WCSHome   Register   Schedule   News   Camping/Facilities   What to Bring   Workshops   Directions   Merchants   Local Accommodations   Info/Policies   Volunteer   Food  Contact Nightly Bonfire Drumming and Dancing  Wednesday Night: Open Drumming/Dancing Fire Thursday Night: Open Drumming/Dancing Fire Friday Night: After Concert Main Drumming/Dancing Fire with Saturday:    On Saturday Night starting at about 9:00 Jeff Mcbride, Abbi Spinner Mcbride, Michael Wall and others will facilitate an exciting Alchemical Fire Circle (see below). Sacred Fire Circle Magic:   The Alchemy of Music, Spirit, Magic & Art      The Alchemical Fire Circle is a magical invitation to drummers, chanters, dancers, music-makers, poets, ritualists, mask-makers, visual artists and dream-weavers to delve into a remarkable evening-to-dawn journey of creativity, collaboration and communion with each other, nature, and all that is holy in life.      We converge around the sacred fire with the intent to manifest our prayers and dreams through artful play. Our fire circle is a unique world, free from distraction and intoxicants, within which we engage each other in the myriad passionate ways that humans express life. We share in song and chant, trance and ecstatic dance, drumming and sacred sounds, adorning our bodies and creating community artwork. Your individual and group offerings of prayer, song, poetry and ritual theatre are eagerly awaited by all!      Many cultures have healing practices or rites of passage organized around ordeals. Whether they involve pain, non-stop dancing, sensory deprivation or other mechanisms, all ordeals share a common thread of challenging the celebrants to stay present, maintain focus and participate fully for the purpose of personal and community transformation. You deserve an ordeal because that's what it takes to transform death into life, confusion into choice, and old patterns into new possibilities. To grow and transform, to really feel life pulsing with the passion of waves upon the shore and the infinite depth of a starry night, we must choose to do something differently.      We often use the expression Bring It On! as an enthusiastic invitation for people to look within themselves to find an expressive gift that they could offer to the group. Examples might include a song, a memorized poem, an exquisite costume or mask evoking a particular archetype, a prayer, or an especially delicious food offering. We all have a wide variety of skills and creative expressions. When we Bring It On! we draw from these for the delight, education and inspiration of the fellowship.      Consider the portals of Music, Voice, Movement and Service, and how each of these are channels for Bringing It On! We invite you to create offerings which other people can participate in rather than just witness. For example, a call-and-response spoken word piece . . .  or a new chant we can all learn together  in the flow of the moment. We remind you that "brevity is an art and the soul of wit."   All in the circle enter with the intent to engage with and breath life into each offering. Sing Loud! Play Strong! Dance Free!  It's not performance; it's a form of deep group improvisation as themes emerge and inspire further wonders!      There are several things you can begin doing to "prepare" your offering. Now is the time to begin memorizing that poem you love. Tomorrow morning is the time to practice singing in the shower or to begin thinking about exotic adornment, props or special gifts you could offer. Let your unfettered imagination be your guide . . .      If you'd like a little aid in envisioning the possibilities, come and witness a Circle via video.      The unique Alchemical focus of this Circle means you will want to attend the orientation session Saturday afternoon (check Schedule for times) in order to gain an understanding of the collective intentions and workings planned for the long night. The Orientation is fun, energetic and interactive; come prepared to have a great time, meet new and interesting people and discover many ways to access the possibilities our Circle offers you . . . and if you know in advance that you won't be able to attend, then you will be well served by reading The Ceremonial Orientation (below) Together, we will work the balance of chaos and cosmos, freedom and form, in a potent magical brew. For example, drummers or percussionists who wish to participate in the Musical Magic of our journey will learn about Alchemical Rhythmatism: a powerful collaborative method designed to guide individual music makers of all skill levels towards deep connection with each other, service to the circle as a whole, the incredible possibilities of "The One Groove,” and conscious identification with the alchemical implications of their own artistic process. The method is designed to be self-facilitating within the cyclic nature of the Circle, which requires a delicate balance between meticulously structured music making and totally open free form jamming.  In celebration of the precious spice of our diversity, we want to make a special point of encouraging everyone to bring the full range of their sonic delights: singing bowls, didgeridoos (oohh yes, please bring the didgeridoos), gongs, bells, chimes, claves, shakers, frame drums, doumbeks, talking drums, congas, jaw harps, bird whistles, dancing crickets, fairy dust, moon beams, and conch shells brimming over with ocean waves. Bring your poems, your ritual theatre, your chants, and your ears and eyes to find the perfect place for each in the natural flow of the night. May each of these offerings emerge fluidly as a breeze from the woods, swirling around the circle, uniting players, dancers, and witnesses, and then dissolving away like stars at dawn. Even silence, that most precious gem in life's golden chain, will find its sacred place among us. Who we are is, in part, what we sound like when we are together. Let us bask in the full reflection of our diverse mysteries.  