The Hearthfire Project is developing as a series of online gatherings, hatching from the concept of a central open fire, a hearth, with women gathering around it. Currently, we are using our imaginations and Zoom technology; in the future we plan to gather around a real fire. We come together knowing that women have been doing this before us for centuries: gathering around hearthfires for practical, political, and ceremonial intentions. The simple activity of tending fires, generating warmth, and sharing wisdom and information that is deeply uniquely human.

Together, taking inspiration and encouragement from the warmth of the fire and the generative companionship of the circle, we are bringing the presence of Hestia — goddess of the hearth in ancient Greece and Rome — to the fore, establishing what Ilya Prigogine described as an island of coherence, and answering Meg Wheatley’s call for warriors for the human spirit.

Before there were self-help groups, support groups, and mastermind groups, women gathered around the fire. This project is an invitation to women to come in from the cold; to come in from the gorgeous ruckus to the warming and inner organizing effect of circling and settling around the fire. Together, we share the information, wisdom, experience — or what is currently alive in the hearts and minds of the women around the circle — stirring confidence then going back out into the gorgeous ruckus. The Hearthfire project begins this ancient practice and carries it forward into the present day.

I plan to offer gatherings biweekly, beginning in September. But summer is languid and so full of life that it throws off our regular schedules, so I’m offering a scattering of three: one in June, one in July, and one in August. Each gathering will have a rhythm: a dropping in, a check-in, a theme to gather around, a small breakout for real conversation, and a closing with what each person is taking away from the fire.

Learn more about where the project came from . . .

CurrentHearthfire Offerings

Online Summer Hearthfire Gatherings

Monthly gatherings will be held in June, July, and August, moving to bi-weekly in September.

June 26, 11:00-12:30 ET — About Fullness (the solstice, the abundance of light, the grand profusion, what it asks of us and what it offers)

July 31, 11:00-12:30 ET — About Decisions (do we make them, or do they arrive?)

August 28th, 11:00-12:30 ET — About Mustering Our Will (what it takes to shift into action, to act creatively in the midst of the gorgeous ruckus)

Gatherings are $44 each.

Please Note: The Hearthfire Gatherings are closely held participatory events on Zoom, and are not recorded or transcribed. We look forward to your real-time presence around the virtual fire.

Plans are underway for In-person Hearthfire Retreats

Held seasonally in central New England. Plans are underway for a Hearthfire Retreat as early as this fall. Stay tuned for an update!