It has been said that home is where the heart is. It could as easily be said that home is where the hearth is. In my role as Sacred Fire Executive Director, I travel often: within the United States, to Mexico, Canada and Europe. Always, there is the Fire at the center, supporting the circle of people gathered in that place, whether for organizational leadership meetings, public events like Fire Speaks, or LifeWays programs that support women, men and emerging adults in their journey through life.

Time and time again, I find reaffirmation of the importance of our work in the face of a world that seems to be growing increasingly cold and polarized.

Time and time again, I find reaffirmation of the importance of our work in the face of a world that seems to be growing more cold and polarized. No matter how modest in size we may yet be, Sacred Fire is steadily spreading, helping to bring the transformative and connective gift of Fire to the world. I am delighted to report that 2019 has been a very full, successful year. This is the result of focus, dedication and countless hours of volunteer work.

After many years of thoughtful consideration and design, we launched a new website that we believe will make our work more easily understood and our offerings more visible to those seeking what we have to share. If you haven’t taken the time to take a look yet, I invite you to do so soon.

Our Firekeepers have continued hosting regular community fires in seven countries around the world. As I write this, seven new Firekeepers are being trained and initiated, adding our reach to Greece and Scotland. Each has made a lifetime commitment to host monthly community fires, and to help support the gifts of community throughout the year. Our goal for the near future is ambitious—grow to 1000 Firekeepers—yet we trust in our vision and our capacity to succeed in this.

Our goal for the near future is ambitious—grow to 1000 Firekeepers—yet we trust in our vision and our capacity to succeed in this.

My travels this year have taken me on several occasions to Tepoztlán, (Morelos, Mexico). In February, I was there to attend the business meetings of our affiliated organizations, Blue Deer and Sacred Fire Foundation. These meetings help us to support one another and look for new ways to collaborate in bringing more Fire, heart, wisdom, and ultimately, healing into our world.

For instance, Sacred Fire Greensboro (NC, USA) hosted the Foundation-sponsored Voices of Wisdom event in October. Hearing traditional elders Diane Longboat and Pahan Pte San Win share their stories was inspiring, and it was immensely gratifying to see how our work at Sacred Fire aligns so well with the perspective offered by these wise, respected representatives of their Native American cultures. Now, the local community and others who attended are putting to action the wisdom that was shared.

June through August, I participated in Fire Speaks events in Asheville, NC, Olympia, WA and Harvard, MA (USA). Being in the presence of Grandfather Fire, hearing His wisdom, and witnessing its profound impact on people—more and more of them new to the experience—is always a huge gift. All told, we offered eight Fire Speaks events this year, including those in Ireland and Mexico.

Along the way, I also attended an Ukilái Annual Gathering of Men in Moab, Utah (USA). I also attended another round of business meetings, this time at the Blue Deer Center in upstate New York (USA). This sacred land in the Catskills is known for its ability to support healing since before the Europeans came to this part of the world.

What I find is that, wherever I go, when people are sitting by the fire, I feel at home.
As I write this, I’m back in Tepoztlán for a series of year-end events, including the Firekeeper Training & Initiation, the Fire Speaks—Tepoztlán Protection Ritual and the Prosperity Ritual Harvest. Whenever I’m here, I always enjoy connecting with the three local Firekeepers, Erica Cohen, Ana Cortes and Jaime Velez, who were among the first to be initiated to their work, in 2005.

So you can see, it has indeed been a very full, successful year for us at Sacred Fire. I hope to visit many new communities in the future. What I find is that, wherever I go, when people are sitting by the fire, I feel at home. Even as world and national news grows troubling, when I am around the fire, I feel hope for the future of our people. Thanks to all of you who help keep Fire burning as a bright beacon in the world—through your volunteer work for Sacred Fire, your financial support, and your participation at community fires, Lifeways programs and Fire Speaks events. By following the wisdom of your heart, you help to inspire and support all those you encounter.

Warmth and Seasonal Cheer,

Larry Messerman
Executive Director
Sacred Fire