As is true with many forms of sacred practice, there are boundaries and guidelines that all celebrants are expected to respect within the architecture of the Alchemical Fire Circle.  These include: ·        taking casual conversations outside and away from the Circle,  ·        smudging one another or ourselves with sage or incense smoke upon entry as a purification and intention focusing rite ·        keeping the dance orbits in motion and pausing only near the outer edge of the Circle ·        playing musical instruments only in the seating provided ·        rotating out regularly so others can play, transitioning into, and then fully embracing total silence as an invitation to unaccompanied chants or spoken word offerings ·        honoring the complete range of musical expression and diverse instrumentation ·        playing together in a single shared rhythm through the magic of "Match Me"  ·        keeping personal belongings including instruments we are not currently playing outside the prayer flags ·        remembering that the Fire is Sacred and receives no trash, and all intoxicants or sacraments, smokeable or drinkable, stay outside the Sacred Circle, along with flashing lights and audio or visual recording devices.  As we remain devoted to our mediation/play/work together, we generate personal and collective energy that is channeled towards increased presence with the rhythms, feelings, and motions of life.  At the fire, the dance of the heavens above is re-created as we flow around the Circle heart-fully, mind-fully attending to each moment. Our practice is to fully engage with each other as a way to discover more about ourselves, our relationships, and our own highest vision. Our intention is to celebrate and inspire each other. We look for ways to contribute our energies, our innate gifts and practiced talents. Our aspiration is to encourage each other to stretch and let go into our spontaneity and inventiveness. Together we travel into uncharted territory, where mundane life can be understood from fresh perspectives.  ... and over the course of the evening, when our minds begin to drift and the brilliance begins to fade, a deep work begins. In order to stay present and engaged, it is helpful to remember that we are each other's inspiration. To find and renew this inspiration we need only to discover and rediscover the mysteries within our relationships. We create and explore relationship through our artful interactions in the circle.  If you are someone interested in more in-depth exploration of the mythology, philosophical foundations, and practices of the Alchemical Fire Circle, you are encouraged to visit these libraries of lore&ldots;  The Re-Sourcery  The Vegas Vortex  Fire Tribe Hawaii    The Ceremonial Orientation Alchemical Fire Circle Orientation A Hermetic Alignment Finding Our Way 'Round the Fire "The Tao that is written is not the Tao"  This familiar quote reminds us that words can only reflect the actuality of the Fire Circle. We hope you will do your best to read this Orientation "between the lines" and meditate on the possibilities implied within.  The Fire Circle can be thought of as a microcosm of the daily world we live in. We define our Circle as a unique expression of that reality by ringing the outer perimeter with prayer flags, to remind us that the space within is Sacred, and co-created by all of our intentions. Please enter through the Smudge Gate, a place to be cleansed and purified. Breathe, center, and be aware that you are entering an extraordinary realm each time you step through. Linger a moment and prepare yourself to engage artfully with others, evoke healing energy, pray, do personal magic, or simply celebrate the multitude of blessings in life.  There are four portals commonly recognized by those familiar with our sacred fires: Voice, Music, Movement and Service. Each is a doorway through which we can access the deep magical potential of the Circle. This document hints at ways to open these portals for your own fulfillment! Bring a willingness to risk and become SOURCE for these creative modalities. You will soon depart the domain of spectator, animated by the synergistic potency of contributing your inventive essence to the organically unfolding rite.   PORTAL OF THE VOICE – East / Air "Find where your breath begins. Sing from there." One easy way to energize the Circle is by singing. Simple chants will emerge throughout the night, thematically aligned with the current stage of the alchemical working - please join in! Part of our adventure is devoting the attention needed to learn the words "on the fly". If it takes a while to pick up all the lyrics, so be it - we have ALL NIGHT! We generally chant in English, allowing us to connect emotionally with the meaning of the songs. It is understood that anyone can start a chant, and that we'll all dive in and make it soar! You might cluster up with a couple of friends, making it easy for them to learn the song, and then bring it out together to share with the group. Some of us were conditioned to think that our singing voices aren't "good enough." Release that limiting