This blog post marks the 30th anniversary of the suspended steps of the Sunbow 5 Walk for the Earth (aka Odyssey of the 8th Fire). Those historic steps were pressed into shifting beach sands on February 2, 1996, several miles downcoast of North America’s anciently honored Western Gate on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.
For reasons related to our current moments in time, that long-ago multicultural, multifaith sunbow odyssey remains relevant, resonant, and incomplete.
The sunbow pilgrimage followed the path of the Sun from east to west—in ways similar to the celebrated Walk for Peace now underway from west to east. It serves as metaphor and example for all of us right now as we swiftly progress through turbulence into a new time. Choose it or not, we’re all on personal and collective pathways of change. We’ve been cast onto an uncertain cultural, economic, governmental, environmental, and spiritual journey – an odyssey of our individual and collective souls.
Where are we going? Visions will lead the way, as ever. With dry, unfeeling, billionaire techno-bully visions now predominating—and hope declining grievously among younger people—we need healthy visions. The true North American story of the 8th Fire represents one such vision: a vision arising from the deepest roots of our land, a vision that embraces and honors all the healthy possibilities inherent in the different colors and faiths of people who have come to inhabit Turtle Island (America). There are miles to go for all, and many more sparks to be struck.
To mark this 30th anniversary of our long walk, I’ve added singing and orchestration to the Invocation for Odyssey of the 8th Fire. With respect, I invite you to check out my venerable (2007) story-telling web site, and to listen. Epilogue coming later this year. < 8thFire.net >
Nota Bene: The heroic journey-odyssey theme is very much front and center culturally. Check out the trailer for Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, set for release as a would-be summer blockbuster, July, 2026.
