![]() ![]() ![]() When someone approaches the Sacred Fire, it is often appropriate for them to smudge themselves, and they may wish to make an offering to the Fire. I should have seen it coming, and prevented it from happening. ![]() This was not his fault, as he simply did not know. I was wrong, and to my horror, someone stepped up and tossed a cigarette butt into the Fire before I could stop him. You need to be alert, as well not long ago I was taking my turn tending a Sacred Fire in a situation where I assumed everyone knew its significance. A Sacred Fire is not a campfire, and should not be treated like one. You must be prepared to prevent people from throwing garbage into the Fire, or from roasting hot dogs, or other inappropriate behaviour. You also need to keep in mind that not all people understand the significance of a Sacred Fire. However, if the Fire is to be kept going for a long period, this also means that there should be more than one Firekeeper, and they should be rotated on a regular basis to prevent fatigue. You should simply concentrate on the Sacred Fire, and on praying for the people involved in the ceremony for which the Fire was lit. You should not sleep, and you should not get involved in any conversations. Be painstaking in tending the Fire, as that is part of putting your good energy into the ceremony that you are supporting.Īs part of the commitment to keeping the fire burning, Firekeepers should keep all of their attention on the Fire. A small tidy fire, carefully tended, is generally more respectful and appropriate than a gigantic blaze. Using up vast quantities of firewood is not in keeping with the old traditions of limiting your impact on the land around you. You should also be aware that a huge bonfire is not necessary. This is your ultimate purpose, and unless you are told by a knowledgeable medicine person that the Fire can be allowed to go out, you must make every effort to ensure that it stays burning. In cases like this, you may have to use considerable ingenuity to maintain the Fire, perhaps by adding more wood, or by moving the Fire under cover until the storm has passed. While this seems simple, it can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if a sudden violent rainstorm should develop. The most obvious duty, of course, is to simply keep the Sacred Fire burning. From my experience as a Firekeeper, and from the teachings I have been given, I offer the following guidance. Even during our spiritual gatherings, a Sacred Fire is lit and kept burning for the duration of the gathering to act as a beacon for the spirits, and to provide a place for making offerings and for quiet reflection.īecause of this importance, if you are chosen to be a Firekeeper, it is necessary that you be aware of your role and duties. Another example is the Sacred Fire used to heat the Grandfathers for the sweatlodge ceremony. During this period, the spirit of the deceased person is making its final visits to people and places it has known during its life on Earth, and the Sacred Fire acts as a beacon so that the spirit can find its way back. For example, in Mi'kmaw tradition, when a person passes on, a Sacred Fire is lit and is kept burning for four days. The Sacred Fire is a very important symbol in Aboriginal cultures. ![]()
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