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As human species we have a deep
and abiding relationship with the element of fire. Our
earliest Ancestors felt the heat beneath the Earth, saw
the intense fusion of fire with earth, creating a new
molten landscape to cool and give lifesaving food to
them. And when the day dawned that saw them re-create
that fire for themselves, we as a species became forever
separate from the animals.
We did not die out because of fire. We created
ever more inventions, constructions possible only with
the use of fire in their making. We honour fire. Our
Ancestors created rituals around the element of Fire,
seeing the sun as fire and a life-giver to all on Earth.
The role of a fire keeper is a sacred one. When I
was tasked with overseeing and caretaking the Eternal
flame of peace in the centre of a stone circle built on
ancient San ground in South Africa, I had to learn very
quickly that fire, like every other element, is alive
and conscious.
To protect and understand it, a unique bonding
needs to happen. The fire is never be allowed to go out,
even in rain, and it does come down in sheets in South
Africa. Looking for signs of change became a constant
vigil and protection swift. Alone, with that fire, I
realised after a while that it danced with my thoughts.
At first I believed it fanciful imaginings, but I
learnt to see the subtle changes in colour and
direction.
The stone circle was built like
a giant zodiacal ring. And I would notice a train of
thought was answered by the flames and smoke, which
would flash suddenly towards a certain stone.
Once, when hunger had overtaken me, I noticed a
long train of smoke snake towards the entry stone,
Taurus, and I saw my dinner arriving with one of the
children from the orphanage! The old story of smoke
signals being sent by Native Americans is true, though
not in the silly fashion presented by Metro Goldwyn
Meyer!
Walking a candlelit labyrinth has the same
transformative experience. The glow of many tiny lights
gently guiding you to the centre reaches a deep soul
level. A silent communion with the Ancestors and our
Earth.
Blessed be Llawendryad
The Wihtwara ™, Copyright © 2017 Jan Harper-Whale
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