Pagan In Paradise
My mind is muddled with images as I drive through Willow Alaska on my way to a new assignment. Images of lost Pagan land and all the energy expressed there affect me deeply. While I never visited what local Pagans call “the land” I know well the deep and sacred connections our communities develop with these sites that are filled with the energy of rituals and drum circles manifested by our honored ancestors and current community members. The sight of the burned trees reduced from proud centurions of nature to burnt toothpicks brings tears to my eyes. I have seen many such places in my life, yet this stand of trees, being connected to sacred space stirs emotion.
The seven hour drive from the Yukon to Anchorage was a long one. After two weeks as part of the effort to suppress the Aggie Fire, now 20,000 acres, I am exhausted. As of today the fire still burns and another team has taken command of the effort. The tasks undertaken in support of our firefighters have been complex, the dynamic changing environment of wildfire makes logistical support of the effort like trying to fit together puzzle pieces from a vast array of pieces left on a preschool floor. Even determining where it is safe to feed the firefighters on a given day is a moving target dictated by fire behavior. The Aggie Fire ran another 5,000 acres two days ago, homes were evacuated and fire resources were stretched to their limit.
Fire behavior in stands of Black Spruce is extreme. Even after days of rain, with just a few hours of drying, the inferno explodes and consumes more of the dense and lush forest. It is always humbling to witness the power of fire and the heroism of those who respond. Yet, there is always sadness and a flood of inner tears for those who lose homes, places of employment and sometimes entire villages. This work both nourishes my spirit and erodes my ability to focus on other aspects of my life. Driven by compassion for the land, it’s people and the broader impacts of fire, I often find myself mentally and spiritually exhausted. There is something unique about being a Pagan firefighter. it is almost as if I can hear the land crying out, demanding that humanity collectively do something to address the damage we continue to do! Gaia weeps and my desire to act is watered by her tears.
Willow Fire
The smoke plums are intense, each night the smoke settles in fire camp and we all attempt to sleep in an environment of 24 hour light and choking smoke. My passion for this life is intense, yet the shared hardship bands us together in an effort to accomplish something beyond individual human ability, tame a miles long swath of fire manifested as if from a dragons mouth.
My drive ended with a new assignment working for the state wide logistical command center. For now, I am away from the flames, yet last night I fell asleep worrying about my sisters and brothers still on the fire line. Won’t you join me in sending energy and prayers their way. This fight is long from over and any and all spiritual and magical support can only help!
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