What are community sacred fires about?
Fire has always been a powerful and connecting force in human beings’ lives. As Fire transforms dry, dead wood into bright, lively flames, Fire can burn away our own “dead wood” and transform our lives into a warmer, clearer, more courageous and heart-connected version of ourselves.
Sacred Fire community fires expand and enrich our relationships with self, others and the natural world through the connective and transforming power of Fire. Community fires welcome all peoples, races, genders, ages, and spiritual beliefs—including “none.”
Every fire is different, reflecting the night’s mix of personalities, time of year, events happening in the world and what arises around the flames. Typically we share what’s going on in our lives, stories, music, drumming, and laughter—as well as more personal reflections, troubles and conflicts.
Whether a fire is quiet and contemplative, emotional and challenging, or boisterous and spirited, it offers a safe space for spontaneity, inspiration, life challenges, fresh perspectives and opportunities for personal and group transformation.
Everyone who attends carries Fire’s benefits back to their home, their community, and the world.
Who hosts these community fires?
Sacred Fires are hosted by Firekeepers who are trained, initiated, and receive continuing education in how to host and facilitate community fires. Firekeepers are trained in the ancient principles of “Fire Work” —a method of connection that is skilled in holding space and in working with Fire’s powers of illumination and transformation to facilitate both personal and community growth and healing.
When and where do sacred fires happen?
Community Fires, open to everyone, are scheduled monthly. Some communities also offer women’s and men’s fires, as well as online fire circles for those unable to gather in person.
Some fires are scheduled on a regular calendar day, others are offered on cycles of the moon. Each community is unique. Your Firekeeper will be happy to share more information about their events.
Currently Community Fires are available in the United States, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Greece, Ireland, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Use the interactive map at the top of the page to locate your closest fire. Then scroll to the bottom of this page to find toggle boxes that list every community and firekeeper. Use the hotlink to email the Firekeeper nearest you for details about their fires.
What are people saying about them?
“The fires have been a practice space for me to attune to my heart.”
“The Community Fires for me are deeply grounding and connecting.”
“Thank you so much for last night’s life-giving fire. I definitely brought it home with me. Feels like there is more space in my heart and body.”
“In addition to what the fires have given me, they’ve influenced how I hold space with others, too. My work as a counselor is deepened by my experiences at the fires.”
“The Fire can hold a time of grief, us sharing a language of sorrow, or they can be full of song and laughter and poetry and jokes.”
“Last night was beyond amazing!”
“I think the fires can assist people like myself, who hadn’t known safety in relationships, to experience safety and learn to cultivate community, too.”
“This ancient practice is both simple and profound. I am discovering who I am and what is my purpose. I am grateful that I found the sacred fire community.”
“The sacred fires have been a very meaningful doorway in my life, to a stronger sense of connection, heartfulness and community.”
How does someone become a Firekeeper?
For as long as we have been human, we have been sitting by the fire. In cultures around the world, Firekeepers—those who hold the space and guide their communities in connection through Fire—have been honored as essential to the fabric of the community. Becoming a Firekeeper is a direct way to bring needed medicine and balance to our communities at a time when so many feel isolated and unsettled in the face of changes taking place in our world.
The path of Fire Work is one of deep service and commitment to one’s community. With Grandfather Fire’s inspiration and guidance, Sacred Fire has developed an in-depth training for Firekeepers, guiding the training, initiation, and ongoing education of those who feel called to this path. Becoming a Firekeeper is a lifelong commitment to serve your community and to hone your skills through continuing education.
If you are interested in following the path of Fire Work and to take on such a commitment, spend some time sitting by the fire yourself, and feel deeply into your relationship with Fire. Make an effort to attend Sacred Fire community fires in locations near you to get a sense of how Firekeepers work with their communities. Contemplate the nature of the commitment and what it would mean in your life.
If this feels like an important movement for your life, we’d like to hear about your interest and inspiration. Contact Annie King, our Firekeeper “Fire Chief” by sending an inquiry on this page.
Is there anything else I should know?
Do I have to register in advance to attend a live, in-person Community Fire? Typically you do not need to register or RSVP to attend a local community fire in person. During Covid, however, in-person attendance may be limited and registering ahead may be required depending on the situation. Find your closest fire “hearth” on our list, then contact the Firekeeper via email to receive event information.
Do I have to register in advance to attend an Online Fire Circle? Certain Firekeepers are hosting Online Fire Circles so people from all over the world can attend. Find the Online Fire Circle in your time zone and then email the Firekeeper who hosts the online fire to get more information. For Online Fire Circles on Zoom, registering is required to participate. Contact the Firekeeper for the fire you want to attend, and they will be able to answer your questions.
Can I simply attend and observe and see if this is for me? Do I have to talk or share? You are welcome to “come as you are,” and if that means you prefer not to share in the group, that’s fine because it’s optional. Most fires begin with people introducing themselves, usually with a first name, where you’re from and perhaps how you learned about the fire event. This is true for in-person fires as well as our Online Fire Circles. Though this might make you nervous, we ask that you do introduce yourself at the beginning. This helps build trust with the circle and confidence with the speakers. Communicating about your concerns ahead of time with your Firekeeper is a good way to get started.
Can I bring someone with me? Yes, always! You’re encouraged to bring friends, family and co-workers. Everyone is welcome. If RSVPs are required for the fire you want to attend, please do let the Firekeeper know you’re bringing someone.
Do I need to be a member of Sacred Fire to attend a Community Fire? As an organization, Sacred Fire does not officially have “membership.” There are no applications to fill out, membership process or dues to pay. People are welcome to attend, and if they enjoy the fire they typically give their Firekeeper their contact information so they can receive future announcements about upcoming fires. The Sacred Fire organizing group does send out periodic emails like the Ignite! newsletter and event announcements for Fire Speaks events and LifeWays events.
Have a different question? Email hello@sacredfire.org and we’ll get right back to you.
Looking for something real?
Real connection. Real change. Real purpose.
Know Fire in a whole new way
Free Fire Starter kit includes:
- eBook: The Fire Practice Primer: An Introduction to Fire’s Medicine
- Poster: Get Fired Up: 9 Ways to Bring More Fire into your Life
- Ignite!: Monthly fire wisdom to feed your spirit, nurture wisdom and build a heart-filled future
When and where do they happen?
Community Fires, open to everyone, are scheduled monthly. Some communities also offer women’s and men’s fires. Some fires are scheduled on a regular calendar day, others are offered on cycles of the moon. Each community is unique. Your Firekeeper will be happy to share more information about their events.
Currently Community Fires are available in the United States, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Greece, Ireland, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Online Fire Circles are available in 10 different time zones for people who prefer not to gather in groups at this time or who live too far from a Community Fire hearth. Online Fire Circles are open to everyone, no matter how far away you might live from the host. It’s a way to meet people from all over the world.
Who hosts community fires?
Sacred Fires are hosted by Firekeepers who are trained, initiated, and receive continuing education in how to host and facilitate community fires. Firekeepers are trained in the ancient principles of “Fire Work” —a particular skill in holding space and in working with Fire’s powers of illumination and transformation to facilitate both personal and community growth and healing. Here’s where you’ll find more information about becoming a Sacred Fire Firekeeper.
Looking for something real?
Real connection. Real change. Real purpose.
Know Fire in a whole new way
Free Fire Starter kit includes:
- eBook: The Fire Practice Primer: An Introduction to Fire’s Medicine
- Poster: Get Fired Up: 9 Ways to Bring More Fire into your Life
- Ignite!: Monthly fire wisdom to feed your spirit, nurture wisdom and build a heart-filled future