Circle Fire Dance

by Unknown

Spirits of fire come to us;
We will kindle (the) fire.
Spirits of fire come to us;
We will kindle (the) fire.

We will kindle the fire,
Dance the magic (sacred) circle round.
We will kindle the fire,
We will kindle the fire.

(descant)

Fire Fire Fire
Kindle our spirits higher
In thy flame naught remains
But Fire Fire Fire

Album Cover

 

Monthly KindlingFires

Winter Alchemical/Sacred Arts Rituals in Aspen Hill, MD

Below is our 2009-2010 Winter KindlingFire Season. These are rain or shine - if weather is agreeable we'll have a fire and torches set up to do ritual outside. If it's too cold or there's too much prcipitation, then we will go indoors and work on a sacred art project together when not drumming, chanting, trancing in...

  • Alchemical Fire Ritual Circle or 'Container'Saturday, November 28th 4:00-11:00pm
  • Saturday, December 12th 4:00-11:00pm
  • Saturday, January 16th 4:00-11:00pm
  • Saturday, February 20th 4:30-11:00pm
  • Saturday, March 27th 6:00-11:00pm
  • Saturday, April 17th 6:30-11:00pm

Map and directions: Unless noted otherwise, our KindlingFires are right in our back yard in the Silver Spring/Aspen Hill area of MD, just a couple of miles North of the DC Beltway/495.

Photos from Recent KindlingFires

For more information, or to RSVP please contact us or keep reading...

What is a KindlingFire?

A Kindling Fire is singing, dancing, drumming, moving meditation of the present moment. At our fire we practice the art of Alchemy - the art of transformation. As the ancients discovered that we know so well now, the most profound transformation is that of human consciousness. A Kindling Fire is a laboratory for experimenting with the art of conscious transformation. As we share music, stories, dances and ourselves through the flow of the ritual, we have the opportunity to be keenly present in the moment and discover hidden parts of ourself that may rarely be seen. All of this discovery happening in a safe, welcoming and loving space. What makes this type of magik work is full participation, as much as each person is able, by every one present. The real magik we create together is being present in the moment with each other so that we can perceive the wonder and bliss around us.

No Bystanders

This ritual works through participation. Drummers and musicians make music for everyone to dance and sing to as they help others learn to share their rhythms. Singers share chants and help others to raise their voice. Dancers share movement and help others learn to move. Bards share stories, poems, news and help others to connect to their own story. We each share what we are good at. And we all share in the adventure of trying out new ways of expressing ourselves in sacred space. The act of challenging yourself to test what you believe to be a limit is a powerful magik. When you can challenge yourself while surrounded by loving supportive witnesses the magik deepens and has the opportunity to become "real".

There is no script to this. There are no doctrinal rights or wrongs. We are free to create with each other in the moment. And all are encouraged to share as they are moved to do so.

Agreements

In order to help keep us all safe in the ritual, we do ask everyone to keep in mind a simple set of ritual agreements.

  1. As we play in Sacred Space we agree to be fully present and plugged into the grove that is happening.
  2. We help each other stay focused by acting on inspirations and creating opportunities to engage with each other, self and spirit.
  3. Encourage each other to share the magik we bring.
  4. Keep casual conversation outside the ritual space.
  5. Be sober and response-able within the ritual space.
  6. Share what you are good at with the circle, try what weakest at within the circle.
  7. Allow silence when it happens.

This last agreement may need some explanation. A tool we use in Alchemical Arts Circles is control. In particular, self control. One of the ways we focus and deepen the energy we create through all our activity is to allow silence from time to time. i.e.: at the end of a really good drum set or a moving story. Rather than applauding, cheering or condolences, we ask folks to let silence happen. Give yourself time to really feel what you hear/see/feel. The amazing thing is that from the silence, a voice always begins or a rhythm stars up. Give it a try and see how it feels.

drum altarWhat to Bring:

  • Your self
  • Your sense of play
  • Your musical instruments and extras to share if you can
  • Your favorite stories, poems, chants, etc. to share with everyone.
  • Your willingness to connect and grow
  • A dish to share if you are inspired to.

Donations to help support the cost of the event are greatly appreciated, but not required.

When to Gather?

Folks are invited and welcome to join us any time between 6pm and 11pm for the ritual. The afternoon will begin with a discussion about the elements of the evening's ritual from 6pm till 7:30pm. We'll take a short break and then light the fire about 8pm. We encourage everyone who wants to take part to be present by 8pm. The ritual will flow and grow till about 10:30pm and by 11pm we will be bringing things to a close.

How to join or find out more about us

We invite others in the DC metro area interested in our path to join us and find out if this is a direction for you to explore. If you are interested in learning more about us or have questions about the ideas we are exploring, please contact us.

All genuine seekers are welcome. If this is not what you are seeking, then please seek elsewhere and blessings be with you.

Namaste.