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Fires Rising FAQ
Questions and Answers

Overview and General Questions

What is the Fires Rising Gathering?

We converge around the sacred fire with the intent to manifest our prayers and dreams through artful play. Our fire circle is a unique world within which we engage each other in the myriad passionate ways humans express life. We share in song and chant, trance and ecstatic dance, drumming and other sacred sounds, adorning our bodies and creating community artwork. Your personal offerings of prayer, song, poetry and ritual theatre are invited and encouraged. Together we create a mindful space for transformation, within which we commune with each other, nature, and all that is holy in life.

Each year we set our compass on greater levels of refinement within the laboratory of the fire circle, both musically and magically. This year we intend to further deepen our understanding of Alchemy, and consciously bring the group through the seven stages of the process. These alchemical operations shape the overall event, and are outlined in The Re-Sourcery. Reviewing these materials allows everyone to conspire towards inspired offerings to appear 'round the Fire, in alignment with the related alchemical phases. This will allow everyone to conspire towards inspired offerings to appear 'round the Fire, in alignment with the related alchemical phases.
Much deeper information is available in "The Re-Sourcery."

Isn't this just a big drum circle?

Although drumming certainly plays an important role, it is only one of many elements that come together in a balanced way to create the energetic environment. Our circles also have very strong and often unaccompanied, chant, song and spoken-word expressions, which also serve to "fuel the fire" throughout the night. The musicians at this year's Fires Rising Gathering will be working with an alchemical process of structured music making and unstructured release. All musicians at the Fires Rising Gathering are tuned in, and endeavor to respond with appropriate accompaniment for whatever might be happening in the Circle.

Fires Rising... is it all about fire spinning?

Fire spinners are welcome at the Fires Rising Gathering, another beautiful example of spirit in action! We will have a special area set aside for poi, staff, finger and other fire work. Evening fire spinning performances may be offered in a designated safe space. All fire spinners are expected to check in with our Fire Spinning Coordinator for a safety review, and to stick to scheduled times and places for spinning before lighting up on site

I have to work, can I just come to part of the Gathering?

The energetic container that we create as a community is strongest when we build and maintain it together. In addition the alchemical process of Fires Rising is one integrated unfolding experience from beginning to end. For these reasons, and to avoid extra work for our volunteers; the Fires Rising Gathering does not offer single day registration. Information on arrival and departure days and times can be found on the Main Page.

What is all this stuff about "Alchemy" anyway?

Alchemy is the art and science of transmuting lead into gold. In many alchemical traditions, the element of fire is used to accelerate transformation. In the Fires Rising community we use alchemy as a metaphor to help describe the processes many people experience as they engage with themselves, each other and spirit throughout the night, as well as over the course of the weekend. Because Alchemy describes psychological processes in symbolic terms, we have found it a useful bridge for people with diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
More detailed information on alchemy as it relates to the Gathering
is available in the article "The Seven Stages of Bringing It On."
and "Universal Fire Circle Alchemy."

Is the Fires Rising Gathering one of those Pagan gatherings?

The Fires Rising Gathering is a multi-denominational celebration of spirit and spiritedness. People of all spiritual and religious paths are encouraged to attend; and atheists too! The Fires Rising Gathering is a place where we explore the magic which many paths share on the deepest levels, and we are evolving a new mythology that encompasses us all!

What's the difference between the Fires Rising Gathering and Burning Man?

Although both festivals encourage creative expression and happen in the great outdoors, the similarities really end there. Burning Man is a huge festival, with more then thirty thousand people in attendance. The Fires Rising Gathering is smaller, with a maximum of 250 people are on-site, including children. At Burning Man, there are hundreds of different kinds of art installations, which aren't really connected to each other, and there is no time when the entire group gets together. At the Fires Rising Gatherings, we share a common experience of drumming, dancing, singing and making magic during the all-night fire circles, and we have the opportunity to re-connect as individuals within the group, each morning at sunrise. The activities during the day support the work and play that happens during the night. This sense of everyone being "on the same page" is one of the biggest differences between the festivals. Also, at Burning Man, there is a strong "party" atmosphere, with alcohol and drugs being very prevalent.

The Fires Rising Gathering is an alcohol and drug-free event, which leads to a higher, cleaner vibration in the energy signature, and dramatically reduces the chaos and violence factors. Part of our highest intention is to co-create clean healthy technologies for personal and collective transformation. We work to sharpen our perceptions and skills at the same time that we break down personal limitations and expand our consciousness.

