 Fire Circle Guidelines
These are intended to be general dos and don'ts - if you want to learn
more about the philosophical, magickal, mythopoetic aspects of fire
circle, please check out the fire alchemy
resources for our interpretations of this quicksilvery concept.
Magickal Fire Circles
Fire, Drumming and Dancing are older than written
history, older even than human beings. Putting them together is probably
one of the oldest magickal acts of which we know. Many of us have experienced
the magick and community created when using fire in personal, coven and
group workings. The community fire circle of an event like HTS brings
together dozens of people from many different paths and traditions. Because
of the potential mix and differences between how different people respect
and use fire, some extra thought and consideration are appropriate
to help things run smoothly. We ask every one to follow the guidelines
below when participating in our community fire circle.
The Rule of Threes
Physically, fire requires a triangle of elements in
order to burn – oxygen,
fuel and energy. Magikally, fire circles also rely on three elements – fire
tenders, drummers and dancers.
 Fire Tenders – start the fire, keep
it burning and work to keep every one safe. You will often see them moving
through the circle with wood or tools to tend the fire. Give these folks
right of way, love and any support you are able. Without them, the fire
circle would be cold and dark.
Drummers – (this includes everyone
who makes a joyful noise at the fire) create the sounds and rhythms that
touch our hearts and move our feet. Make sure these folks can see and
feel the fire for inspiration. Give them the space and support they need
to work their magick. Without them, the circle is silent.
Dancers – transmute
the energy of the fire and drumming into motions that move our spirit.
Give them the space they need to dance safely, avoid crowding them close
to the fire and allow them a clear path around the fire at all times.
Give them space and support. Without them, the circle is still.
Fire and
Flesh Don’t Mix. Though fire jumping is an old Pagan tradition,
our fire is not sized or designed for this activity. Resist this urge.
Keep a safe distance around the fire at all times. Your spirit/astral
self can dance in the fire all night, but keep your flesh safe and out
of it.
Respect the Space and those People Sharing it with you. The sacred
fire is not a trash heap. Please put any trash in appropriate containers
at the fire circle. Ritual offerings such as prayers written on paper,
herbs, etc are generally ok. Check with the fire tenders before putting
any offering into the fire.
Put trash in trash cans or carry it out of
the fire circle. We hope this is common sense, but we need to state it
just to make sure. If you carry stuff down to the fire, carry it back
with you to your cabin, or put it into a trash can. Event staff thanks
you, your fellow Pagans thank you, and Mother Earth thanks you.
Fire
Spinners
 Each year new folks join us as the community comes together at
the magickal fire. Your staff and hosts being fire worshipers themselves,
Healing-the-Spirit is likely to attract its fair share of fire spinners/dancers.
These folks use fire as part of their celebration of the community fire.
Usually, they are happy to share their knowledge and experience with
others, but there are some guidelines that need to be followed to keep
everyone safe.
Fire spinners/dancers must check in with the fire tenders and let them
know when and where they plan to spin/dance.
Fire spinners/dancers are
asked to light their equipment from the torches around the fire circle
or from lighters. If you want to draw fire from the community fire, talk
to the fire tenders and get their permission first.
Fire spinners/dancers
are asked to have their own safety equipment and spotters.
Everyone: For
safety reasons, fire spinners/dancers are focused on the fire they are
handling while dancing. Avoid distracting them or entering their field
of movement, as they may not be able to see you until it is it to late
to avoid colliding with you. If you are interested in learning about
what they are doing, keep a safe distance as they spin and approach them
only after their tools are extinguished.
Healing Blessings.
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