by Emily Sampson

Arrow Breaking is the practice of placing the tip of a wooden archery arrow into the soft spot of the throat, the feathered end against a firm, stable surface such as a tree or wall and using the force of the body moving forward until the arrow snaps into pieces. 

Arrow breaking is

a ceremony whose roots trace back to tribal Fiji, and was modernized by the Grandmother of

modern firewalking, Peggy Dylan. The significance of this activity is layered with intention and

the results are dynamic and powerful. Some may utilize this activity as a physical

representation of breaking through limiting beliefs, doubts and old ways of thinking. 

Others may use it as a radical act of self-empowerment, an exercise in exploring the strength of

vulnerability and it can also be used as an intentional, ceremonial way to release or call in

specific intentions. In this article we will explore the different ways an arrow break can serve as

a focal point of the event you are facilitating or an activity to help your participants gradually

work through their confidence prior to a firewalk.

Pointing an arrow into the throat?! Yes, you read that correctly. The placement of the

arrow is an invitation to surrender to trust and physically explore the edges of your courage. A

lyric from the singer / songwriter Savanna Jones-Martin in her song She Moves Me says, “and

how funny to realize that fear is really courage becoming known”. Placing the tip of an arrow

into one of the most vulnerable, soft parts of the human body will certainly welcome this

opportunity. Prior to the actual breaking of the arrow, it can serve your participants well to use

a pen to write down some intentions on the arrow shaft which adds a few different layers of

significance. Firstly, the written intentions have now brought the intentions into the physical

realm. What was once simply a thought or feeling inside your body is now alive on the physical

plane as written word. Second, seeing where the arrow breaks in relation to what is written on

the shaft can be seen as meaningful. For example, I have seen arrows that broke where

someone wrote FEAR and it broke in half right between the E and the A... That’s potent! In this

way the arrow break can be a deeply profound experience of breaking through limiting beliefs

and doubts.

Contrary to the obvious intention of releasing or breaking through limiting beliefs, fears

or doubts, arrow breaking can also be used as a way to call intentions into the body. Where

arrows are typically aimed and projected outward by means of defense or protection, when we

participate in an arrow break we are pointing that arrow inward. At an arrow breaking

ceremony I just recently facilitated, one of the attendees shared with me that she specifically

wrote on her arrow toward the tip because she wanted to bring her intentions into her being.

She followed up with me afterward that the arrow had made a split down the side that

underlined one of her biggest intentions. Rather than using the arrow to “let go” it can be

equally used to “bring in”. Bring in a sense of strength, bring in a newfound confidence, and

willingness to step forward even when it is terrifying and uncomfortable.

On the not-so-spiritual side, arrow breaking clearly offers an opportunity to feel

incredibly empowered. The moment that arrow snaps you will never be the same, and you will

carry that feeling on forever. Similar to walking on coals, breaking an arrow with your throat is a

reminder that we can do the “hard” things! We CAN face challenges, difficulties and what

seems as impossible. By leaning into our vulnerability we will experience breakthroughs. Mind

you, this task does not ask for half of your effort...this task asks you to give it your ALL. You

have to believe you have what it takes to break the arrow. You have to summon the totality of

your being to bring enough pressure from your body to ensure the arrow breaks, and perhaps

most importantly, once you have made the choice to move forward you have to follow through.

Bringing that arrow to your throat and facing what seems absolutely impossible will ask you to

reimagine what you thought you were capable of, and then prove it to yourself.

Arrow breaking is a wonderful precursor activity to bring into a firewalk whether it is a

corporate team building event or an evening full of spiritual communion. Breaking the arrow

will give your participants a deep sense of confidence before walking on the coal bed. “Well, I

just broke an arrow with my throat, surely I can firewalk!”. Arrow breaking can bring up some

intense emotional responses. I’ve seen some people tremble and shake with fear when they

are preparing to push forward, heard roars of the warrior within as the arrow bends before their

eyes, and seen tears of joy in the moment of a successful break. 

The beauty of the activities

learned and offered at The Firewalking Center lies in the instant transformation. Leaning into

our edges, expanding the capacity of our capabilities and overcoming the discomfort of fears is

positively lifechanging from the moment the action is complete. Whether the arrow break is a

focal point of the event or a precursor to a firewalk, the benefits of this activity are extensive

and profound. So, lean into the unknown, step forward and invite the challenge to become a

lifelong reward.