Burning Man's main focus is on "radical self-expression" and "radical survival skills" and happens in the middle of the Nevada desert. The Fires Rising Gathering's focus is on celebration, creativity, and spirituality, and it happens at the beautiful Four Quarters InterFaith Sanctuary, in Artemis, PA.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, the Fires Rising Gathering is a family friendly event. And Four Quarters has a long history of being pro-actively pro-child and pro-parent. The Kids Tribe is very real and vibrant. Remember though, that you must plan to be 100% responsible for your children throughout the Gathering, especially during the all night fire circles!

Are there books I can read to find out more about this kind of event?

There are few events of this kind, fewer books on gatherings and festivals; and no books (so far!) about Fires Rising Gatherings. There are web sites which include a variety of reference articles and reviews, a reading list, and links to other similar festivals and gatherings.
Visit VegasVortex.com or
Fire Tribe Hawaii for more information.

Registration

Do I have to purchase the Meal Plan?

The meal plan is completely optional. The food is fresh, wholesome, and prepared with love! Participants who have been to Four Quarters before usually choose the meal plan, as there are SO many amazing things to do that it's tough to find time to do your own cooking. Remember though that the meal plan is brunch and dinner, be sure to bring plenty of snackables to tide you over between times.

How many people usually attend a Fires Rising Gathering?

The number of attendees is "capped" for the Gathering at 250 people. We expect the event to sell out well in advance.

What age do you have to be to attend by yourself or with friends?

Fires Rising Gathering attendees must be 18 years old, or accompanied by a parent or guardian.

How is it that The Fires Rising Gathering is so inexpensive?

Four Quarters is a church and EarthReligious Monastery, supported by its many Members. As such it owns the property and operates with a cost basis far below a for-profit institution. Many Fires Rising community members contribute an incredible amount of time, energy, and talent to making this Gathering happen. An amazing core group of Artists, Organizers and Village Builders make the Fires Rising Gatherings a priority in their yearly schedules. We share a personal passion to create community-building opportunities for people interested in drum, dance, song, personal transformation and magic.

In addition, none of the facilitators of the Fires Rising Gathering take any financial profit for their work during or leading up to this event. They receive stipends to cover the costs of their expenses for participating, and all additional profits will be divided between charity donation and a fund to support the costs of spreading this work (scholarships for other facilitator expenses, equipment expenses, etc.).

During the Gathering

What do you mean by "the Fire Circle?"

A large area defined by a ring of torches and prayer flags, within which we co-create a night to dawn spontaneous ceremony of music, dance, song and ritual theatre; ever moving around a sacred fire.
View an example Fire Circle and Orbits Map in the article "Ceremonial Orientation."

Do I have to stay up all night? Every night?

Although we certainly encourage you to taste the unique experiences that result from immersing yourself in the all-night energy, no one is required to participate in anything. Some people join us for the first few hours of the circle, and then sleep. Others sleep in the early evening, and join the dance in the early hours of morning. Sleep whenever you like (remember your alarm clock!). Be sure to bring earplugs and an eye cover to make it as easy as possible to sleep when you want to. It's totally up to you, and we encourage you to join us in stretching your beliefs about what is possible!

Do I have to attend the Orientation?

Please do! The Alchemical focus of this gathering means you will need to attend the daily orientation sessions in order to have an understanding of the collective intentions and workings planned for each night. We want to make your transition into the community, and into the fire circle, as easy and delightful as possible. The Orientations are fun, energetic and interactive; come prepared to have a great time, meet new people and discover many ways to access the possibilities our circle offers you.

What are "Playshops"?

Think "workshop", just a whole lot more playful (and a lot less "work-full"). Anyone can present playshops at a Fires Rising Gathering that offer learning and exploration opportunities relevant to the musical, magical, visual and healing arts embraced by the community. Sign up to offer a "community workshop" in one of the available time-slots on the schedule board in the dining room.

What are the camping facilities (such as showers, toilets, and terrain) like?

Four Quarters is a "tenting camp" in that we do not offer cabins. We do have plenty of cleared camp sites, potable water spigots, flush toilets, hot showers and over a mile of one of the cleanest rivers in Pennsylvania. The swimming is excellent! You can rent steel fire rings with wood for your weekend fires. Four Quarters is very green and very anti-automobile. Main parking is a short walk from camp and there are a limited number of in-camp parking permits available.

Music, Chants and Instruments

Is this a structured process, guided by facilitators; or can I share my favorite songs, rhythms or dances?

The magic of our fires is deeply rooted in the spontaneous nature of how each circle unfolds. Your songs, rhythms and dances are certainly welcome! Our entire Gathering is a safe container full of people willing to witness, embrace and participate with your offerings. There will be some pre-planned elements, like the nightly fire lighting rituals, the procession through the alchemical stages, and the solar salutation ceremony at dawn, which will be organized and guided by long time members of the Fires Rising community. There will also be times of total spontaneity, where anything could happen. As has been said, there ís time and space for everything before this night is through.

