Fire Tender
The hikers had stopped to rest for the evening; their exhausted bodies gave in to the end of the day and now they lay in a deep sleep next to smoldering embers, remnants from an earlier fire. Near by, several large bears raise their muzzles and get a whiff of the inviting air. They've found their prey. Like an alarm sounding, an unbearable chill wakes one of the campers. He refuels the fire and the soul, the nucleus of the outdoor home is set a blaze again. Binding the hikers together, the glowing campfire like the family hearth keeps them safe and warm. Respecting the fire, the bears turn and go in search of other prey. The Fire Tender, in tune, knew all too well that even when the fire went out a good many things can still go on. In Native American spiritual culture, the Fire Tender plays a vital role in building and maintaining the fire for the Sweat Lodge Ceremony. Native Americans implemented the Sweat Lodge Ceremony to bring about mental, physical and spiritual healing as w...