A need-fire is a ritually produced fire that reverses illness, blight and malady afflicting a village.
An interesting precondition to an efficacious need-fire is that all other fires in the region must be extinguished. Only in a state of darkness can a need-fire be struck.
We must begin in darkness, writer. If we lack darkness we must create it. Only then can your words have the power of a need-fire for yourself and others.
If you want to strike your own need-fire this is the historical process as described by the well-read J G Frazer in The Golden Bough.
Two poles were driven into the ground about a foot and a half from each other. Each pole had in the side facing the other a socket into which a smooth cross-piece or roller was fitted. The sockets were stuffed with linen, and two ends of the roller were rammed tightly into the sockets. To make it more flammable the roller was often coated with tar. The rope was then wound round the roller, and the free ends at both sides were gripped by two or more persons, who by pulling the rope to and fro caused the roller to revolve rapidly, till through the friction the linen in the sockets took fire. The sparks were immediately caught in tow or oakum and waved about in a circle until they burst into a bright glow, when straw was applied to it, and the blazing straw used to kindle the fuel that had been stacked to make the bonfire.
(Drive your cattle or horses through the smoke of a properly lit need-fire, or, walk yourself through the smoke and put a little ash on your face to cleanse and protect from whatever misfortune is afoot.)
Reasons to Keep Writing 
There must be dark for light to matter. Huh, I think I’ll use that line in a poem. Thank you for the fire.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wonderful! I collect folkloric rituals and may deploy this one in a future book. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Reminds me of the Druidic practice of seeking inspiration or otherworldly guidance by laying still in complete darkness for hours, with a rock on one’s chest to enhance awareness of breath.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I like this idea put toward writing!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Always a contrast and always a struggle to fight back the shadows.
That is why I love stories about candles.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve already liked this. I haven’t seen you. Are you ok?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
you’re scaring me.///>>>>>>>>Thank you very much (2019)),,, thank you for that I wish you all you and your family peaceful and happy year 2020!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy New Year to you too. I hope you are well. My house is still standing but fire burns all around my area. Hoping for rain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
best wishes for that
LikeLike
Omg, I will immediately move my hands in a cardinal direction, and ask that you get help in every view (sand wall slabs can help a lot against Windfire)) I hope you and your dear family survive these difficult times in good health, survive !!! I’m going ahead, in 2020 unchanged except hoping for the best always for tomorrow and over tomorrow. !!! Many thanks to you,((*L*)))
LikeLike