The transformation by fire I wrote about yesterday always arrives uninvited. Accompanied by white faced shock and a wailing grief that seems to snuff the flames right out. We are left with ashes, shards of memory and regret, a profound sense of loss.

I woke this morning to the sacred heart of Paris burning as 850 years of history and revolution, resilience and endurance was claimed by the fire that is mercilessly transforming our world.

In just about every culture and tradition humankind has crafted, fire is a powerful transformer. Beyond an elemental requirement for life, fire is a cornerstone of ritual and rebirth. Fire creates and destroys, cleanses and purifies, balances and reclaims us as sacred. Smoke from flames carries our sacrifices and desires to the gods themselves. Fire is mesmerising and consuming, demanding our attention and respect.