Ritual & Bonfire Circle Guidelines

The Ritual and Bonfire Circle is a central area that serves as a gathering place for community Morning Meetings, and for drumming, ecstatic dancing, fire spinning and chanting every evening.  Our PSG community strives to make this sacred space welcoming, safe, and respectful toward all.

Community Expectations in Ritual & Bonfire Circle

Be considerate of others - please don't block dancers from free movement.  Please don’t stand in front of seated drummers so they can’t see the fire and dancers (even if you are a drummer yourself).

Be kind to each other - share your gifts and let others gift back to you, whether it is a different style of drumming, a new chant, offering water, or a sincere compliment.  Give appreciation to the volunteer firetender for their hard work too.

Be sharing - The Bonfire Coordinators share several drums with the community.  Feel free to use them, but let others play them too.  If you have a drum, you're willing to loan to others, make that clear.  Please ask first if you would like to play someone else's drum, and remember to remove your rings, bracelets, and watches.

Be tidy - this sacred space is lovingly cared for by Bonfire Coordinators, who also coordinate a volunteer workshift to rake the sand and clean up every morning.  Most lost/found items will be moved to the area under the canopy, but if the item is high value and easily damaged (such as a camera) look for it at the Information Tent the next morning. 

Trash bins are located just outside the archway - please use them.  Tidiness in the drummer's area means not leaving your instruments here when you leave.  You might think you will "be right back" but much can happen between there and the bathroom.  In the meantime, that spot is not easily accessible to another player.

Be supportive - keep up a rhythm for a firespinner until they flame out; try not to stop drumming suddenly if you notice one of the dancers is in ecstatic trance; encourage variety such as chanting and different drum "voices".

Be helpful - if you notice someone not following the guidelines, respectfully help them learn what is expected by the community.  If weather threatens, offer to help move the canopy to protect the drummers so they can continue to support the dancers.  (It can be lots of fun to dance in the rain.)

Be open to others' needs - Bonfire Circle is sacred space where friendly socializing can happen side by side with deep transformative work. It's the heart of our community, and a place where we form strong bonds, renew our spirits, and express our joy. We all make this space.

General rules:  NO GLASS! Please transfer beverages to plastic containers before bringing into the area.  Smokers, for safety please only use tobacco in the designated smokers' area and put butts in provided containers. Do not put butts or other trash on the ground or in the fire.  Please replace benches if you move them for workshops & rituals.  Do not put anything except spiritual intentions, prayers, and sacred herbs in the Sacred Fire.