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Christopher P Wallace (foxfire)
4QForum Active Member
Username: foxfire
Post Number: 177
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 12:28 pm: | 
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Hello,
even the simplist activity like going to the store to buy groceries begins by having a plan. If we plan the activity and are prepared for contingencies, then our success at getting food is assured.
This is especially true for an event like Fire Rising. All though Fire Rising is a celebration, it is not a free for all party. The nature of the sincere and serious work/play that occurs can set your spiritual pace for the year to come.
So by preparing yourself before attending, will yeild a fantastic result.
Yes, there is alot of study and reading you can engage in beforehand. The amount that an individual does in this regard is a personal choice. There are pages of information on the Fire Rising web site, some of this may appeal to you, some may not. The information allows each attendee to study and find their comfort level in understanding. Because we use a series of process' , this information can give greater insight to how the Alchemical process work.
BUT DO WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND IT ALL???
No, I believe an individual attending Fire Rising will have a 'base line' experience. That this experience will help them to grow as an individual. It may challenge them at times. Perhaps it may go against a former way they had of playing together at a Fire circle. Yet the experience, even if challenging, is one the inspires growth of character and ability.
It is important in my thinking, that an individual also be open to 'the moment.' That is that someone coming to Fire Rising, perhaps having studied, then works in themselves to suspend expectations. That this person can enter into the experience of Fire Rising, and check the Ego at the door  By doing this we clear our own minds and open our hearts to the 'what-may-happen' without judging it in advance.
Finally we can also have a lot of fun with this.
Check out http://www.lostwonder.org
peace,
Fox |
Tigre (tigre)
4QForum Active Member
Username: tigre
Post Number: 234
Registered: 02-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 10:34 am: |
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Than you so much for sharing Aase.
Your example, to me,
is a great example of a rhythmic experience of alchemical transformation and awareness. You worked through some lead, as you said, liquefied the ashes into a smooth solution and refined it into something greater,feeling better that you did. You also sweetened the pot for your fellow drummers and dancers in the cauldron of the fire circle. Thus everyone's process was touched for the better.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you there this year in the furnace.
Tigre
Fanga Alafia! Ashe Ashe!
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Michael Wall (drumaloha)
Registered Non-Member
Username: drumaloha
Post Number: 13
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 04:05 pm: |
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Hello All, > > I saw the earth alchemy post from Aase and it triggered a memory that I > want to share. I am one of those persons that often" thinks he knows it all" > , especially around the fire. I found my first attempts to fit into the > Alchemical Rhythmatism model challenging and I did not "want to look like a > beginner!"
Perhaps you know the feeling? Well my friends...it only took a few nights > of sitting in the drummers area(a.k.a."the furnace" to give me a sweet taste > of beginners mind. > > So.... > refresh yourself...empty your cup, Push past your perceived limitations... > and be filled with a renewed sense of your highest potential! > > I suggest to all of you my friends, to take a few hours of the ritual > weekend to share time with your fellow seeks and to go in and out of this > amazingly initiatory drummers area to discover the real magic that is YOU! > > Also , I have witnessed newcomers to the circle sit in and pick up a bell > or drum and follow the patterns of initiation and fit right into the groove > in a few minutes. The language and method of this formula for transmutation > really works. > > See you in the furnace!
Jeff
> > |
Christopher P Wallace (foxfire)
4QForum Active Member
Username: foxfire
Post Number: 176
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 01:04 pm: |
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Hi Aase,
Thank you for sharing your process. I got a sense that you had to apply Patience for yourself in the situation. Started to become frustrated, but then you 'stayed with it', and was finally rewarded by having the ability to contribute artistically.
These are lessons that can be applicable in life as well. A great example of turning Lead - Gold.
Peace
fox |
aase wiborg (speedquail)
4QForum Active Member
Username: speedquail
Post Number: 96
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 01:07 am: |
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Lead-to-gold:
This one happened to me at Friday's fire at last year's Fires Rising. The groove was so sweet and I was itching to sit down and play and be at the heart of that Rhythm for a while, be at the heart of making it go out... So I sat down.
