Tending the fire

Tonight the moon is full, and we will host a fire circle here in the Garden.

We do this each full moon, honoring this natural lunar rhythm and this age-old and sacred tradition of connecting with other humans around a fire, making meaning, generously listening with full presence. No distracting devices or internet connection to keep us skating along at the surface.

Here is, thank goodness, a place where we can go deep with each other. Or keep our silence, listening.

We've kept this tradition, started by James Stark during RDI's tenure here in the Commonweal Garden, going for these past seven years, with only a few pauses (during COVID and Red Flag fire warning weather).

Tonight I am reflecting on human-fire relationship, this beautiful elemental being that gives light in the darkness, gives us warmth, brings us together. That holds such a sacred place in so many of our spiritual and mythological traditions. That can hold our intentions--for purification, for letting go, for calling in--as well as our grief, our navigation of the darkness, our beholding the mystery. It is such an honor to continue this tradition, this tending of the fire, this carrying of the glowing love embers in my heart. I hold with humble appreciation of how essential it is for us to carry the light within us, to connect, to listen to each other, to hold space for each other, to extend care to each other, to honor the sacred.

Especially when it feels like the darkness--in the form of the callous disregard for life in all forms, the cruel insanity that drives the pursuit of nihilistic power, injustice, war, tyranny, etc etc--is deepening. As I grapple with what it is to be alive now, with what is mine to do, with how to respond most skillfully to what arises, I am always grateful to be in this circle. Each month coming away heartened, seen and heard, resonating with heart energy. Touching the sacred.

I treasure the time alone with the fire after everyone has left. Gazing into the glowing embers in meditative appreciation for all the fire has held, giving thanks for life, for the fire, for the circle of hearts, for the Garden that holds us so beautifully, and this beautiful Earth.

As always--all are welcome, all is welcome. We are navigating so much now. It is good to have the way lit in all the ways we can. Moonlight, starlight, lovelight, firelight. Sometimes all in the same place at the same time, like tonight.