medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
The explanation I have heard, and which seems reasonable, depends
on the fact that the coals have been burning for some time in a deep pit.
There is thus a layer of ash on the top, which serves as insulation, since
you walk across reasonably quickly. And the people who do the walk probably
go barefoot most of the year - I imagine having callused feet would help (but see
below). A fire-walk can be in fulfilment of a vow, and If you do get burned, its attributed to lack of faith.
If Tom has actually talked to any fire-walkers, it would be nice to hear why they were
doing it.
A fire walk in (I think) Sri Lanka is featured in a publication and "video"
(actually a collection of slides) called "Symbolic Heat".
For the record, there was once a "fire-walking" workshop in Iceland at
Snæfellsnes (accessing pyramid power) and I have read an interview
with Smith College Student who went through one of these herself -
and successfully firewalked. The emphasis apparently was on inner
preparedness rather than technique - though, the interview was
quite un-specific.
Meg
________________________________
From: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture on behalf of Carol A. Cole
Sent: fim. 4.11.2004 21:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [M-R] Ordeals
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
OK, I'll bite, how DOES one walk on hot coals without being burned?
At 08:13 PM 11/4/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
>
>. . . It also addresses other
>ordeals, including boiling water and oils, a hot iron and walking on
>hot coals. I rember the latter from living in India and it is no big
>deal once you know how to do it. . . . yrs, c. t. ault
-------------------------------------------------
Four out of the five voices in my head say, "Eat the chocolate!"
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