Every year since 2002, a group of quiet but helpful burners known as the Temple Guardians have watched over the Burning Man Temple at night helping to ground the space and assist others in need.
As the structure of the Temple has become more elaborate through the years, it has become necessary to form a team for protection against the occasional adventurous types on the playa who find it irresistible to climb up its façade, break off big chunks as souvenirs, or sometimes highly intoxicated individuals who enjoy disturbing the peace and solace for which the Temple has become known.
As a Temple Guardian, you volunteer for one or more three-hour shifts. The shifts run overnight from 6pm until 6am, Monday through early Sunday morning. During your shift, your job is to hang back, help ground the Temple space, protect the Temple structure, and provide assistance to participants in need.
We use a “small pushes from great distances” approach to help keep the Temple a serene space. We are not rule-makers, and we are not enforcers. Rather, we wait in the wings and watch — acting skillfully on behalf of the Temple and its visitors.
Our group is about 150 people total, and we often create some playa collectibles like the bandanna that we produce collaboratively every year. But even more valuable than any physical item is the time you will spend at the Temple.