Frequently Asked Questions

What are we trying to achieve at SpiritFire?

SpiritFire Festival is based on the all-night fire circle that runs from late in the night until dawn. The fire circle rituals are designed to create a transformational experience welcoming to all artistic and spiritual traditions. A place where creating spontaneous music, motion, vocal offerings, and Seva together under the stars is used to celebrate and commune with each other, nature, spirit - whatever is sacred to you in your life.

We strive to co-create a gathering with workshops, rituals/jams, and artistic community projects in which we deepen our experience with each other during the day and at the fire - but we also gain insights and tools that, after returning home from SpiritFire, inspire each of us to interact with our environment, local communities, and personal relationships with more awareness, integrity and strength.

You can explore more about the specifics of this ritual tradition at the interactive mandala, via the media page of this website.

So what kind of festival is SpiritFire? Is this a pagan festival?

SpiritFire is a retreat gathering, as opposed to a public or open-ended festival. We are non-denominational festival based upon music, dance, voice, art, and the many pathways that connect to them. We honor and welcome all paths, and recognize that in the circle, we are unified through our song and our joy. So the answer is, no, it's not a Pagan festival at all - but you'll find Pagans present, as well as Sufis, Buddhists, Hinduists, Yogis, Christians, Atheists, African traditionalists, and everything in between. You'll also find people who aren't following any particular path at all, and just enjoy the groove and friendly community of SpiritFire. So whatever your belief system, as long as you enjoy sharing sacred space with others around a fire with respect and an open mind, you are welcome!

Are SpiritFire circles "staged" performances, or can I drum and dance as I feel called?

Parts of the night-time rituals are pre-organized, such as the fire lighting each night. But the general course of the evening is meant to be a container in which you are encouraged to sing, recite poetry, dance and drum as your spirit calls. Every gathering has it's unique set of aesthetic and artisic agreements, and we try to make those things as explicit as possible via this FAQ and at the opening circle, or at meetings for drummers, etc. during the event. Both experienced and newer participants will all benefit by taking time during the night to breathe, view what is going on, and get a feel for how everyone is interacting with each other. You are welcome here, and we encourage you to ask questions of any of the staff or teachers. We only ask of each other that voices be honored and heard as each of us would want from our community, in a respectful and conscious way.

How is a SpiritFire fire circle different than the average drum circle?

A drum circle is a wonderful opportunity to gather with others to spontaneously create music using drums and percussion, often based on West African traditions. The idea of improvisational performance and creativity is definitely part of the fire circle, and beyond this, the fire circle includes many additional elements.

• First, the fire circle is an intentional ritual shared by a community, rather than an explicitly musical jam. It includes aspects of many different artistic traditions from all over the world, and spontaneous creations of poetry, song, or other ritual elements, as participants see fit to contribute throughout the night. But it is not a single religious organism, and the influences/inspirations change from fire to fire. It depends on who attends, and who feels drawn to offer their gifts in each moment! Each fire circle evening has a specific focus or intention, which you can read about as they are added to the Special Events page, but within that each person is free to contribute as they will.
• Second, the fire circle goes for a much longer period of time than drum circles usually do. We begin our ritual somewhere between 11pm and midnight, not ending until after the sun has come up. (Wow... does this mean I have to stay up all night??) - Not at all. Many do view the all night fire as a type of ritual process, but many sleep for part of the night, often rejoining the circle just before dawn. Do what works for you!
• Third, there is room for many other voices to operate than just drums and percussion. Chanting, dancing, and other wonderful creative forms are encouraged at the fire and with the drumming create deep, sacred, spontaneous rhythm community and ritual.
• Fourth, where a drum circle is usually a non or loosely-facilitated instance of spontaneous rhythm, the fire circle has a set physical layout, and from time to time different individuals (maybe you!) may step forward to present offerings of chant, poetry, or speak their Truth with the circle participating and supporting them.
  
• Finally, the rhythms played at a fire circle can go for a long time! Drumming in support of deep sacred play, trance dance, and other ritual acts requires a consciousness of the musicians outside of themselves. As the dancers are fed by the drummers, the reverse is true - so while playing what is in your heart and spirit, it is good to maintain a connection to what is going on in the circle around you.

If I come by myself, will I have a good time?

