I hope I am not too late to contribute - there was another post - from Adrian - but I cannot find it

 

I have been told that she might have it by her with flint etc - to kindle a fire - known as "Need-Fire"    to your present day witch - or Seiðwoman - but in those days the spelling was probably Neið

The essential think was to kindle the fire afresh - grabbing a piece of already burning wood from the hearth would not have served the purpose.

 

In Ancient times it would have served a purpose of commuication with Spirit Helpers etc

So I have been advised - I have of course been picking the brains of a Friend - A Witch. 

 

From Wiki=pedia

Need-fire, or Wild-fire (Ger. Notfeuer, O. Ger. nodfyr), a term used in folklore to denote a curious superstition which survived in the Scottish Highlands until a recent date.

Like the fire-churning still customary in India for kindling the sacrificial fire, the need- or wild-fire is made by the friction of one piece of wood on another, or of a rope upon a stake. Need-fire is a practice of shepherd peoples to ward off disease from their herds and flocks. It is kindled on occasions of special distress, particularly at the outbreak of a murrain, and the cattle are driven through it. Its efficacy is believed to depend on all other fires being extinguished.

I will answer no questions on the subject - I do not teach now

Kveðja

Patricia