Fire Circle Etiquette

The Fire Circle is open to everyone attending the festival. The fire circle is sacred space and must be treated in that manner. When attending a working fire circle, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the safety and comfort of all those attending we ask that you take into consideration the following rules of ettiquette.

The Fire

If you would like to help with the building or tending of the nightly bonfire, please find one of the fire tenders in charge and tell them you would like to help. Working a fire can be strenuous and possibly dangerous. When volunteering, please take this into consideration.

Things to consider if you are tending the fire

DON'T START THE FIRE ON YOUR OWN

Use the buddy system for everyone's safety. If you arrive at the circle and the fire has not been lit, please find someone in charge of the fire circle to find out when it starts.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

Wear something to cover yourself in a material that won't catch fire very easily. Avoid wearing flowing skirts and pants.

WOODPILE AREA

Help to keep the woodpile area free of people and obstructions.

ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION WHEN WORKING THE FIRE

It can be a very enjoyable experience. No one wants to get hurt. If you don't feel the need to tend the fire but would like to help, there are plenty of other things that can be done. We will need people to help with water and food at the fire circle. Please feel free to ask about this as well. There will be water jugs available for passing around to the dancers and drummers. This is a great way to lend your energy to the community.

FIRE HAZARDS

For the safety of all attendants, the following is recommended:

• DO NOT TOSS ANYTHING INTO THE FIRE

• If you see burning ash fragments land on the ground, please extinguish them before someone steps on them with bare feet.

• If you see burning fragments land in someone's hair, please put them out.

• If you notice a rock, cigarette butt, bottle cap, or other hazardous item lying on the ground, please pick it up and properly dispose of it.

• If you have spare time in the evening before the bonfire gets started, it's nice to walk around and check the dance area for hazardous small objects, and to help fill up water jugs.

Drumming

Drummers of all skill levels are welcome to participate. If you are a beginner please

be mindful not to disrupt the other drummers.

PLEASE DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF THE DRUMMERS

The drummers need the heat to keep themselves and their drums warm. They also use the fire as an energy source. To stand directly in front of them is to cut them from their source.

PLEASE RESPECT THE DRUMMERS' SEATING AREA

You are welcome to join the drummers and sit with them, dance with them, or even behind them, but the area where they will be set up is their space. Please show them the respect they deserve for providing the circle with their talent and energy.

DO NOT STAND AROUND THE FIRE

The fire circle is for dancing, energy work and fun. This area is not for holding conversations. There may be dancers that will be in a deep trance. They may not be aware of you, which could lead to a dangerous situation. NEVER disturb a drummer or dancer who is in a trance state. If you identify someone who is about to trance-dance into the bonfire, you can interpose yourself between that person and the fire and gradually "herd" the person away from the danger without invading their space or knocking them out of trance.

Other Considerations

DO NOT SMOKE WITHIN THE SACRED SPACE

If you want to smoke, please do so only in the designated smoking area by the dining hall.

PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CHILDREN

Little ones are more then welcome to join in the festivities, but we ask that you take full responsibility for the well being of all children in your care. It's for their own safety.

How To Help Yourself Make The Most Of The Fire Circle

There will be food and water made available every night of the fire. Be sure to eat some food, and drink lots of water. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages will dehydrate you. If you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed, sit down, rest and drink some water. If you feel the need to ground and center, please do so. Please use good judgment. Items to bring to the fire circle include blankets & coats (both to sit on, and to keep you warm when you are not dancing), a flashlight to assist you in finding the way back to your cabin or tent, and extra food and water jugs if you have them. If you see what seems to you to be careless or unsafe fire play, please do not hesitate to bring it to the attention of festival staff/security.

Remember, the Fire Circle is a place of magic, emotion, and unity. It is a sacred space created by and for the community. It is intended for the free expression of dance, music and magic in all its myriad forms. Respect it and it will respect you.