From the ancient Shinto traditions of Japan comes the radiant sun goddess Amaterasu, the bringer of light and life.

When insulted, dishonoured, and overwhelmed by chaos, Amaterasu retreats into a dark cave, plunging the world into shadow. Sound familiar?

We all have our cave. That sacred place we crawl into when life is too loud, too harsh, too demanding.

But Amaterasu does not remain hidden.

The gods, desperate for her return, craft a plan: they place a mirror and a jeweled tree outside her cave, and throw a wild, celebratory dance.

Curiosity stirs within her. She peeks out. She sees herself — her radiant reflection.

She is reminded: she is the light.

And so she returns, restoring warmth to the world.

You, Flame Keeper, have also been in the cave. You have dimmed your brilliance, perhaps to survive, to stay safe, to please others.

But now is the time to return to your light. To remember yourself.

Your fire was never lost — just waiting for you to come home.

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