Ralphie´s Portal

from funsci.com

It is a cold, dark, wet and wintry day.  Outside the wind howls and rain lashes the windows.  Inside I kneel at the hearth worshipping Fire.  The glowing heart of home.  Winter is the season of the element Earth, it is also the season when we look to Fire – the element of Summer.

I honour Fire.

Each day when I rise I wash my hands and face with water.  Cold, clean, running water.  An absolute privilege.  I listen to the water running into the sink,  I watch it bead on the porcelain,  I hold my hands in it, then relish the shock of cold on the skin of my face,  I drink some – my mouth wakes up.

I go to the kitchen – fill a kettle – this time the rumble of Water on metal.   Refill the cat’s bowl – watch water swirl down the plug hole – gurgling now.

I honour Water

I strike a match – watch the flame spark to life – light the gas – a pinky blue flame.

I honour Fire

I unlock the door – step outside – feel the fresh movement of the air.  Look up into the morning sky. I see stars or clouds or the moon or the sun coming up over the trees on the hill.   I hear the birds singing, a dog barking, the wind in the trees.

I honour Air

I replenish the bird feeders with seed, feed the cat, fill a bucket with coal.

I honour Earth

I set coffee to filter, wash my favourite cup.

I honour  Water

I rake out the fireplace, reset the fire,  strike another match

I honour Fire

Now I am ready for my favourite time:

I pour a cup of coffee, put it by my chair.  I choose a candle to light, a joss stick to burn, a crystal to enjoy.   I  make an offering to the fire – some rosemary or orange peel or apple wood.

I begin my day.