And discovered I had sat down in the high clave position. Rats. Instead of getting to bang on a drum and make the beat go OOMPH it was now my stupid silly job to beat two sticks together, off beat, and make them go TINK. Bah humbug. Ego did NOT like that, not one bit.
I almost got back up, at several points. Tink. It was hard, and required focus and concentration, I didn't get to groove with the groove like I wanted, my whole insides were rebelling against this TINK stupid TINK clave thing TINK TINK.
But, I stuck with it. Got better at it, let go a little, messed up, oops, had to focus again, watched and listened, the beat got sweeter, the dancers and chanters around the fire had something really neat and sweet and great going on... And I was not able to be at the core of it. Instead I was at the margins of it, holding down the edges of the beat, watching, listening, putting a steady stream of rhythmic TINKS where they went, sweetening the mix by adding a detail.
And when I rested for a few beats to listen more fully, enjoy more fully the sweet booming sound that had been stirred up, I heard the coolness of it - and also that the sound needed some strategically placed TINK TINK. The Margins Matter. So I went back to banging my sticks together in the spaces between the booms.
-Aase
"My name is Bobadilla Brown, and the mackerel on my hat is immortal."
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Christopher P Wallace (foxfire)
4QForum Active Member
Username: foxfire
Post Number: 175
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 25, 2008 - 01:35 pm: |
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Hi Michael and all,
that is a great article, and I suggest others read it.
One aspect which is predominant yet often overlooked is that of Service. I attribute the act of Service to the final of the 7 stages of Alchemy. That is 'Coagulation'. I think that without the interaction with our society, the true process, the Great Work, becomes sterile.
In pragmatic terms, Sevice can be seen in some of the aphorisms of the Fire circle.
"If your thirsty, someone else may be too!"
Pulling ourselves out of selfishness and placing our attentions on others is not only a vehicle of the Great Work, but may be it's essence.
This is true for those who plant grass, prepare the circle for use, decorations.....right down to the Drummers, Dancers, Watchers and Fire tenders. When the indivdual opens up their heart and is available to serve, then great blessings can occur within those serving and those being served.
In Buddhism this concept is called 'Loving Kindness.' In the Mahayana (Greater) vehicle of Buddhist teachings it is the predominant practice of reaching the state of mind called 'Boddhichitta', wherein one becomes a Buddha (Awakened One). This is another view of what Alchemists call the Great Work. In short form, this means the the actual work and the goal is one of Service to others. The Dali Lama refers to the basic form of this practice of service as being 'Intelligent selfishness.' In this a person may be looking at rewards they may get for helping out other people, yet it is still a starting point and leads one to freedom from many of the ills which affect our world.
So seeing that service to others is so important to our own growth, we would be wise to keep it in mind. It makes an excellent place to start our work of the Alchemical process.
peace
fox |
Michael Wall (drumaloha)
Registered Non-Member
Username: drumaloha
Post Number: 12
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 03:46 am: |
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Aloha All
Thanks for your great story Fox! I've also had similar experiences in the circle where there's an opportunity to transform the way I might have reacted in the past. One of the metaphors often used to describe the Alchemical Fire Circle is that it's a "microcosm of the macrocosm" - and that what we practice and refine within our sacred container becomes the circuitry for similar change in our broader life.
In addition to turn the Lead of our baggage into gold, there is another aspect of the metaphor - the process of creativity itself. Some of that is described in the paragraphs below which I have cut/pasted fro a longer article that people can read by visiting:
http://vegasvortex.com/pages/evolutionfirecircle
Personal and Collective Refinement: The broad paradigm of the Alchemical Fire Circle is informed by the fact that Alchemy is essentially a transformational model that focuses on growth and refinement. This is illustrated by the core metaphor, known to almost everyone: “Turning Lead into Gold.” In other words, Alchemy is a set of self initiated and managed processes designed to induce change from a less desirable state (lead) into one that is more highly valued and refined (gold). The various stages of Alchemy describe psychological processes that all have the effect of moving one towards more resourceful and empowered states of consciousness or ability. The typical social fire is usually focused on partying and revelry. Intentional all-night fire circles generally revolve around trance work and sacred celebration. The process of the Alchemical Fire Circle nurtures artful play, the development of new abilities and skills, and encourages the active use of the Circle as a laboratory for personal experimentation. This gives people the opportunity to stretch their beliefs about what is possible elsewhere in life through risk taking and self-expression in a highly supportive environment.
