| Creating
the
Magical Vessel
We have planted the seed and raised
the crop.
The fires have burned and surged; our persons transformed.
Embracing
the Gift and with winter nigh;
Now is the time to bank the fire, to pull from
its glowing bed
those last bright burning Embers
and make of them a Gift
to our Tribe,
The Age Old Promise of Return.
With which to build the Fires
yet again.
Embers takes place within
the physical embrace of
The Circle of Standing Stones.
For
three days and two nights we will function as a Ritual Community within the Circle.
Should we choose; it will be possible to stay within the Stone Circle for the
duration of Embers, excepting those times when our ceremony carries us out into
the Land.
To make this possible, the Church has
made a significant financial commitment in providing the materials and equipment
required to maintain such a focused Ceremonial Space around The Sacred Fire Circle.
Four
Quarters will provide:
* The Community
Nest Raised wooden platforms, to the North and
South of the central stone altar; 4 feet deep, 40 feet long, with a 4 foot high
backing and a rain fly roof; all under the soaring colored fabric of the witness
Arbors of the Stone Circle. The Nest is for you to decorate; to make cozy and
comfortable as a giant, living Altar housing our Ceremonial Community.
*
The Food Altar To the West side of our Nest is the Food
Altar Pavilion, our common kitchen that sustains us from Friday dusk through Sunday
morning. The volunteers of The Starvin' Artist will be moving their core kitchen
equipment right into the Stone Circle, as the preparation and sharing of food
has always been a central part of our Stone Circle Magic and the strong foundation
of Our Community.
* The Fire Circle To
the East of our Community Nest is the Fire Circle proper, shaded by the tall oaks
of the Stone Circle and guarded by The Mother Stone. Our Fire Circle is focused
on a raised, wrought steel fire platform; our dancing circle is covered with sawdust.
The entire area is defined by torches and candle light; decorated with the colored
fabric of The Witness Arbors.
Because
Four Quarters is a Membership driven non-profit, we can make the kind of long
term commitments to ceremony that Embers requires.
To
own and caretake the Land, to purchase and provide the materials required, to
be able to provide and prepare all the food as part of the event; these are the
fruits of 13 years of support from our Membership. The remarkably low registration
fee for Embers is a gift to you from these years of commitment by our Membership.
If
you are not a Member, we invite you to join us as we create the physical vessel
that makes Embers possible, and in so doing, to take your own place in the Center
of The Circle.
Practical
Matters
There is much to do and create
in preparing the vessel for Embers. If at all possible, please do arrive on Thursday
or early Friday. Meals before Friday dusk are pot-luck, so if you are arriving
Thursday, bring something to share at The Starvin Artist Kitchen.
*
The Community Nest is created as a series of raised wooded
platforms set under the colored Witness Arbors of The Stone Circle. They will
be about 4 feet deep and will have a 4 foot high backing, perfect for casual lounging.
We will also b constructing a covered rainfly over the platforms. Construction
will begin Thursday, if you will be joining us, bring your screw gun!
The
decoration and upholstering of The Community Nest is for you to perform; so there
are a few things you will need to bring with you.
...Bring
plenty of comfy, plush throws, blankets, pillows and fabric; enough to decorate
and upholster a 4x8 foot space with a 4 foot high backing.
...Bring
sacred objects and SAFE candles or lanterns for creating mini-altars as part of
the Community Nest.
....Bring anything that can be
used for decorating the Community Nest and the Stone Circle. Beauty is its' own
reward!
....Typically, days are bright and warm; and
nights are cool here in late September. But do plan for any kind of weather.
...If
weather is good you can choose to sleep in the Community nest. But we recommend
bringing a SMALL tent that can be setup within the Stone Circle or close by for
sleeping if the weather is inclement.
*
The Food Altar is created as covered pavilions forming the
West side of The Community Nest. The live-in staff of Four Quarters will be moving
enough equipment from the Starvin Artist to allow all of our food to be prepared
within the Sacred Space of The Stone Circle.
...The
construction of the Food Altar pavilions and creation of the kitchen space is
a Thursday through Friday project. Please arrive early and help us create the
vessel.
...The preparation and sharing of food is central
part of our traditions at Four Quarters.
...All food
is provided for, from dusk Friday through Sunday morning. We do recommend that
you bring favorite "comfort foods" for yourself and to share.
...Although
staff will "head-up" the Food Altar, your help and contribution to the
energetic dynamic are critical to the creation of this Sacred Space!
...Please
bring your own plate, bowl, cup and utensils. There will be provision for wash
up within the Stone Circle, ...but no provision for disposable trash!
...Prior
to Friday dusk, food is pot-luck, arraigned and "filled-out" by our
own Starvin Artist Cafe. Thursday night dinner will be a "Hoot!" Please
join us!
...Much more information on the role of Sacred
Food at Embers under the Food Altar menu to your right.
*
The Sacred Fire Circle is created to the East of the Community
Nest and is an integral part of our Scared Space. It is the focus for our Ceremonials,
for our music making and for our Offerings.
...The
Fire Platform has been created by our live-in staff as a 4 foot diameter raised
steel disc.
...Our dancing area around the fire is
covered with a fine bed of sawdust, perfect for movement!
...A
pavilion will be erected as part of our Fire Circle, for protection in the case
of inclement weather.
...Drums tend to dominate the
music making of many Fire Circles and they are an honored and central part of
Fire Circle dynamic. Please do bring your non-drum rhythm and melody makers too,
as they will be welcome at Embers.
Personal
responsibility can be a burden,
it is so much easier to watch and be entertained.
But
for a moment, perhaps we can put the fear aside and trust,
hand in hand, and
there stand together in The Center of The Circle.
* Embers assumes some prior experience in one
of the many flavors of Magic Fire Circle; or a dedication to ritual and ceremonial
workings. You should be prepared to take responsibility for creating and offering
your own contributions to Fire Circle and your Tribe. And to be open and listening;
making space for the sonic and spiritual contributions of others. If you have
questions, please do call Four Quarters.
*
Embers is the fourth major Four Quarters event that is being completely
planned and developed by our Members Planning Groups. As a Member, Please join
us in this process on The
Embers Members Planning Section of the Four Quarters Forum.
If
not a member, you can still participate through The
Embers Public Forum.
Come,
don't be a stranger.
Join us as we stand together
In
the Center of The Circle!
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