What *Is* an Alchemical Fire Ritual?

An Alchemical Fire Ritual (AFR) is a magickal laboratory for experimenting with the art of transforming conscious. As we share music, stories, dances and ourselves through the flow of the ritual, we have the opportunity to discover those hidden parts of ourself that we rarely get to see. 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.

In an Alchemical Fire Ritual, the ritual space is known as the laboratory. Our lab has a particular set up that helps makes things work. At the center of our lab is our fire. It is the center of all that we do. It's the light we return to over and over again. It is the spark that lights our way through the ritual. Immediately around the fie is an open space used for offerings of movement, song, story, drama and wonder. This is where the action of our ritual takes place. This area is bounded by a ring of torches we call the Mars Line. From here folks can witness the magik of the ritual while giving their bodies a chance to rest. On one end of the Mars line is our Furnace, where the drummers and musicians gather to share their offerings of rhythm. Outside the Mars Line, is open space for conspiring and around all of this is a line of Prayer Ties.

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. 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 often 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.

• Participate - Enter with a willingness to take part as fully as you are able & plug into the groove that is happening.
   
• Create - Act on inspirations & opportunities to engage with each other, self & Spirit.
   
• Co-operate - Support & encourage each other to share the magick we each bring to the fire.
   
• Respect - Keep the ritual space sacred & free from litter, casual chatter, recording devices & other mundane intrusions.
   
• Focus - Intend clear awareness & response-ability in all you say & do.
   
• Take a Chance - Share what you are good at with the Circle & try what you perceive you are not yet strong at as well.
   
• Allow - Make room for the quiet, as well as the loud. If an offering ends in silence, take time to honor & appreciate it before responding.

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 starts up. Give it a try and see how it feels.

What 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.

We look forward to seeing you at the fire!