Please Consider when Sharing Sacred Space
When we gather, we co-create sacred space with offerings and continuously maintain our ceremonial space in our ceremony time. We Stand Together in prayer. Our circle becomes a living altar, it becomes the universe. We offer humbly a form for our ritual. We set it up with intention, with offerings, with tobacco ties.
This is why we ask that we do not begin to take down/apart that physical form until the ceremony is closed. This is why we ask for people to be aware that photos and recordings are not always appropriate, etc, even with permission, because we are in the midst of prayer.
Prayer vs. Programming
Grandmothers and Elders may make offerings or prayers to the Sacred Fire at any time of the day or night. If you are on site we ask that you be with us during the opening and closing ceremonies which will begin at 6:20 pm on Monday and 6:20 pm on Thursday. We limit the possibilities if we over-organize. This gathering is a prayer. There is only prayer, no programming, only ceremonial time. While many of the people at SoulFire4TheGulf are performers, here we step off the stage and into the ceremony. Rather than clapping our hands, we hold our gratitude and listen to the heartbeat of the drum. We return to our breath and we wait for the Muse-We-See to lead US on OUR journey to help the heart of humanity heal.
It IS possible to say which day, or morning, afternoon or night you can lead an offering. We ask that anyone who is actively playing a role in the gathering, whether music, prayer or practicalities: give yourself time on the ground. Participate for as long as you can over 4 days and not just for the short time when you want to make your prayer offering. We keep the night open and fluid into and through the night, to reserve time for ceremonial singers, Hand Pans, Didjeridoos and anyone who finds their way there.
Protocol for Drums and Instruments
The drum and instrument protocol is that when a drum or instrument is covered that means that it is “resting” and it is not to be played except by the person who is the caretaker of that instrument or drum.
There will be a “Percussion Altar” where people can choose an instrument to play. Our request is that all instruments be treated with respect and returned to the percussion altar.
Some Ceremonial Drums are open to all and some are not. There will be times when one group, or one person plays and there will be times when all people, all nations are invited to collaborate with our drum prayer. Keep your eyes and your heART open. When you are invited in, it is appropriate to enter gently.