“The Fire Eater," photograph courtesy ©Sally Davies NYC
Carl Jung famously said, “Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.” I never understood fully how divine the spark of creativity is in my soul until I learned about the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome—the world’s first nuns who left home at an early age, cut their hair short, dressed in white robes, and promised at least 30 years of virginity. Their sole and critical task: To tend the fire in the temple of The Goddess Vesta, the divine keeper of the home fire. Day and night.
They never took their eyes off it. So important was their contemplative work to the well-being of Roman society that they’d be scourged mercilessly in public and buried alive if the fire went out on their shift. Keeping the temple fire burning was literally a matter of life and death.
Why Fires Are Sacred
What is it about tending the fire that warrants being scourged mercilessly in public and buried alive if you nod off? What kind of fire is this? The secret lies in the sacredness of the flame.
This is no ordinary fire; which is to say, our soul is no ordinary spirit. For our ancestors, fire on the altar was a sign that the Goddess was present. That’s a powerful way to think about fire that goes far beyond what we see today.
We look at fire and don’t think twice. Our ancestors looked at fire and fell to their knees before the deities burning within because we too are Temples of Sacred Fire. We, too, should fall on our knees before the deities living within us, and never let our creative spark be extinguished.
Don’t Turn Off the Lights
I suspect we all know something about losing the spark in our life. When we become stuck in relationships or jobs that drain energy and make us miserable, we feel suffocated, depressed, and buried alive. So whatever sparks your life with joy must be revered as divine and tended to carefully and constantly.
Fall on your knees before your heart’s desires, because what makes you happy nourishes and saves your soul. We need never condemn ourselves to being buried alive in misery. Souls can always be sparked to life again. As springtime shows us every year, we are endowed with life’s mysterious power to rise from the dead.
May creativity always be the drug that saves your soul.
Until next week, think about this: “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” –Ferdinand Foch
Karol Jackowski, Ph.D., became a nun in 1964. She's also been a college administrator, graduate of New York University, manager of a toy store, author of eight books, painter of religious folk art, and sister to everyone she meets. Please visit her website at KarolJackowski.com.
From: Pat Grabelle | 5/26/10 at 10:08 am
Dear Karol,
You may or may not recognize my name but I am a good friend of Vernie and she told me about your articles. I have enjoyed reading them all. I so appreciate your views regarding spirituality and life in general. This current article has inspired me to put together a women's retreat based on creativity. Thanks for all you share with others.
Peace and Blessings,
Pat
From: Karol Jackowski -- author | 5/26/10 at 11:43 am
Pat...stars on you for a great retreat idea. and thank you for tuning into the weekly blogs. When I read about the women's retreat on creativity, I thought "mission accomplished." You already have your own little group of Vestal Virgins. I look forward to the retreat report.
your sister,
Karol
From: Michelle | 5/28/10 at 10:01 am
Dear Karol: thanks for your continued nudging of us toward a more fire-filled approach to life. I find your messages fresh and compelling. Thanks so much.
From: Karol Jackowski -- author | 5/28/10 at 10:26 am
My pleasure. Nothing better than sharing beliefs week after week. Thank you so much for tuning in.
From: The Group "Sisters for Christian Community" - Anyone familiar? - Christian Forums | 12/2/10 at 12:55 am
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From: Rachel | 7/18/11 at 4:32 pm
What a beautiful and inspiring article! I love your artwork as well.
I have just come across your blog, but I loko forward to reading more.
From: Beth | 8/3/11 at 3:46 pm
I was aimlessly wondering in WholeLiving's website feeling suffocated and stuck in relationships that are draining me, unemployed and also recovering from illness and looking forward to regaining all of my strength and starting my life over, in positive surroundings... and then I found and read a couple of your articles! I thank you with all of my heart for such great encouragement!!! Your articles: 'Free Yourself: Live Like You Have Nothing to Lose' and 'Be the Keeper of Your Own Creative Flame' really hit home for me. I shall continue working on my new found talents, which have brought me great mental peace and joy during this down time. I look forward to reading more of your work. Again, thank you, Karol!