Fire Circle Etiquette
Fire Circle Etiquette
The fire circle is a common ground wherein community gathers. In our modern Western society we have all but forgotten the important role of the community fire. Here our ancestors gathered to celebrate life through music, song, and dance. Tribal values, myths, and customs were kept alive through the art of the story tellers. As members of the Pagan community, we also gather around the ancient fire to drum and dance and tell stories. It speaks to us through our ancestral memory. Unfortunately, past experience has shown that not all respect this sacred space with the reverence it deserves so these simple rules have been implemented.
Every fire is a sacred fire. Please show respect by not throwing debris into the fire. There is a trash receptacle in the designated smoking area. If you wish to make an offering to the fire, please ask a Fire Keeper for permission before doing so.
It is the Fire Keeper's sacred duty to maintain a safe fire. ONLY the Fire Keepers may feed or adjust the fire.
The fire circle is a carry in/carry out area. Many consider the fire circle to be sacred space; please respect it as such.
No smoking in the fire circle. Please respect the rights of others and smoke in the designated smoking area located outside the fire circle.
Keep the tone of conversation appropriate for whatever activity is taking place. If a story teller is speaking, show them respect by listening. If a drum circle is in progress, do not try to be heard above the drums.
Very often there are dancers around a fire, especially when drumming is involved. Energetically the fire feeds the drummers, the drummers feed the dancers, the dancers feed the fire. Depending on the size of the fire, adequate space should be allowed for the dancers, usually 6 to 10 feet.
No horseplay.
There is no flash photography or other sudden bright light allowed around the fire after dark.
In respect for the fire and the safety and enjoyment of all, we ask that these few simple rules be followed. Inappropriate behavior may result in those involved being dismissed from the fire circle.
