Who is the “gatekeeper” and what is her/his role in terms of the Fire, Well, and Tree?
The “gatekeeper” is a god or goddess who is recognized in a culture’s mythology as being a guide to travelers, as someone who lives or walks “between the worlds”, and who knows the magic of spiritual travel and communication. We call to this deity to “open the gates” for us, which means helping us connect to the Kindreds. If the Fire, Well, and Tree are like getting your home ready for guests, then the Gatekeeper portion is opening the door, and it is followed by inviting the guests in with calls to each Kindred (gods, nature spirits, and ancestors). Blessing the Fire, Well, and Tree makes the ritual space sacred, but calling on the Gatekeeper formally opens it to the places our Kindred allies reside, and it is through this connection that our voices may be heard by the Kindreds.
