Last night I had the awesome pleasure of joining some friends around the fire pit in their backyard. I love fire. Seriously. I have always had an affinity for fire... and it is very natural for me to be able to start and keep a fire going. As a kid/ early teen... I also had alot of premonitions and dreams revolving around fire.

So ... needless to say... it has always played a somewhat important role in my life.

According to Wiki... "Fire has been an important part of all cultures and religions, from pre-history to modern day, and was vital to the development of civilization. It has been regarded in many different contexts throughout history, but especially as a metaphysical constant of the world, along with air, water, and other forces of nature."

Ceremonial fire also plays a huge role in several religions and traditions all around the world. One tradition that is close to my heart... is the practice of writing down your troubles... things that bother you... things that seem to be in the way... and then to burn those in the fire... a sort of symbolic gesture in getting rid of those things. And so... in this season of winter... while you are gazing upon your individual fires... perhaps it is also a time to relinquish some of your troubles in the flames...

*photos by Elaine A. Russell