TOF community reawakens the Deep Kiva, with the lighting of a 24-hour harvest fire. November 2019.
As we can now see our opening date on the horizon, we have begun the process of ceremonially reawakening the shrines and other spaces on the land.
LIGHTING THE HARVEST FIRE: WELCOMING AGAIN THE SPIRIT OF FIRE ON THE LAND.
In November, a small group of staff, board, elders, allies and council carriers gathered to light a fire—to honor the changes we have been through and to renew the Deep Kiva, considered by some the “navel” of the dragon that animates the land. The fire burned for 24 hours, from sunrise to sunrise, with the community tending the fire in shifts throughout the night. When the fire was finally out, stories were spontaneously shared, some from the land, some about the fires burning around the world, and all with a strong prayer for a healthy future for The Ojai Foundation and for all beings everywhere. Bits of the ash were collected and added to the grey tip of the Condor Feather. Through the FIRE Fellowship, and other futures, we look forward to continuing to learn from and with fire, as well as the many elements that make up our community.
After two years of cleanup and recovery from the Thomas Fire, our reopening is finally within sight. This would not have been possible without the support of friends like you. Thank you!
We plan to open the gates this spring with the launch of the Foundations in Resilience Education (FIRE) Fellowship for young leaders and more legacy programming.
Much is needed to make this possible, including:
• retaining our small but mighty staff and “keeping the lights on”
• continuing to tend to the structures, trails and gardens for safety and beauty
• creating a new “camp kitchen” and dining area with tables, shade and hearth
Will you please help us in this final push to reopen by contributing to our annual operating fund?
All gifts, large or small, make a difference.
We thank you for staying with us throughout this journey of recovery, and we look forward to seeing you on the land very soon.