About
the Balefire Awards

The balefire(or bonfire) is a ritual part in many beliefs, often of purification and consecration. In ancient times, cattle: important symbols of wealth and status, were led through the smoke of a bonfire. Couples who were to be wed on May Day would leap through the flames of the bonfire to seal their vows. Coals from a bonfire would be taken home to light the fires in family hearths, a practice thought to bring good fortune. It was also believed that the residents of the Faery realm were incapable of producing fire themselves; embers of bonfires would be carried to the underworld and tended there. In other beliefs, the balefire was used to mark safe havens on the long winter nights, lighting the way home and abroad for weary travellers.

The Balefire Awards were made to bring recognition to and award those who have made a positive difference in the magickal and pagan communities, as well as in the world community. We believe that all those who have made a difference should be recognized and rewarded for their works and deeds.

Nominees can be volunteered to the Balefire Council, which will consist - for the time being - of the members of the Domani Imperium, and certain others of the Domani Nobility. All nominees - whether their work is in education, art, outreach, charity, law enforcement, environmentalism, etc. - will be considered. More about this process will be displayed here.

It took some time to determine a song that would fit as the theme for the Balefire Awards. We needed a song that would speak the Awards' purpose: to recognize the works of individuals. Works and deeds that help bring the world together. We found that in a song that we feel follows along the same grain as John Lennon's "Imagine". It helps us imagine how much better the world if everyone cared.

The Domain is a common ground and middle point for all who believe in magick in all its forms, regardless of chosen religion, belief, or spiritual path. Therefore, the Balefire Awards will not discriminate against any particular path. All are welcome.

The Balefire Awards have been put on hiatus for the time being Stay tuned for their return.

To learn more, go to the Balefire Awards site at http://www.thedomainandrealms.com/Balefire/ for more information...