The Children's Fire: Heart song of a people

by Mac Macartney

No law, no decision, no commitment, no action, nothing of any kind will be permitted to go forth from this council that will harm the children, now or ever.

ONCE in the dream of a night I stood Lone in the light of a magical wood, Soul-deep in visions that poppy-like sprang; And spirits of Truth were the birds that sang, And spirits of Love were the stars that glowed, And spirits of Peace were the streams that flowed In that magical wood in the land of sleep. Lone in the light of that magical grove, I felt the stars of the spirits of Love Gather and gleam round my delicate youth, And I heard the song of the spirits of Truth; To quench my longing I bent me low By the streams of the spirits of Peace that flow In that magical wood in the land of sleep. Song of a Dream, Sarojini Naidu

Learn how to make an outside fire using twigs and sticks that you have gathered. If such skills are already yours, take it deeper and experiment. Wherever your starting point is, move into a place where you have to apply yourself and properly attend. o Discover a place where you can safely, and without injury to the environment, have a small fire in solitude. Choose this place or be guided to this place by virtue of the same unity of spiritual intention and practical consideration. Ask permission of the land, trees and creatures who live in this place to hold your ceremony. o Gather three or four handfuls of twigs and sticks and take them home with you. Tie them into a bundle and place them somewhere significant and respectful in your home. Occasionally take your bundle and sit holding it in your arms, feeling into the ceremony, feeling into your pledge, feeling into the implications. Never treat the bundle of sticks casually or betray their significance by referring to them in terms that make you feel dishonest or ashamed. You have gathered a bundle of ancient sunlight masquerading as a bundle of dead sticks. The energy in your bundle is colossal. It only awaits combustion. o At a time of your choosing, carry your bundle of sticks to the place where they will be lit. Do not invite others to join you unless you are sure that they will fully and unreservedly support you with their goodwill and respect. Light your bundle using whatever method you have practised and, once it ...