Many people are asking: Why don’t we have more elders today? How does one become an elder? How can I learn from elders?

Join us for an enlightening opportunity on June 23rd as we host an intimate conversation between two distinguished members of the Sacred Fire community: Don David Wiley and Chris Griffin. In this event, “Becoming an Elder” Chris will interview Don David as they delve into the profound journey of living a life that leads one to becoming “of use” to their community as Elder.

Don David Wiley is a teacher, elder and a founder of Sacred Fire community. He is well-known in traditional circles as one who lends his body as a human vessel to be the “god-speaker man” for Grandfather Fire. He is a healer, ceremonialist, and ritual leader in two ancestrally related indigenous traditions from Mexico—the Huichol mara’akame path and the Quiapaquiz path of Nahuatl weather working and a Tepahtiani or healer in that tradition. He has devoted his life to fulfilling the task given to him by the Spirit of Fire, “Reach out to the people of your modern world and provide help while teaching how to live life more aligned with Spirit and the nature of the world through awareness, connection, and engagement.”. He is considered an initiated elder in these two traditions as a Tsaurixika in the Huichol path and a Temachtian or teacher in the Nahua tradition along with being a Tlamatinimel, or knower of the Nahua ways. He performs baptisms for the children, initiation of young men into adulthood and funerary work for those who have passed.

Chris Griffin has served the Sacred Fire community for nearly two decades. With a background in software engineering and technical leadership within the medical device industry, Chris brings a unique blend of professional expertise and deep spiritual commitment. His journey through traditional meditation paths and Plant Spirit Medicine has led him to his current role as a Firekeeper, hosting monthly fire gatherings and serving as the Chairman of the Sacred Fire Board.

During this interview, Don David and Chris will explore the sacred role of Elders in our communities, the wisdom gained through life’s trials, and the importance of maintaining spiritual connections throughout one’s life. This event is an opportunity to gain insight into the power of Lifecycle Living and the deep, ancestral wisdom that guides us towards a purposeful and connected existence.