Agnihotra (agni means fire, hotra means healing) is an ancient fire ritual in the Himalayas. It was described in the Veda as different rituals were associated with it and it was performed by a Brahmins priest. Brahmins are the caste of Panditji, priests, teachers, ascetics and intellectuals but it should be mentioned that the Vedas did not mention any caste system. Furthermore some Vedic scholars will tell you that the original caste system was only a classification of the professions people had. Anybody could enter any caste system when choosing a profession. The caste system that is dependant on birth only came later. Agnihotra, like any ritual can be performed by anybody, as long as it is done with the right intentions and care is given to certain aspects of the rituals.
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Some details
Purification: Agnihotra purifies the surrounding atmosphere. Plants benefit and farmers who have used it say affects can reach 150 acres. It protects from pollution and diseases. More subtle effects may extend many miles around and effect humans on the emotional level. You will find that people have made soil fertile again and have eradicated some plant diseases. When done on a daily basis it will work quickly. It is also done for healing, that is, people who are seeking healing attend the ritual and notice the effects in the following weeks or months. The ash is used in many ways. It can be scattered in the garden, it can be put into water and it can even be taken internally. The Agnihotra ritual and the use of Agnihotra ash has many applications and is only limited by one's imagination. People around the world have used it for many more applications than mentioned here.
The importance of the exact times of sunrise and sunset:
At sunrise and sunset a change happens in the atmosphere of the earth as the sun rays (all rays, not only the visible sunlight) suddenly hit the location of the observer. The change of this solar stream of energy is said to be powerful and cleansing. When a person performs the fire ritual (fire being associated with the sun) he interacts with this energy and brings it down into the fire, into the ashes but also into himself and those gathered around him and by extension into his immediate environment.
The inverted copper pyramid: it is now well known that pyramids are collectors of cosmic energy and copper is a good conductor of this energy. The copper pyramid is easy to use and it has become a standard in Agnihotra rituals but in essence a hole dug into the ground also works.
Cow dung: cow dung has become traditional. The dried dung is a fuel, burns well (although a little difficult to start without ghee on it) and the smoke is surprisingly pleasant. But Agnihotra can also be done using twigs of certain medicinal trees (Vata-‘Ficus bengalenensis’, Audumbara-‘Ficus glomerata’, Palaash-‘Butea frondosa’, Peepal-‘Ficus religiosa’ and Bel-‘Ægle marmelos’ )
Ghee: is made by simmering UNSALTED butter in a pot for 20 minutes to half an hour or more, until all water content has steamed off and the milk solids, or protein, have been skimmed off (you can keep them and use them for cooking later). Some will settle to the bottom, allow the ghee to cool well first and when you pour it into the jar both strain it and watch out for the black stuff at the bottom. Unlike butter, ghee can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, provided it is kept in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and remains moisture-free. Ghee acts as a carrier of subtle healing energies. In ancient times it was referred to as the mother of all medicine and has many therapeutic properties.
The ash: after the transformation of the cow dung into ash, the ash has collected the powerful solar energy from the atmosphere during the entire ritual and is now fully charged with it. The ash can then be used in many ways for healing and other purposes.
Sunrise and sunset times: you need to consult the time tables for your specific location. There is some discussion what constitutes sunrise/sunset time. Is it when the the edge of the sun first or last touches the horizon, or when the sun is half down? There is also the issue of curvature of the earth. You will have to use your intuition in this and besides, you have about two minutes before and after the chosen times to utter the mantras. Actually it is a good idea to tune in to your inner sense of it, and connect wit the energies that way.
The practitioner: as with all energy work and rituals, the intention, attention, concentration and purpose of the practitioner is the most important aspect and is a determining factor of the effectiveness of the ritual. Watch your emotions. For example, if you are having trouble getting the fire to light are you anxious, panicking, frustrated? The fire is your teacher. Learn to be calm and focused. Leave behind your other concerns and troubles and let the energy of the ritual calm you.
Mantras: besides the sunrise and sunset mantras, one can also use other mantras before and after, or other vedic and even your own chants. Be creative, think about the purpose of the ritual.
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