In greek mythology Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to humans for their use. He was punished for this act and this particular myth plays huge in greek mythology, which reinforces the influence (and power) of fire on our psyche.
In Native American lore, the coyote stole fire from the mountain of the fire beings, to give to humans to help them out. The lore goes on to explain chipmunk stripes, squirrel tales and makes some important explanations of nature.
In Japanese mythology, Fudo is the god of wisdom and the god of fire.
Fire is just that important to us. Almost all ancient societies have a powerful figure that controls fire and all recognize the importance of fire and it's influence on mankind.
I am absolutely amazed at the ability of fire to relax people and at the same time, inspire joy and conversation. Think about it...when is the last time you ever had a "bad" time sitting by a campfire, or a fireplace in your home?
Campfires are always accompanied by relaxed people, talking, laughing and when not talking..deep in thought, staring at the fire. Everyone seems to instantly go into some kind of primal connection. A common purpose......to relax, enjoy each others company and think.
Fire is hypnotic....it takes instant control of our mood and our thoughts. It is ironic, we create the fire and then once created, the fire takes over.
In the autumn and winter, think of going into a house with a fireplace burning. It is so instantly relaxing, soothing and welcoming. The instant you smell it, you are drawn to it and the urge to relax is overwhelming.
The last two nights, we have had a fire in our backyard. They are such magical, memorable times. Whether it's roasting marshmallows, hot dogs or just sitting there staring, it is tough to create such harmony and relaxation in any other setting.
Fire actually brings a family (or a community) closer together and I suspect that it has since the times of Prometheus and Coyote.
The Calling
By Gerald Fisher
The fire is dancing tonight and the winds are talking
Dancers from past lives enter the circle
Leading me back and forth through the history of myself
The mind searches as the spirit dances
The drums...dancing to the heartbeat
Memories of long ago insights to the future
I hear the winds whispering my sweat lodge dreams
I see Sungmanitu tanka (the wolf) my guide
He shows me the ancestors, not mine
They are not Lakota, or Tsalagi, or Iroquois
But they are all Nations, one Nation
Speaking with wisdom to share with each other
Yesterdays create todays and promises of tomorrow
The lies will die with the smoke
And the whispers of the winds are clear and loud
And we shall all see the return of the buffalo
AHO
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