YES! Each year, SpiritFire welcomes many new attendees, many of them attending alone. One of our main goals is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, and can step through a diverse range of open doorways via workshops, jams, rituals, community building shifts, and affinity groups. For those attending for the first time, we offer and recommend a special "Homecomers" affinity group, which has been quite popular. There you can ask questions, offer up a bit of who you are, and meet new friends. We also recognize that many first time attendees bring with them amazing expertise and experience in their own fields, and we welcome you to share yours. All of the presenters here are amazingly approachable, too - don't hesitate to step right in and introduce yourself! You'll be in the flow before you know it.

Is it appropriate to find a good spot near the fire and hang out there and dance?

The fire and surrounding area is laid out very consciously for people to work and flow together. Dancers continue moving around the fire, with the chanters, drummers and rattlers surrounding them as witnesses and participants. If you wish to hang out, take a rest, or dance in place by yourself, there will be special areas to do so, and to lay down your ‘nest’ (water, blanket, other things to be comfortable throughout the evening).

What happens if I stop to dance in front of the drummers?

You'll get a great dose of direct energy from the drummers! But if you stay too long, they will probably ask you to move. The drummers desire to connect with all the dancers and the fire, and stopping in front of them can be disruptive of that. It can also block other dancers from continuing their trek around the fire, and from connecting with the drummers. There is however a spot in front of the center of the drummers called the Gratitude Zone, where you will see dancers stop briefly in front of each drummer to thank them, or to spur them on, and with time you will see how this can be done without breaking the flow. As with many things, the more you look and observe, the more you will see and learn during the course of the evening!

Those drummers look thirsty! What can I do?

As much as drumming, dance, and chant, the circle is made strong by taking a turn offering water and occasional morsels to the drummers (and others around the fire!). Water and food are located on a food altar outside of the torches, and at any time you are welcome to grab a bottle and offer a drink to the drummers. If a drummer looks very involved (focused on a dancer, in their own space, etc.), he/she may not recognize your offer – nothing personal! The best way to do this is to get walk slowly in front of the drummers and make eye contact with those who are able. They will let you know… and will much appreciate the service you offer whether they say yes or no!

What about quieter instruments like frame drums, didges, and singing bowls? Will we be able to play and be heard?

The fire circle is all about creating space for diverse offerings, including what we call "Sacred Sounds." There are frequent moments in the course of the evening that are gentler, or that have chant or spoken word, and Sacred Sounds play a large part in holding that energy. They are a wonderful medium underneath chants, and have provided amazing moments of flowing, softer dance and song during past nights. Each night has a different flow, with the different types of intruments finding how to weave with each other and the feel of the moment. Soloing is not so much the focus as creating a joyous union of instruments and voices. So regardless of the kind of instrument you have, you will find many opportunties to share in the rhythm!

What other kind of instruments are appropriate for the Fire Circle?

Hand drums of all kinds, rattles, bells, shakers, any kind of ethnic or unusual percussion, didgeridoos, singing bowls... and your beautiful voices are all welcome! Drumsets (including timbales, etc.), xylophones, and in general most melodic instruments are not really used as part of the SFF fire circle, but there is always space during the day to play for and with each other. There are times when players who've had some years of experience at fires are invited to bring ethnic flutes, balafons, or other unique sounds to play at the fire, with the understanding that these instruments are best used for specific ritual offerings. In general, the SpiritFire circle is a percussive one with accents from other instruments. If you’re not sure about whether something you’d like to play is appropriate, contact the staff before you pack it. Remember also that the circle is open to the elements!

I have a guitar. Can I play some songs for everybody?

The fire is a place of spontaneous community ritual, rather than individual performance. Sometimes you might see a person step out and offer a brief spoken piece (a poem, or to teach a chant, etc.) As guitars are more in the vein of solo, folk-based music, we refrain from using them at the fire. But feel free to bring your instrument and share your music during the day! We also will have a warm-up fire where folks can gather at night to share stories, songs, etc. in a non-fire circle context.

Sometimes I get kind of emotional at these things... is there someone around to take care of me if that happens?

At SpiritFire we strongly support individual responsibility and safety. We will have a medic on site and there will be many wonderful beings who are there to help ground, support and guide you. At the same time, the circle is not the place for unsafe or disruptive behaviors. If during the course of the evening (or festival) you feel the need to talk with somebody, there will be a "Grounding Zone" where you can sit, get a shoulder rub, have your hand held, or just sit and be near supportive people. Deep emotional work does happen at the fire, and this is good! Please allow those facilitating the event to gently guide you if you are blocking the drummers, dancers or are otherwise in an unsafe place. We do not allow jumping the fire.

