Into the Fire
by Maqui

With the autumnal equinox having past and the onset of winter swiftly setting in, we five fags in the forest started taking inventory of the necessary tasks for continuing the daily activity of the Sanctuary. The pottery represents the path of providing monies needed to supply our table with nourishing food. Metaphorically, our cupboards seemed bare.

Operating in an army tent with near zero temperatures, we bundled ourselves cozily by stacking strawbales around the perimeters. The daily task of chopping wood and carrying warm water was necessary for the process of making our wares. In addition, a frequent task was scraping the snow off of the tent to prevent our operation from collapsing in on itself. Once the barrel stove adequately warmed the tent we were able to begin the day. By that time it was time for lunch........

To reach the capacity to fill the kiln, approximately 200 cups, bowls, and objects d' art had to be produced, sanded, stacked, and stored. Coinciding with this task was the research for new glazes, including an ash glaze using the ashes from the hearth of our stoves.

Having made the ware, mixed the glazes, loaded the greenware, fired the pieces to a semi-complete state, unloaded the kiln, glazed all 200 objects with a fine sand glaze coating, reloaded the 200 pieces, making sure nothing touches and little room is wasted, the day of the firing has arrived. So much excited, anticipated energy has been infused onto the objects. Our sacred intent is loaded into the kiln with nurturing dreams and wishes woven within the labyrinth that the flames of fire will travel.

The firing day is tomorrow. Everything has influence on the firing. The weather conditions, the rate of temperature rise, the time that it takes to reach l750 degrees. A plan is crafted in order for approximately 12 hours to pass during the firing. Because of the temperature outside, it is necessary to finish around the heat of the day. We will start around 3:00 A.M. But first................. Sleep.

The temperature bites into our fingers and toes as we lite the kiln. That done, we are off to the kitchen for an early breakfast. The aroma of Buffy's fresh blueberry muffins waft through the kitchen. With the arrival of the sun, the kiln is turned up hourly paying attention to the reverberant hum that bellows from within. The pieces are soon glowing red as the kiln approaches yellow light. Frequent peeks into the fire for observation have provided some glorious moments. The wind swirls into the kiln changing the directions of the flame as the fire searches for its next breath. Our last three months of focus rests within the kiln. I find myself full of life. Hopes and wishes for a bountiful harvest are bestowed upon the contents of the kiln. At last the moment arrives. The sound of the kiln has reached a roar. It seems to have taken on life. Kali lives, and with one movement of the lever the gas is stopped, putting our kali to sleep. What we have created is complete. The sounds of silence permeate our reality as we celebrate our journey's end. The next thing to do is wait two days before opening. We look forward to that moment like a child awaits the arrival of Christmas.

Slowly, brick by brick the door of the kiln has been pulled away and our gifts from the fire are revealed. Endor-phins are released. Joy and exaltation prevails as the discovery of how the lips of the flame have kissed each piece so gently the nectar of the flame rests on the skin of each body. There are sometimes horrors as the flames have marred the glaze and shards rest where there once was hope. Each piece is celebrated or mourned as they parade from the chamber. So many keepsake memories present themselves as each of us stand in the very moment where one dream is complete and a field of dreams opens before us. The fire is a catalyst of dreams.......So Kali LIVES!