fire and water

I have a few fireplaces in my house.  I have been enjoying making a fire and sitting in front of it each day recently.  I am reminded of a teacher who taught me that fire clears out the ethereal body of energy polution; he thought bathtubs and fire were the most important tools for cleansing.  He thought submerging in water or being before a fire extremely powerful in nullifying the 'death urge'; I can relate to this.  I'm beginning to remember relating to fire again in my life.  It feels effective.