belief! Sing with gusto, and without fear. Spiritedness is more important than perfect pitch. Our hearts and voices bring energy that empowers everyone in the Circle. Some of our chants have multiple parts. If a second song layer begins, new people are encouraged to continue on the original chant line, riding the magical wave as the two melodies interweave. New chants are often invented around the Fire. Feel free to contribute to the lyrics as ideas and themes blossom from the group mind. Our Circle also features periods where there will be acapella chanting. During these periods, drummers are, and will be asked to refrain from adding rhythmic accompaniment and encouraged join with the group in song. The Portal of the Voice has many other expressions: humming, howling, whistling, moaning or laughing with delight! You are invited to share a poem, recite a quote, invoke spirit or ancestors, or spontaneously speak from your heart. Ritual theatre celebrating deities, seasonal cycles or sacred days, transition rites and more are all welcome. Spoken word segments tend to be brief, allowing us to return to shared group expressions such as chanting, music making or movement. Further meditations on Vocal Magic are available in the article Songs In The Fire Circle.   PORTAL OF MUSIC South / Fire "Add your Fire to the Prime Rhythm. Play from there." Our Circle is not a "drum circle." It's a time and place of personal discovery through artistic interaction and self-expression. The musician's role is to be in balanced, harmonious relationship with all who are accessing the four Portals of Music, Movement, Voice and Service. Sound is the one pervasive element throughout the night that directly affects everyone. Our instrumental music is predominantly percussion based. Within this domain, we embrace and integrate a diverse range of expressions: fast and slow, soft and loud, different "feels" or styles, and the DEEP STEADY GROOVE that is foundational to trance. The approach to Music Making in the Alchemical Fire Circle is unique in that the drummers utilize a method designed specifically to magnify the group alchemical process. The essential new element is that there will be structured periods when drummers will take turns creating and guiding a mono-rhythm that all other players will nurture into a unique, soul swirling, hip turning, One Groove. While sustaining the core rhythm, a dialogue or conversation of embellishment emerges as the drummers weave their individual variations. The idea is that in addition to periods of freeform, multi-layered exploration, the magic of The One Groove is invoked by anyone who calls "Match Me". This is a request that all the other drummers join in on the rhythm the caller is holding.  From there a number of simple verbal cues allow anyone - including people making music, dancing or singing - to shape the composition, and its interaction with the other elements in the Circle "on the fly".  These simple cues are: "hep" - listen up, something is about to happen "match me" - copy the rhythm being offered to the best of your ability "level up" or "level down"- bring the volume up or down "sup" or "slow it"- speed up or slow down "steady"- keep the volume or the tempo at its current level "tighten up"- simplify and reconnect with the core groove "sail in" or "sail out"- slowly fade in or out "show me One"- show me the beginning of the rhythm pattern  In general terms, it is helpful to remember that as a musician you are in Service to the entire Circle. You will note that the seats are set in an arc to allow all players to easily see and hear each other. Drummers are expected to keep their eyes open, heads up, and be fully present and engaged. Rather than trancing-out, in the Alchemical Fire Circle, drummers strive to trance-in to deep relationship, pin-point focus, and clear open awareness.  Please allow everyone (including yourself) ample time to learn the chants before adding rhythmic accompaniment. When you start to play, enter quietly, carefully accompanying the singers. We avoid abrupt starts and stops in order to nurture trance, allowing the music to gently fade away into silence. Let complete stillness hold us for a while in rich anticipation of the next offering to emerge (Silence is fertile soil from which new chant seeds sprout!). One drum played thoughtlessly can short-circuit the birth of a delicate new song.  In terms of etiquette, please ask before using anyone else's instruments. There are shakers you are welcome to play on the Rattle Altar. Be sure to remove rings or bracelets before drumming to prevent blistered hands or damage to the drum-head. Remember to return any instrument you use. To help avoid clutter in the musician's area, please leave your gear bag at your nest  In addition to djembes and dununs, we also value frame drums, doumbeks, congas and other Sacred Sounds! We cherish immersion in the softer musical magic of didgeridoos, crystal singing bowls, gongs and chimes, temple bells, berimbau, mouth harps, conch shells, shruti boxes and rainsticks. Occasionally a melodic instrument may contribute spice to the sonic swirl, accenting a chant, or offering a brief interlude before the return of chanting or dancing.  Finally, remember that music making is just one of many magical portals in our spontaneous ceremony. Be sure to also go chant, move, and be in service to others in the Circle.   PORTAL OF MOVEMENT West / Water "Find where your water flows. Dance from there."  