3/15/2023 0 Comments Keeper of the sacred fire![]() The tradition of the Yule log came from the Norse and dates back to the iron age (before the medieval era). The Celtic, Native American, African and Aboriginal acknowledgement was more elemental all of these traditions involve opening sacred spaces, making offerings to the spirits and/or ancestors, lighting cleansing herbs from the central flame, music and dancing. The first offering in any ceremony was to the Goddess of the Hearth, the Sacred Fire of protection and sustenance. ![]() And, because a town or city was seen as an extended family, there would be a communal hearth for each city, village, town and/or district. The Greeks paid homage to Hestia (later renamed Vesta by the Romans) the virgin Goddess of Hearth and Home, protector of families who saw that the residents were safe, fed and clothed. ![]() In the African, Aboriginal, Native American, Pagan, Celtic, Norse, Greek and Roman traditions we find evidence of the deification of Fire, or at least a spiritual practice of appreciation. Because of this we could, if we chose, begin to see sacred energy and loving spirit in every fire. The beneficence of the ‘Spirit Beyond the Sun’ is made manifest in the Sun, and all of its cousins the individual fires that we use to light and heat our home and cook our food. The Sun makes all human, plant and animal life possible. The human body cannot utilise the vitamins and minerals we eat and drink without the presence of vitamin D, which is produced when we spend time in sunlight and the human brain produces serotonin when the light of the sun enters our eyes. ![]() The light of the sun is turned into energy that feeds plants through photosynthesis, these plants then provide oxygen for the rest of us to breathe, we also eat the plants and use them to build our homes and weave and colour our clothes. The Sun is so much more than a flaming ball of gas that gives light. Calling the corners, opening circle and appreciation of the ‘Spirit Beyond the Sun’ in celebration belongs to all cultures although we have different rituals there is so much overlap. Sacred Space and Fire are a part of the ethnic and cultural heritage of all people. ![]()
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