The flame

Perhaps there is no symbol that is more representative of the human spirit than the flame.

The ability to control fire was arguably one of the most important steps in mankind's climb to the technology of today.  To take one of nature's greatest powers, call it forth at will, make it do your bidding. 

A flame has a living, hypnotic appearance that is hard to resist and holds a beauty by which other beauty is judged.

We find ourselves filled with burning hatred at injustice, and our hearts burn with desire for our one true love.  

So the lighting of a candle, the flame, as a vehicle for prayers seems almost universal.  The flame is a living essence, capable of holding our dreams and our griefs, and carrying them to heaven.  It's light not only guides us to the truth, but guides our loved ones home to us in answer of our prayers. 

Joseph Campbell Jr, an expert on mythology and spirituality, once asked the question, "Are you the light, or are you the bulb?"  Are you this thing of flesh and blood? Or are you that life essence, are you a spark of the eternal flame?

I for one shall consider myself to be the light, not the bulb. I am the essence, not the container. And so too are those I love, and those who have gone before me.  They have gone to light a candle in that good night, to one day guide me home.

May your heart forever burn with passion.