Merry New Fire!

Fire is safety.  It holds the light and the heat that we need to survive.

Fire is chaos.  Its dance is ever-changing and it is inherently dangerous.

Fire is hungry.  It consumes what it wants and leaves behind a memory of what has been.

Fire is final.  What is taken in by fire never returns to its original shape.

Tonight we will attend a ritual at the home of some friends, a ritual that may or may not come down from antiquity.  The ‘traditional-ness’ of it isn’t really important.  These folks have been doing it for a while and it is big and beautiful and intense and more importantly, effective.

Throughout this day, our friend will pull wood from scraps of this year’s projects, wood from the downed trees, wood brought by kin to be part of this magick.  With his own hands and skill, he will build a Holly King:  10′, 15′, 20′ tall.  The King’s shape is always different, just like his reign.

If you are of a logical mind, you might enjoy it as a miracle of engineering.  If you are a musician, the sounds made by the crackling flames may enchant you.  If you are an artist, let the beauty of the light flow into you and awaken your creativity.  (Not that these things are mutually exclusive…)

If you are a human who is aware of the movement of sun and sea and sky; if you feel the difference between this day and other days; if the new year to you simply means a new calendar, the Fire is for you.  If you are so very done with what is behind you and so very ready for what is before you, the Fire is for you.  If you are courageous enough to commit to releasing what has held you back; if you are ready to turn away from your contemplation of the Shadow and turn to a recognition of the Light; the Fire is for you.

If you have loved ones to share it with, or if you are alone, build your own King, of branches and twigs, or popsicle sticks or toothpicks!  Amaze yourself with your tiny creation.  Give Him your old year, what is past, with words or songs or images.  Then flick your fingers to make the Fire.  Watch the burning.  Breathe.  Watch the burning.  Release.  Watch the burning.  Be relieved of your burdens.

Enjoy the Light.