How can I help contribute to the festival?

We would love to have you participate in the creation of the festival space! There is opportunity to deepen your part in the gathering in the following areas:

• Affinity Groups - read about them in the Community section of the website and if you want to lead one, let us know
• Creating sacred spaces around the festival site
• Help with directing parking, assisting teachers for their workshop set-up, etc.

Can I spin fire? (Poi)

Fire Spinners are welcome at SpiritFire! We'll have a special area set up just for you to work, right in the middle of the merchant area and in front of the community cozy lounge. Last year, the spinning was fantastic - pictures will be up soon! Due to the size of the fire circle and number of participants, fire spinning won't be allowed in the circle itself during the night, but we may have an opportunity for you to contribute to various rituals! Check in with us if you are interested.

What if I have a work conflict on Wednesday?

You can contact the registrar and request a Friday arrival. There is a $20 late arrival fee due to the disruptions and need for additional staffing to handle parking, sign-in, etc. - and to encourage folks to clear their schedule to arrive Wednesday. Absolutely no Thursday arrivals are accepted, and the gate to the site will be locked that day. Please read about this on the registration page, and you'll find the contact information, etc. If you register and then discover later that you have a conflict on Wednesday, contact the registrar right away.

What is the camping like there?

It's beautiful and shaded by a huge expanse of forest, with soft ground and space for either community or privacy, whichever you prefer!

You can drive your gear up to the top of the mountain, from where you'll need to either carry or use a hand cart to bring it to your camping spot. We'll have a dry "drum tent" near the fire circle area to store your drums/larger instruments, so no need to carry those around. We recommend unloading at the special "drop tent" where a SpiritSherpa will help you transport your camping hear to your spot with a hand cart.

I don't have much money but I'd really like to go. Do you offer scholarhips?

We do offer a limited amount of scholarships, yes! These are made available by generous contributions from the SFF community. Scholarships generally cover half tuition and the vegetarian meal plan (you'll need to pay $5 for meals with meat). You can download an application from this site, or email scholarships@spiritfirefestival.org and ask for an application. Application deadline for scholarships is April 15th.

I'm not into all that ritual stuff - I just want to drum/dance/chant with like-minded folks. Do I have to participate in the rituals?

We don't expect anyone to "plug into" the intention of each nightly fire in the same way. If you aren't into the ritual aspect of the fire lightings, or if a moment in the circle happens that you aren't comfortable with, you have all night to find doorways that feel good to you! Feel free to participate as deeply as you wish. However, we do ask for all attendees to attend the opening and closing circles, as well as the first official fire lighting on Thursday night, as those moments help to outline the shared agreements that are held between the different pathways (music/motion/voice/seva).

What about food?

The sufis prepare 2 excellent meals for us each day: A brunch from 10am - 12pm or so, and dinner each night. Those arriving Wednesday between 12pm - 2pm will have access to soup and sandwiches, and on Sunday you'll get a breakfast after closing circle so you can leave full and nourished.

The food is mostly organic and vegetarian, and is included with your registration fee. Because of the nature of the retreat's operation, the meal plan is not optional. One meat entree will be offered during the weekend as part of the meal plan, and you have the option when you register to add 2 more meat entrees to your plan for $5 additional.

You are also welcome and encouraged to bring food to keep in a locked cooler at your campsite. Because of fire codes on site, no cooking or fires of any kind are allowed at individual campsites. (see the registration page for more details.)

If you have special concerns about dietary issues, and need questions answered, contact the registrar before you sign up.

Wow, there are a lot of things to be aware of! Is there anyone I can check in with at the gathering if I'm not sure about something?

Yes, absolutely! We don't want to instill a sense of rigid rules or control, but as community/sacred space, this gathering does have boundaries and considerations that are easily picked up simply by being present. If, however, you are not sure about something - how to participate, whether or not a particular instrument or offering is ok for the fire circle, how to get more involved, or anything else - please do connect with a staff member (see the staff page to see the faces you will meet, but we will also introduce ourselves at opening circle). We will be happy to help you connect as deeply as you would like to go.

For some wonderful information on the many magickal aspects of the fire circle, see the reference articles from our friends of the Hawai'i FireTribe.