We Mexicans resonate in a profound way with the phrase “Fuego Nuevo”: it takes us back to the Aztec tradition.

The New Fire in this tradition is only lit in ritual space and in moments of major initiation.

The Mayans with their Baktuns and the Aztecs with their Suns each developed their own calendars based on observation, wisdom and knowledge. As far as I know, the prophecies end for the Mayans with the Winter Solstice of 2012, and for the Aztecs, with the 5th Sun.

When in our annual Community Fire Grandfather gave the detailed instructions for the correct way of ending the cycle of the 5th sun and starting the new cycle, the 6th Sun, together in the Tuki in my town of Tepoztlán, Mexico, deep emotion arose in me.

I felt He was honoring the land that hosts the Tuki, and the traditions that gave meaning to these cycles, the Aztec and the Mayan.

Following his instructions, as a large family, sittin, and lying down, skin to skin, we went through the longest night of the year, immersed in ritual, feeding the Fire and deeply connected with the global Community.

Grandfather ate unconditionally all the notes that we were ceaselessly feeding Him, and with equal delight the kilos of cigars that Jaime gave Him.

I felt relief in that whatever I did not write down, somebody else would, so I just relaxed into the amazing experience of exchange.

Then, welcoming the 6th Sun, amidst Popo and the Sacred Valley of Tepoztlán, was awesome. It took a while for us to see the sunrise, even though we could see light on the Sacred Mountains.

With passion and drums we sang “Las Mañanitas” and then danced to relieve our bodies from the cold and the tension to the melody of the Beatles’ song “Here comes the Sun.”

In a state of altered consciousness, I went home and then came back in the evening with expectation: would we be able to light the Fire in the ancient way?

In  the intimacy born from years together, and the previous night experience, men and women of different nationalities, in this sacred site, the House of the Gods, we gave birth to the New Fire: a Fire of Love, Hope, Gratitude and mysterious meaning.

For me, as a Mexican, this has enormous significance: I was guided by Divine on a ritual rooted in my ancestral tradition, and as I recall Grandfather saying, also in a doorway into the Mystery.

Gracias, Tatewari.

Sylvia Malkah Calderon Couriel is a mother and a grandmother with a passion for Psychology and the Contemplative Arts. Sylvia feels blessed to live in Tetela del Monte, a small town inside Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, where sh get the nourishment that my heart and soul need from nature, the people and traditions. Syvlia attends community fires in Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico.

 

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