Fire Burns to Help You Heal
Honoring ancient traditions and rituals by enlightening the art of sacred fire keeping.
By Stephenie Worth and Andrea Llanda
Throughout history, fire has been important. People have always used it in ceremonies and parties because it represents warmth, light, and change. Every culture values fire because it brings people together and gives them hope and strength. Fire has symbolized different parts of the divine, acting as a link between Earth and the heavens. It stands for things like being pure, having insight, and the circle of life—birth, death, and starting over.
In every community, there’s a place where everyone gathers. It’s usually centered around a fire, where people share stories, form bonds, and feel uplifted. This spot is where folks celebrate good times, deal with tough times, and seek advice from those who’ve been around longer. It’s like a safe space where everyone finds comfort and support through life’s ups and downs.
At its core, the sacred fire symbolizes the essence of life itself—a source of warmth, illumination, and transformation. From ancient times to the present day, humans have been drawn to fire, recognizing its elemental power to sustain life and ward off darkness. As we gather around its flickering flames, we are reminded of our shared humanity and our interconnectedness with the world around us. In its warmth and light, we find solace, inspiration, and hope for the future. Truly, the sacred fire is more than just a physical phenomenon—it is a timeless symbol of human experience, forging bonds that transcend time and space.
Remember, the Sacred Fire starts with you.
“Ceremony is the purpose and intent you put into what you want to achieve, grow, understand and learn. Ceremony for me is the stuff that I can go out and break myself apart and rebuild things that I need to for my family and my daughters and my community. And those are the times that I’m the most vulnerable and the most open and the most honest and most accountable.”
Doronn Fox, talking about ceremony for him and the community.
What is Sacred Fire for us?
Stephenie Worth
The sacred fire holds profound meaning for me. It serves as a ceremonial conduit to commune with my ancestors, to express gratitude, and to honor my journey. It’s a beacon of celebration amidst life’s challenges, reminding me to acknowledge every step forward. Initially, I anticipated a clandestine tale when embarking on this journey with Andrea, but I discovered that the true essence lies in self-connection. Aligning with nature, I shed burdens that weighed me down.
Andrea Llanda
As someone who is not indigenous, the concept of the sacred fire carries significant personal and symbolic weight, woven into my own life experiences and understanding of spirituality, community, and connection. To me, the sacred fire embodies a universal symbol of warmth, enlightenment, and personal growth. It transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with the intrinsic human longing for connection—whether to one another, to nature, or to something greater than us. Although I may not have been raised within a cultural tradition that explicitly reveres the sacred fire, I still recognize its profound symbolism and its ability to foster a sense of belonging and spiritual unity. In a world often marked by division and conflict, the image of the sacred fire serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and our capacity to draw strength, inspiration, and purpose from our interactions with others.
Remember, the Sacred Fire starts with you.
