O’izeege: Fire ceremony 
By Maria Yraceburu
The ceremonies of Fire equip us with personal truth so we may become more loving toward All Our Relations. If we, after having been purified by fire, use our gifts in service to the whole, we benefit and are given further vision that we put forth as part of integrity’s way. This strength from within helps us understand the Children of the Four Directions and we become more tolerant and loving towards All Our Relations.
Looking into the flame, beyond what the eyes can see, and seeing the many Ancestors around, we know we are never alone.
How can we be lonely or feel that no one cares, when the flame that burns within us is filled with Ancient Ones’ prayers.
We have more to learn. Patience, understanding, selflessness and love—these are real evolutional developments. Some say FAITH, but faith IS love, Spirit love. When we have Spirit love we have faith. When we do for others without agenda, we gain, we develop selflessness. When we see situations in the light of learning from them, or allowing others their right to learn from the situations in their lives, we develop understanding. When we do not offend because others do not share our point of view, we develop patience. When we constantly send out love to All Our Relations every moment in time, we have Spirit love. This is evolution.
No judgment need exist, only lessons. Learn and move on. Forgive and release. Transmute in the Sacred Fire-—O’izeege.
Maria Yraceburu was raised in the traditional earth ways of the Quero Apache and her understanding of ritual, nature and healing grew as naturally in this atmosphere as her ability to choreograph life affirming situations. She is an author and Native American ceremonialist, as well as a doctor of ecopsychology. For more information visit www.followingancestors.net.