The fire keeper plays a key role and has a great responsibility in allNative American traditions. It is often a life-long role that has muchlearning and wisdom associated with it. The Prayer Vigil for the Earthbegins after the fire is lighted.

My relationship with Fire goesback many years, even into childhood. It is the Great Mystery thatcalled me to Itself. In recent times, my role has been as an activeparticipant in the area of the Sacred, by which I mean, Fire hasbecome my heart's work. It was Thomas Banyacya, Hopi Elder, who noticedme at the Prayer Vigil for the Earth and recognized in me what comes sonatural to me -- that I become quite intimate with fire and regard itasa sacred being. I often loose myself. So, I have been serving the firefor the Vigil for over ten years. I have supported an Inipi Sweat lodgecommunity for more than five years, too. For four years until last yearI performed Vedic fire rituals called Yagnas, often as many as four aweek. For all this, I can truly say that I am still learning, becausethere is also something more to understand, with which to resonate andintimate.

Keeping fire is as old as human society and culture.I could go anywhere and tend and keep fire with indigenous people. It isa language -- as often without sounds and in silence as with chant,music, and movement. I relate to it, however,in a singular way -- assteward.

There are some attributes relating to fire that I experience:

Higher energies from the etheric... Guardians, Ancestors, Angels;

Being One with the Fire. The Fire is sacred.
Loss of self

Focus on Something Greater and Universal (Great Spirit, Brahman), even greater than the Fire.

Prayerfulness and awe

Concentration and attentiveness, one pointedness to the fire and surrounding area. Constant care of the site is important.

Guardian and Keeper of the sacred fire area (perhaps, also, a Lodge)

Inviting in prayerful ways the Four Directions, Mother Earth, Father Sky, and Spirit to bless and support everyone present.

Mindful aboutall Beings, especially the Grandfathers trees, sacred plants, and rocksthat willingly give their lives for our healing or blessing.

Guardian for all prayers so they can travel the Sacred Path upwards and be received by Spirit.

Self-sacrifice andwillingness to experience pain or suffer for others, e.g., heat of theFire, lousy weather, great heat from the Sun, long hours, staying awakesometimes to serve others, long preparation, closing down activities.

Invite and welcome others to come to the Fire for prayers or encourage them just to be quiet and reflective at the fire.

Be "on duty" constantly to guard (in a good way) against inappropriate intrusions and violations of the sacred space.

Respect the protocols about caring for and maintaining the Fire.

Nurture ("tend") the fire and keep it happy. Listen to and watch it, and learn its language intuitively. Talk to it.

Feed it appropriately and with the right kinds of wood. Take care of yourself so you can take of It.

This isan approximation in words of what is really unspoken relationship,totally non-cognitive, completely heart-giving and a give-away. I haveseen only a few natives and others who really know the Fire. Most of usare journeymen/women.