Feel free to express yourself through dance, moving around the fire as you relax into trance. You don't have to be a professional dancer to move your body in the circle. Listen for the flow within, and follow where it leads. Your dance might be a simple, steady walk, or become animal-like, or the movements of a god or goddess. You may feel the rhythm moving through you, with your various body parts expressing different parts of the rhythm. Improvise partner or group choreography, add symbolic movements to more fully express the words of a song. Mirror the steps or gestures of others dancing, or simply walk around the Circle. As our dear circle sister Katlyn Breene wrote: Dance each step with only now with the spirits of place with divine intent with a prayer of perfect presence Dance where the roots of ancient trees meet underground like the hands of the ancestors speaking in signs Each movement filled with grace, not of form but of surrender... Dance your prayer into the present. Spiraling between heaven and earth Dance for those who have no bodies Not too fast, not too slow Be their heartbeat, Then bid them on their way with a breath and prayer, In Peace. Dance for the Gods Every cell a shrine for the divine Be a vessel overflowing with the water of life Let each movement be born in a place of prayer. Let each gesture be filled with thanksgiving. Let each step come from that place Where you and spirit become one, Where You are One, With every One.   PORTAL OF SERVICE North / Earth "Find the center of gratitude within. Serve from there."  Service is the easiest portal for everyone to access. During our journey, there are many opportunities to tend to each other's needs! Make a new friend, or deepen an existing connection by nurturing someone deep in the night.  Deliver food or water from the Food Altar to someone making music or dancing (be sure to make eye contact first and check that the time is right!). Take care to move in the same direction as those circling, and to keep water off drum skins. Devote a few moments to go and restock the food altar, light candles which have blown out, or re-chalk the Earth track. Check in with the Fire Tender and help feed the flames of our sacred Fire. Settle in for a turn at the Smudge Gate, purifying people with sage smoke and your blessing as they enter the Circle.  You might give a foot massage to a dancer, or a hand or shoulder rub to a drummer. Help care for the entire crucible by picking up litter, sticks or stones underfoot, or return unattended instruments left in the musician's arc to the covered area nearby. When you seek ways to serve others, remarkable opportunities will arise!   The Fire Circle Many people understand the architecture of our Fire Circle through the metaphor of the planets and their orbits. The Fire in the center represents the Sun, source of energy, heat, light, and transformation.    The inner orbit around the Fire is the Mercury track, a fleet-footed ring of motion for active, energized dancers. Moving outward from the center is the "medium speed" path of Venus, an orbit attuned to the sensuality of movement and song, rhythm in motion. Next is the Earth track, often marked by cornmeal or flour, a slow moving orbit for those in deep trance, doing rattle work, or personal grounding.  The Mars track is a standing place for witnessing, sonic guardianship or energetic support amidst the inner ring of torches. The flow of people and energy moves continuously around the Fire. If you wish to be still, pausing to chant or play a rattle here helps to physically define the container, and contributes much to the safety and intensity of the vortex we create together.  The Jupiter track between the inner and outer torch rings is an zone for interactions that would be distracting within the ever-moving orbits of the trance circle. Here people feed each other, share water, breathe together, hug or rub shoulders. This is a place for conscious encounters of a stationary nature.  The Ring of Saturn is the outer perimeter of the Circle, including the prayer flags, torches, wood pile, and altars or shrines. The Comet track is an outer pathway for walking meditation, magical exchanges, and container work.  The Gratitude Zone is a heart shaped area directly in front of the musicians for those who wish to interact directly with the drummers. Visit occasionally, and then move onwards to create space for the next dancer.   A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS Be sure to take care of yourself. The most common reason people unexpectedly leave the Circle is dehydration! Drink plenty of water, be sure to eat occasionally, and plan useful times for sleeping! Your alarm clock, or a friend, can ensure that you awaken at the time you desire. No one is required to stay awake all night, although we do encourage you to be a part of our dedicated dance to dawn! Some people join us until 3 or 4 am and then sleep; others sleep first and then join the Circle in the pre-sunrise hours. Your Nest is a comfortable space you might prepare outside the Fire Circle, ideally with a good view of the Fire. Most nests include a low beach chair and a blanket, as well as personal items like a journal, oils and incense, divination tools, etc. Your nest is a nurturing place to go and relax, reflect, stretch muscles or visit quietly with a friend. Real magic is no accident. Attending the Orientation will serve to deepen your understanding of our intentions and central concepts. You will be fully empowered to become a co-creator of our collective magic. We hope to see you there, and look forward to making magic with you 'round the Fire!