While the summer nights are st ill warm, it’s a good time for vigil fires, which have long been held for ceremonial purposes.

Begin with planning. What is the purpose of your vigil fire? Where will you have the fire? Will you hold vigil for an hour or two or an entire night? Or something else? Will you stay awake or sleep by the fire? What will you do during the vigil?

Consider your comfort: warmth, food, drink, and a light source.

Consider fire safety, and be sure someone knows where you are and when you’ll return.

Build the fire in a safe location. A log cabin–style fire with wood that can be pushed in from the sides will last for hours.

Hold your vigil at fireside, periodically repeating this chant:

Sitting with the vigil fire, watching
embers through the night.
Powers of vigil, rite and ritual,
shine in me like firelight.