Needfire 2011

I was able to have a small fire last night after the power came back on. Hopefully everyone that I invited from far away stayed inside safe and warm.

Needfire

Needfire, according to one source is fire obtained by friction. It is for the purpose of defeating sorcery and cure diseases. In terms of defeating sorcery. I have no need to "defeat sorcery", rather I would deflect it back upon the sorcerer who sent it. In terms of curing disease, I will settle for remission.

I have asked everyone who might be coming to bring a tool for me to sharpen or repair in anticipation of spring and planting. I am not able to get down or up my steps due to the unusual weather we are having. It is doubtful that folks will be able to attend. Please feel free to make your own needfire. It can be a fire that is simply started with a match instead of a lighter. I will be thinking of everyone I invited, as I light my needfire. At this point it will be easier for me to make a fire than to get down or up my steps....so I am going ahead with it...rain, sleet, or shine.

Last Year

I am preparing for a needfire. As I write this blog I am looking out at a beautiful day that will end around midnight...as days typically do.
A needfire as I understand it, is an old celtic tradition. Neighbors that have not seen each other during the hardship of winter make a fire that is visible so that they know all is well. I remember last February when I lived on Deming. We parked my truck from Novembeer to March as Chevy S-10s do not do well in sleet, ice, or even mud. The forecast for the 1st and 2nd is for that sort of weather. I am hoping that the folks I have invited from far away will be able to make it to my needfire celebration. But if not, I am hoping they will make a symbolic needfire.