It’s a rainy Sacred Saturday here and I am in need of a little warming so a virtual visit to the Banyuwangi Regency of East Java, Indonesia, seems well-timed. Though I’ve sadly never been, Indonesia is close to my heart. It would seem like Dutch and Indonesian cultures have little in common but they actually have a long history and close ties.
Before we explore one particularly sacred part of this magical place, indulge me as I share a little about this connection that has had a significant presence my life.
The Dutch East Indian Company began trading in Indonesia in the 1600s. This eventually gave way to the Dutch Empire governing the archipelago until, in WWII, the Japanese invaded, opening the door for the Indonesian revolution. After years of struggle, in 1949, the Dutch government officially recognized Indonesian independence and the Republic of Indonesia was established. One would hope that this meant an improved quality of life for the Indonesian people, however, for many Indonesian people the opposite was true. The transition was tumultuous and many Indonesians, having become familiar with Dutch culture and language, fled to settle in the Netherlands, carrying with them their rich traditions, stories, art, and food. I grew up surrounded by beautiful Indonesian art work, eating delicious Indonesian meals like rijstafel, so it is not surprising that I am drawn to this place.
On the list of places to visit when I eventually make it to Indonesia is the Kawah Ijen, a truly magical volcano long revered by the Indonesian people as a supernatural place. By day, it’s a serene turquoise crater lake with beautiful blue waters. By night? The volcano puts on an incredible light show. Sulfuric gases escaping from the volcano ignite upon contact with oxygen, creating electric-blue flames that dance against the darkened backdrop of the night sky. It’s a sight so otherworldly that you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto another planet.
Traditionally, Mount Ijen has been seen as a sacred place by local Indonesians. It was believed to house powerful spirits, and rituals have long been performed to honor these forces. Fire, in particular, is viewed as a purifying element, capable of burning away negative energies and fostering renewal. The sulfur extracted from the volcano was historically used not only for practical purposes but also in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Sulfur’s pungent smell and transformative properties were thought to repel evil spirits and cleanse the soul.
A Fiery History of Healing
For centuries, locals have revered Kawah Ijen not just as a geological wonder but as a source of profound transformation. In Javanese culture, fire often symbolizes purification—burning away what no longer serves us to reveal something new, vibrant, and resilient. The flames of Kawah Ijen, in particular, are believed to hold mystical qualities, serving as a conduit for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Sulfur from the volcano has also been used in traditional healing practices, believed to have detoxifying properties. Healers would mix sulfur into ointments and baths to treat skin conditions and infections, harnessing its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Some communities even incorporated sulfur in ritual ceremonies, using its acrid fumes to ward off illness and negativity.
Science Meets Mystique
While no doctor is prescribing volcanic field trips, studies have shown that controlled exposure to natural extremes—like sulfur-rich air—can invigorate the respiratory system. The sulfur gases, though dangerous in high concentrations, are believed to stimulate the lungs when safely managed, promoting better oxygen absorption and circulation. After we took my youngest guy to Iceland where he was exposed to sulfur through various adventures we experienced there, his asthma improved noticeably- more than after any of the other treatments we had tried over the years!
And let’s not forget the healing power of literal heat. Heat increases blood flow which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, promoting healing while reducing pain and stiffness. And, of course, fire, both in reality and as a symbol, represents transformation. Watching those blue flames consume sulfur only to release light and energy is a powerful reminder of how destruction can pave the way for renewal.The mental reset of standing before a glowing volcano’s raw power and beauty can powerfully impact your perspective and trigger awe, both of which have psychological implications linked to reduced inflammation, improved mood, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Bringing Kawah Ijen Home
I truly hope you will add Indonesia and Kawah Ijen to your bucket list but, assuming you can’t hop on a plane to Indonesia immediately, here are some ways you can channel the spirit of Kawah Ijen from the comfort of your own home:
- DIY Sulfur Face Mask
- Sulfur is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Create a DIY sulfur mask by mixing 1 teaspoon of powdered sulfur (available online or at specialty stores) with 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay and enough water to form a paste. Apply it to your face, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with warm water for a refreshed glow. (Always patch-test first!)
- Heat Therapy for Renewal
- Use a heating pad or take a warm sauna session to relax your muscles and increase circulation. As you soak in the heat, visualize releasing toxins and negative energy, much like the volcano’s sulfuric flames.
- Mindful Fire Ritual
- Write down one thing you want to let go of and safely burn the paper in a fireproof dish. Watch the flames consume it, just like Kawah Ijen’s blue fire consumes sulfur, transforming it into energy.
- Sulfur Soap for Daily Detox
- Incorporate sulfur soap into your skincare routine. Widely available at health stores or online, sulfur soap can help cleanse and purify your skin, echoing the detoxifying effects of Kawah Ijen’s natural elements.
As you bring these practices into your Saturday, remember the lesson of Kawah Ijen: even in the heart of intense heat and challenge, there is beauty, light, and the opportunity for renewal. Remember: transformation isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always worth it.
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Begin Within
and align with the rhythm of nature and self.
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