A unique method for collaborative drumming is shared in daily sessions required for all who wish to drum during the controlled burns at the fire. The method is designed to be self-facilitating, guiding players into deep engagement with each other, and enhancing the role of music making in service to the circle as a whole. The cyclic nature of the Alchemical process requires a balance between meticulously structured music making and totally open free form jamming.

This new approach is both welcoming to the absolute beginner, and challenging for more experienced players. It will result in conscious identification with the alchemical implications of your own artistic process.
A brief introduction is available as "Quick Reference to Alchemical Rhythmatism."
More detailed information is available in the article,"The Practice: Alchemical Rhythmatism."

I play a frame drum and I'm often drowned out by djembes and dunduns; will there be opportunities to play and be heard?

There is an incredible variety of drumming styles at the Fires Rising Gathering, and we work hard to create a community wide mindset of sensitivity that values and encourages softer instruments and voices. Small groups often gather to conspire and bring unique musical offerings to the fire circle; we look forward to many moments of frame drumming!

Should I bring my guitar (flute, accordion, saxophone, etc.)?

Instruments of all kinds are welcome! Musicians who play melody-based instruments are encouraged to jam and share songs throughout the day, and in the evenings before the fire circle begins.

Instrumentation at the fire circle is predominantly focused on percussive and ambient sound offerings. This is in deference to the unifying nature of rhythmic music and the close relationship between rhythmic entrainment and heightened states of consciousness.

A careful, patient, and crafty melody player will sometimes find a few delicious moments of exploration at the fire circle. The key to this kind of participation is brevity and sensitivity to the flow of energy and rhythm that is already present. Melodic instruments can easily constrain and confine the spontaneous unfolding of the circle. Melody players who are having difficulty finding or remaining in tune with this subtle balance may be gently asked to participate in another way.

Is there a CD or songbook available, so I can learn some of the chants before the Gathering?
Sound samples (in MP3 format) and the lyrics for many chants may be accessed online at http://www.mcbridemagic.com/MAC/chants.php
Complete versions of a number of the chants are available on Abbi Spinner's CD "Enter The Center."

Logistics

Why are there such firmly defined arrival times?

We have learned that part of building a safe and sacred container for community and creativity is getting everyone on site, and on the same page as early as possible. The arrival cut-off times also allow the volunteers who staff check-in to step away from mundane responsibilities, and to enter undistracted into the magical realms of deep relationship and inventiveness we come for in the first place!

How can I arrange a ride to the Gathering site?

Four Quarters maintains a car pooling database and also offers a fuel subsidy for persons car pooling to Fires Rising!
Arrange your ride through the Four Quarters RideShare Database.

How can I best prepare for the Gathering?

Many seasoned Fires Rising celebrants begin shifting their sleeping/waking schedule in the days leading up to the Gathering. You are encouraged to arrive rested! In addition to making it easy on yourself by getting on the optional meal plan, you might consider bringing energy foods and drinks to supplement your diet. Drink LOTS of water. If possible, arrange your schedule to have a day off between the Gathering and returning to work. Be sure to carefully read our Web site, there is lots of useful information here!

Are alcoholic beverages allowed at the Gathering?

Four Quarters allows alcohol only at personal camp sites. No alcohol will be tolerated in public areas and especially in ceremonial areas. Drunken behaviour will be cause for expulsion. We urge you to actively help us to build the fire circle as a sacred technology for clean healthy drug and alcohol free transformation. We have found that the sustained ordeal of all night engagement in this practice is a powerful method for naturally altering consciousness.

Is nudism allowed?

Four Quarters caters to functioning adults who can make responsible decisions and work with other people's choices. Accordingly, we have no stated clothing policy.

I would like to have a special ritual (hand-fasting, wedding, rite of passage) at the next Gathering. Is that okay? Who should I contact?

The occasional special ritual you may have heard about or attended at a previous Fires Rising Gathering most likely would have been organized by long-term members of our community. There are some constraints about when and where such special occasions may be held (for example, there are none held during the Wednesday and Thursday Early Village Builder days, when all of our attention needs to be focused on setting up). For more information, please contact Spinner@mcbridemagic.com with details about your request.

How can I find out the answer to a question not covered in the FAQ page?

For camp info, call Four Quarters at 814-784-3075.

For ceremonial information, please feel free to ask a question by email,
Spinner at mcbridemagic dot com

Or vist the Fires Rising section of the Four Quarters disscussion forum.