A celebration honoring the Roman goddess Vesta was held between June 7 and June 15. The festival was known as Vestalia. During the week, the temple to Vesta was opened. Offerings were made to her, and the temple was cleaned and purified. Vesta is the goddess of hearth and home and is associated with the sacred flame that warmed homes, gave light, and cooked food.

Where is the sacred flame in your home? It could be an actual fireplace or a potbelly stove. Perhaps you associate your oven or stovetop with the sacred flame. Once you identify the place, mimic the rite of Vestalia. Open the door to the oven (while not in use) and clean it out and wipe it down. Take time to do this mindfully, remembering that this is the place where the food is cooked that nourishes you and your household. If you are working with a fireplace, do the same thing. Clean out any old ashes, redecorate the mantelpiece, and put fresh logs on the grate.