Expression Focus, Emphasis On Connection and Collaboration : In the early stages of the blossoming of the Alchemical Fire Circle, some of its proponents were referred to critically as “performers.” Interestingly, the ability to “perform” effectively in the world is central to surviving and thriving in most human cultures. This generally means performing, or functioning well as a student, parent, employee or business person. The Alchemical Fire Circle invites, challenges, and entices one to engage in performing - but not as an entertainer. Instead celebrants can discover new pathways to fulfillment though deep play and engagement with each other within a variety of artful expressions. There are at least two reasons for this: first, music making, singing, dancing, speaking out in public and other forms of art making are inherently fun and exciting; second, most of us have been conditioned to believe that these activities belong to those in the community who are “professionals.” As a result, we often feel insecure about expressing ourselves in these ways. The Alchemical Fire Circle is intended to be a nurturing container where we can practice the internal processes required to push beyond our comfort zones and fears. Dancing in public, leading a chant, reciting a poem, singing loudly (and perhaps out of tune!), or playing a musical instrument for the first time, can reveal much about our attitudes, behaviors, and ways of thinking. These lessons can then be generalized and applied to future goals and dreams. The Alchemical Fire Circle seeks to create a safe and supportive crucible within which new skills and abilities are grown by engaging creatively with others, collaborating on bringing new offerings around the Fire, and encouraging each other to take creative risks. The gains in confidence and competence that result from this work become the foundation for making positive changes elsewhere in life.
I'm really looking forward to our upcoming adventures together at Fires RIsing, and to reading the reflections of other voices here on the forum!
michael |
Christopher P Wallace (foxfire)
4QForum Active Member
Username: foxfire
Post Number: 174
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 12:05 pm: |
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Hi Tigre and all,
I look forward to playing and working with you in the weeks , months, and years to come.
I was present at the formative years, when the Alchemical model was first being fermented by the current Masters in this field (Magnus, Spinner, Josh, etc.) The AFC (Alchemical Fire Circle), was birthed out of the pagan drum circle scene. Time and again we would meet and discuss in the Familly of Fire what worked and what did not work. The end result is what the attendee will experience at Fire Rising.
What is the "Container", and how does this work?
In my opinion, any ritual will be colored or flavored by those who are in attendance. Each of us bringing our unique perspective, and our baggage. I mean this literally and figuratively.
For the concept of lead can be described in part as the 'baggage' we carry around.
When a group of people live, work and play together, certain issues might arise for an individual. Learning proactive methods of coping with a situation is something done by trial and error. And it is the container created by our presence which allows us to 'cook' these elements of our being.
Let me offer one of my personal Alchemical transformations. I was attending a Fire circle one evening. After a while of dancing and playing drums, staring at the fire, my night vision became affected. When I would walk around the perimeter, I could still see a yellow haze in front of my eyes which made it difficult to see clearly. I happened across a couple sitting on a tree log. Looking at them, I thought I recognized them from earlier in the day. So I said "Hi" calling them by the names I recalled.
I was slightly embarased when the couple greeted me in return, yet informed me that I was mistaken about who they were. This can usually be a bit embarassing. At that moment I recalled spiritual wisdom which says no meeting is by chance, and that difficulties afford us an oppertunity to transcend. Instead of pardoning my self and skulking away, I introduced myself and made friends with the couple. In this I took the "Lead" and turned it into "Gold." IMO this is what Alchemy is about.
Time spent in a sacred container, like an Alchemical Fire Circle is time which will fuel your process of growth and healing in the months and years to come.
