Transformation in the Redwoods -- by Missy Wilreker
Every summer amongst the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz hills, a group of people gather together for 4 days and 3 nights to create community. Each night, they build a fire and dance, sing, drum and play around it from midnight until dawn. Each day, they share their ideas, skills, trades, and friendships with each other.
This summer will be Phoenix Fire’s second year. There have been people gathering across the United States to create intentional fire circle communities like this one for decades. Each event is unique, and this one is no exception. Phoenix Fire is special, and that’s why I keep going back.
At the heart of Phoenix Fire is the intention to create a space where a diverse community of people can come together in a harmonious way to each be authentic in themselves. This event is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and the beauty of that diversity is definitely present. This is a group of people who willingly and joyfully honor each other for exactly who they are. I know this really sets me free to be at ease with how ever I am feeling or being in any given moment.
The core experience of Phoenix Fire happens at the nightly fire circles. There is a deep sense of an intentional space for sacred play created by, of and for the community. Each individual who comes brings with them a special skill, talent, wisdom or offering, and together as a group the magic is created. I really enjoy witnessing and learning from the beautiful talents and gifts each person brings to the event and often surprise myself with what I may have to offer as well.
There are many ways to participate in the circle experience. Drummers ride the rhythms of the night, supporting, honoring and witnessing the ebb and flow of energy around the circle. The power of the rhythm has helped me to let my mind rest and my body take over, which creates a powerful experience of transcendence.. Sometimes there are blissful moments of melody, where the sweet voices of chimes, tone bowls, bells, and melodic instruments come in and the drums drop away. Voices rise up with chants, stories, poetry - whatever inspiration a person is moved to express. Sometimes there is even silence. Be it quiet or filled with intense drumming, the movement of the circle never ceases. There is always someone dancing, walking, or holding space around the circle. The dancers ebb and flow with the rhythms, each witnessing and being inspired by the other.
What I love about Phoenix Fire is the profound and powerful opportunity for transformation that it creates. It is a safe and sacred space for self exploration, release, growth and change. I love to step into this process myself as well as witness and hold space for others to do the same.
We build this fire circle as a community and thus we feed and care for each other. Throughout the night, we do this literally, nourishing each other with food and water. We also do this energetically, feeding each other’s souls with music, dance, healing, song, and words throughout the night until the rising of the sun.
The daytime brings new opportunities. You can take workshops in drumming, dance, voice and spiritual growth. The material covered relates back to the experience and inner work of the nighttime fire circles. In addition to creating a way for people to participate in building the event, Affinity groups also offer fantastic ways to get to know people with similar interests to yours.
The daytimes are also a wonderful time to schmooze the vendor’s booths. Need a new drum or rattle? Inspired to dress-up differently for the next night’s fire circle? Is your body achy after trance dancing all night? The Merchant Village is a great way to take care of those needs with vendors who sell clothing, instruments, bodywork, and most other things you can imagine. I have found the true value of the Merchant Village has been as a gathering place to meet new people, foster friendships, talk and share about my night’s experiences, and simply relax and enjoy the community.
I hope you enjoyed this stroll through Phoenix Fire with me. It is my joy to share it with you. I look forward to dancing around the fire, hiking through the redwoods, learning something new and simply hanging out with you at this year’s gathering!