The sacred fire: 

The Sacred fire ceremony is an old one that dates back to the beginning of humanity when man discovered and mastered fire. For many natives of (Isle Tortue) Turtle Island, the sweat-lodge ceremony is considered one of the oldest ceremonies, the Sacred Pipe ceremony, the second most oldest.  

For my opinion the Sacred Fire is the oldest and the first form of ceremonies to exist on this planet and has been practiced and still is on every continent. Why? Well, it’s simple, when fire was discovered and mastered by the first man; it changed the world and created mankind’s first technology.  

We associate fire as a great power because it provided heat for men of that time, supplied a means to cook as well as fabricate tools and weapons for hunting. Fire was also a power used to fight against the exterior elements that were a threat. Today, fire still continues to be a great service to mankind, especially when thinking of the different objects fabricated by melted metals.  

Without fire there would be no sweat-lodge or Sacred Pipe ceremonies. Today many shaman and medicine men continue the practice of Sacred Fire. This ceremony uses certain crystals and natural woods. A Sacred Fire is lit naturally, without accelerants. When the fire is lit, prayers and offerings are given to the fire in order for their requests be heard and fulfilled. It is a simple ceremony that needs little preparation and can be performed by anyone.  

With the natives, Sacred Fire is the base of all their ceremonies or festivities, as in PowWows. This ceremony, even though simple, is amongst the most energetic, considering that it works on the four planes of man, particularly on the mental and spiritual planes.  

The Sacred Fire favours protection and healing for a specific person or group. It cannot be used for self-centered gains or black magic because its strength can strike down those whose intentions are not pure.  

The ceremony can be practiced by one person or by a group. Lastly, the Sacred Fire ceremony should be done in respect to the elements and energy of the location. Fire interacts well with other elements, water, earth and air, when practiced with other ceremonies.