There is an old spiritual tradition in Judaism which says "One moment in the Sabbath, is worth 30 years of life." I find this to be true of many ritual situations, especially in an Alchemical Fire Circle.
Above is one example of how our learning through work and play can effect positive changes in our lives. I hope to explore this further here in the weeks to come.
peace
fox |
Tigre (tigre)
4QForum Active Member
Username: tigre
Post Number: 232
Registered: 02-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 08:17 am: |
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Thanks for the amazing post Fox!
If you have not attended Fires rising in the past or are even slightly interested in the alchemical aspects of a drum/dance/song circle, Please consider joining us and the family of fire in the fire circle festival of Fires Rising.
This practice has evolved over many, many years originating in other festivals and locations and evolving into this, one of a few modern models of intentional fire circles.
Alchemy itself is ancient as you know, heh heh.
I look forward to being with you in the furnace of rhythm and magic.
Ashe,
Tigre
Fanga Alafia! Ashe Ashe!
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Christopher P Wallace (foxfire)
4QForum Active Member
Username: foxfire
Post Number: 173
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, April 14, 2008 - 01:37 pm: |
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Hello,
A question came to my mind concerning the average(?) person who comes to Four Quarters and the relevance of an archane subject like Alchemy.
Alchemy is the ancestor of Chemistry. It goes back to a time when we as a people were beginning to organize our thoughts about Nature and Man's place in the scheme of things. So in this alone it partakes of various disciplines of thought, from Ontology (Study of Being), and Quatum Mechanics (study of the operations of particle's smaller than Atoms)to modern Psychology. This is just to name a few of the areas of study which have their roots in Alchemy.
The Alchemists saw themselves as a part of Nature, and so used observable patterns in Nature to further understand the reason for being and what the goal of Life is. This is called the 'Magnum Opus' (Great Work)in Alchemy. It is this 'Work' which an Alchemist would dedicate their lives to.
In this I believe any person can see themselves as an 'Alchemist', when they are doing the work to further themselves and to the goal of accomplishing their dreams.
To scratch the surface of the study of Alchemy, I would like to introduce a model for consideration. It is not the 'end all' or final solution. It is offered as food for thought for those who may be interested in furthering themselves by including an Alchemical model in their own practices.
Before I outline the model, I would like to mention previously used models in Alchemy. The ancient Alchemists were not in agreement with everything. It is understood that a person had to do the work themselves. Each individual had to come to their own truth. Yet their were common theme's that were used. One for consideration is the same used by some Fire Circle Alchemists. It is a Seven fold process which is correlated with the 7 Chakras, and the 7 major Planets of our Solar system. The list is as follows....
1)Calcination
2)Dissolution
3)Separation
4)Conjunction
5)Fermentation
6)Distillation
7)Coagulation
As I mentioned it is important to remember that the order is not carved in stone. Alchemists can be seen as giving different advice as to what order the process went in. Yet we have to begin somewhere, so I am using the current order suggested by many Alchemists today. Having wrote this I will now present an Earth based spiritual Alchemical model.
~Shamanic Alchemy of the Fire Circle~
1)Earth - Witnesses
2)Air - Drummers
3)Water - Dancers
4)Fire - social interaction, Service to community
5)Life - Chanting, Singing, Story telling
6)Moon - Imaginative process, Contemplative
7)Sun - personal spiritual revelation, Action
Each of these process' and activities may partake of each other. Though I create a marked speration between each activity, the actual lines between them can be grey. For example, a person drumming may also be witnessing and engaing in his imagination. I will also mention that the process or activites are not better than one or another. It takes all of these 'parts' to create a community Alchemical Fire circle.
I hoped that this modest essay would serve to introduce another perspective of the use of Alchemy as a model for increasing our use of the Fire circle. That is my idea of spiritual worship, community interaction, and having fun.
In subsequest posts to this thread I will endeavor to explain how this idea of the Alchemical Fire Circle may lead a person to discover better, efficeint, ellegant techniques for spiritual transcendence and also possibilites in holistic healing for each individual and the community at large.
Thank you,
Peace to all beings
Christopher 'Fox' Wallace |
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