Fire & Intention — Year's End Art Therapy Ritual in Cheltenham

Release the story of the old self to a contained flame, and set what comes next.

Every term ends at a threshold. This one ends with fire.

We write down the story of the old self — the version of you that this year asked you to outgrow — and release it to a small, contained flame. Then we work with fire divination, reading what the flame leaves behind, and set an intention for what comes next.

If fire is not for you, there is a charcoal and ink alternative that does the same work on paper. You are guided either way, and nothing happens without your say.

This is the final gathering of Return to Self and of The Atlas Creative Circle for 2026. You are welcome whether you have been here all year or this is your first circle.

What the morning looks like

· Arriving, settling, and a grounding practice

· Writing the story of the old self

· A contained fire ritual, or the charcoal and ink alternative

· Fire divination — reading what is left behind

· Setting an intention, and closing the year together

What to know: all materials are provided. The fire is small, contained and fully supervised, and taking part in that element is entirely optional. Wear something you do not mind smelling faintly of woodsmoke. Tea and a warm welcome included.

The Atlas is a creative circle for those who carry more than words can hold. In most approaches art is a tool inside a talking frame — in the Atlas, the creative process itself is the therapy. No art experience is needed, and sharing is always your choice. All you need is to arrive.

Facilitated by Valerie Ogorodnyk, certified art therapy facilitator and founder of Active Kreative. The last of five in-person gatherings in Term 4: Return to Self, running from 10 October to 5 December 2026.