What Are We Trying to Achieve at Sacred Flame's PHOENIX RISING?

Sacred Flame Fire Tribe gatherings are designed to create a transformational experience welcoming all artistic and spiritual traditions. We strive to co-create a gathering in which we bond and deepen our experience with each other as a community. During the day we offer arts & crafts, playshops, open mic, yoga, meditation, community activities and by night at the sacred fire circle we take our alchemical transformational journey — but we also gain insights and tools that, after returning home, inspire each of us to interact with our environment, local communities, and personal relationships with more awareness, integrity, and strength.

 

Is a Sacred Fire Circle like A Drum Circle?

No, not really. A drum circle is a wonderful opportunity to gather with others to create music using drums and percussion. This idea of spontaneous improvisational music is definitely part of the sacred fire circle, yet a fire circle includes many other elements including dance, song, improvised or memorized poetry, spontaneous ritual elements, as participants see fit to contribute throughout the night.

In a sacred fire circle, drumming is in support of deep sacred play, trance dance, and other ritual acts, and requires a consciousness by the musicians outside of themselves or their own personal needs. Just as the dancers are fed by the drummers, the reverse is also true — so even while playing what is in your heart and spirit, it is good to maintain a connection to what is going on in the fire circle around you, to play for the dancers and support whatever expression takes form.

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How Does A Sacred Fire Circle "Work"?

The fire circle and surrounding area is laid out very consciously for people to flow together. We continue moving around the fire in a circular motion, like planets orbiting a central sun, never standing still.   If you wish to be still,  the circle perimeter or the "Ring of Torches" is a place to hold space and witness the moving interior. Here, you can support the circle by clapping, chanting or shaking a rattle without blocking the dance track.

There is a space in front of  the drummers  called the Gratitude Zone.  If you drop in there during your orbits around the fire, you’ll get a great dose of direct energy from the drummers! You'll want to stay there but do move on, so others can step in and the drummers can also connect with the fire.

 

Do I have to stay up all night?

Thursday's fire circle is from 11:00 PM -2:00 AM. Friday & Saturday night's sacred fire circle begins at 11:00 pm and will go until dawn the next morning. You are  encouraged to stay at the fire circles since this is the highlight of the event. Staying up all night helps us push through resistances and obstacles as a metaphor for our own life and brings us to an altered state of consciousness without drugs or alcohol. However, you are not obligated to stay in the circle the entire night. You may make a "nesting" area outside of the circle to rest, reflect, journal or meditate. Some people may choose to go back to their tent to sleep and return before dawn for the morning ceremony. Set an alarm so you don't miss the morning ritual, but do what works for you.

 

Where do I go to take a break during the fire?

Your nesting areas are set up outside of the fire circle with a camp chair or pillows and a ground cover where you may keep personal items.  The nests offer a personal contemplative space, yet still connected to the fire circle. Please be aware that the nesting areas, while physically separate from the fire circle, are still considered sacred space, and we ask for restraint with loud conversation. We will have a food altar (snack table) a little distance from the circle for you to get nourished and have meaningful conversations. Everyone brings a contribution to the food altar. 

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Is This a Pagan Gathering?

We are a non-denominational gathering of diverse people based upon music, dance, voice, art, alchemy and the many pathways that connect to them. The fire circle begins with a ceremony honoring our connection to nature which does have Pagan origins. However, we honor and welcome all paths, and recognize that in the circle, we are unified through our joy. So the answer is, no, it’s not a Pagan festival — but you’ll find Pagans present, as well as Shamans, Sufis, Buddhists, Hindus, Yogis, Christians, Atheists, and everything in between. It is not a single religious organism, and the influences change from fire to fire. It depends on who attends, and who feels drawn to offer their gifts in each moment! You’ll also find people who aren’t following any particular spiritual path at all, and just enjoy the groove and friendly community of the fire circle. 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!

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What is the location like? Are there accommodations? Bathrooms?

Madre Grande is a lovely high desert land once inhabited by original tribes. There is a sacred feeling in this mountain valley surrounded by large bolder formations, with oak and other trees for shade. There are no inside accommodations, we will be camping in tents, vehicles or RV's. Camping is included in your ticket price. There are two enclosed showers open to the sky and port 'o potties. This location is 35 miles south/east of San Diego, past Jamul. The last 2.5 miles are a very rough rocky dirt road. This reminds us to slow down and change our pace to being mindful, patient and keep our senses open. 

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What is the food situation?

You have a few choices with meals. You can opt to purchase the full meal plan which is vegan and organic. The chef offering meals is Martin Hall from Green Door Catering and Café. He will also have individual meals for purchase on site but it is cash only due to limited internet access. You may also bring all your own food, or bring some and buy some from Martin. Meals on the meal plan are dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, lunch on Friday and Saturday and Sunday breakfast. Since we are up till dawn on Sat and Sunday the first meal served during the day on the meal plan is at noon. Breakfast will be offered for a small additional onsite rate of $5. We recommend bringing some snacks. Also bring some healthy food contributions for the all night fire circle's food altar (snack table) to keep us fueled during the night. 

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What do I wear and what should I bring?

We encourage your creativity in all aspects at Phoenix Rising including how you adorn yourself. During the day wear comfortable clothing, that perhaps you don't normally wear in your every day life. Festival type clothing, yoga pants, "hippy type" styles (dig those out from the back of your closet!). We have a resale clothing vendor that can outfit you with the perfect options. During the all night fire circles there are 3 color suggestions (not requirements) that take us through the 3 alchemical stages of Nigredo, Albedo and Rubedo. On Thursday wear black or dark colors, Friday is white or light colors, and Saturday is red and gold or other bright colors. This is an alcohol and drug free gathering. To see the complete list of what to bring and NOT to bring CLICK HERE

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Can I contribute my time to help out?

Yes! As a community your help is most welcome. We have discounted tickets for participants called Village Builders who arrive two days early to set up and stay through clean up on Sunday. Every participant is requested to offer a couple hours of their time to help out at the gathering. This might be helping with coffee & tea, the food altar (snack table) assisting the caterer, keeping the kids occupied, or with sacred art creations called "rangoli", giant mandalas made of flour at the sacred fire cirlce. 

 

Can I enjoy some wine or beer at this festival?

No. Because this is a conscious event we ask that you do not imbibe in alcohol or use illegal drugs. We are striving to "get high" through natural ecstatic means. For your safety and the well being of all participants we must request you comply with this agreement. If you are found to be inebriated or under the influence of drugs you will be asked to leave the ceremonial or common areas and when sober you will leave the event with no refund.

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Can I spin fire?

Due to very high fire warnings we will only allow fire spinning in certain open areas on site. You may play with your flow tools on Saturday at open mic talent show or at the sacred fire circle as part of a ritual offering. You must provide your own fire safety. Please check in with a staff member first. Fire safety is a must! 

 

Can I Vend?

Yes! We can offer space to a small number of vendors. All vendors and their helpers are considered part of the community not attending just to make sales. No vending will be permitted during the sacred fire circles. Vendors need to supply all their own tables, canopies and chairs.  Set up is on a first come first serve basis.  If you would like to vend, read the VENDOR INFO page, then send a vendor application.

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