a gift to take home and begin integrating the practice into their daily life.

The Teachings

Wisdom Keeper Michelle Button, “Tukiama Tecuixpo Vrinda Devi”, will be sharing Tolteca fire teachings connected to the sacred relationship between fire, copal and prayer. These teachings are rooted in the sacred relationship with fire and the use of copal smoke as a bridge between the human and the spiritual realms.

Michelle brings wisdom from her lands and lineage and will share these teachings in a way that allows participants to understand how this work can be applied respectfully within these lands and communities. This work is shared in respect of the Toltec traditions from which it comes, and the teachers who have carried these teachings forward.

Who this training Is for

This training is open to:

• facilitators and space holders

• healers and therapists

• those working with ceremony or energy practices

• anyone wishing to open or deepen their relationship with sacred fire and ritual

No prior experience is required - only curiosity, openness and respect for the traditions that carry this wisdom.

What you will receive

• a full day of teachings and practice around the fire

• guidance on working with copal smoke safely and respectfully

• your own hand crafted copalera (popoxcomitl) gifted to you to take home

• practical tools for blessing and cleansing spaces

• connection with a small group learning together in ceremony

Event Details

Date:  Sunday 28th June 2026

Time:  12 - 7pm

Location:  In serene natural surroundings, near Lewes, East Sussex

Places:  Places are limited and prepared with care, with each copalera handmade in ceremony for every participant.

A Living Practice

Working with sacred fire and copal smoke is ultimately a practice of presence and relationship. When carried with respect and sincerity, these simple tools become a powerful way to bring clarity, blessing and harmony into daily life.

✨ Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the circle intimate✨

Investment

🔥 The Art of Carrying Sacred Fire ~ £222

(Includes your own handmade copalera to take home)

Your place is secured with a £66 deposit, with the remaining balance due 14 days prior to the training.

A Ceremonial Pathway

For those wishing to deepen their experience, The Art of Carrying Sacred Fire can also be experienced alongside a further ceremonial gathering held on Friday 26 June ~ Alchemy. Alchemy is a daytime ceremonial journey exploring transformation, prayer, sound and sacred relationship, a space to work with the energies of life as medicine through presence, ritual and deep listening. Together, these gatherings create a powerful ceremonial pathway of grounding, transformation and initiation.

Ceremonial Pathway (Alchemy + Copalera) ~ £444

Alchemy is shared privately and offered through relationship and invitation.

Alchemy Day Ceremony ~ £255

Please contact niki@thevidasana.com for further details.

You may feel called to one space, or to walk the full path - trust what is right for you.

We look forward to welcoming you into this beautiful space to gather around the fire, learn together, and deepen our connection with this sacred practices in prayer, in song, in right relation.

For all of our relations.

With warmth and fiery blessings,

Niki & Michelle ✨

What Participants Are Saying: 

"Thank you so much for creating and holding such a magical and transformational space."

"Warming myself by the heart of the fire burning in this lodge, each word, song and vibration adding a log, a sprinkle of incense keeping the fire burning bright.  Such a joy to be with a familia that I didn’t know I needed! "

"What a fabulous evening! So enjoyed the deep , slow resonance and the ceremonial offerings."

"Thank you so much for the ceremony yesterday it was truly beautiful and the connection felt so special."