the future, a worldview shaped by mutual flourishing.
Our spiritual leaders interpret this prophecy as the choice
between the deadly road of materialism that threatens the land and
the people, and the soft path of wisdom, respect, and reciprocity
that is held in the teachings of the first fire. It is said that if the
people choose the green path, then all races will go forward
together to light the eighth and final fire of peace and brotherhood,
forging the great nation that was foretold long ago.
Supposing we are able to turn from destruction and choose the
green path? What will it take to light the eighth fire? I don’t know,
but our people have a long acquaintance with fire. Perhaps there
are lessons in the building of a handmade fire that will help us now,
teachings gleaned from the seventh fire. Fires do not make
themselves. The earth provides the materials and the laws of
thermodynamics. Humans must provide the work and the
knowledge and the wisdom to use the power of fire for good. The
spark itself is a mystery, but we know that before that fire can be lit,
we have to gather the tinder, the thoughts, and the practices that
will nurture the flame.
In making a handmade fire, so much depends on the plants, two
pieces of cedar, a yielding board, a straight shaft, made for each
other, male and female from the same tree. The bow a flexible
wand of striped maple, a shapely grip to bear the bowstring twined
of dogbane fiber. Stroking back and forth, back and forth, the shaft
spinning, feeling its way into the bowl that burns to meet its shape.
So much depends on the body, each joint at the right angle, left
arm wrapped around knee and braced at the shin, left leg bent,
back stretched, shoulders locked, left forearm bearing down, right