by Abigail Spinner McBride

Breathing in… breathing out… Our breath enlivens our words, bringing the power to the Word. When we’re in the Fire Circle Shrine, every word is a prayer, part of a magic spell, an incantation. There is a Sanskrit concept of “seed words,” which are words of power, sounds and vibrations that have specific effects on our minds, bodies and spirits, simply by the energy and sound of the words themselves. In the Fire Circle Shrine, each word is magickal, meaning-full, authentic, and True. When we hold mindful awareness of the words we are singing, we make sure we are casting the spells we want to cast, knowing that our seeds will be having an effect on others. Since our songs are made from words of power, they form a sort of liturgy, almost an order of service, which has direct correspondences to what is going on in the Fire Circle Shrine. Different songs are often most effective at different parts of the night. By paying attention to what the words of a song say, we can often discern when it will be most effective. For instance, songs like “Prepare Yourself,” “Let the Way Be Open,” and “Behold,” are especially effective in the early parts of the night, toward the opening of the ceremony. Songs that reinforce what we have in common “Air I Am,” “The Earth is Our Mother,” ” We are a Circle Within a Circle,” or “O Ma Ma Ma,” can be useful early in the evening, as way of forming a group-mind. Depending on what is actually happening in the circle “We Honor You, We Empower You,” “River Wash My Tears Away”, “You Are My Family,” “Oh, Mother We Are Calling,” can all enhance or transmute the moment. Toward dawn, songs like “One Planet is Turning,” “Become Your Highest Vision,” “Now is the Time,” or “Held in the Heart,” can all be powerful ways to align the group mind toward the collective highest good. These are just some examples; feel free to experiment. If you feel called to sing a certain song at a certain time, certainly, go for it! If the group mind doesn’t pick up on a song you’re singing after four or five times through, it’s ok to stop singing it. It’s possible that the group mind may just not be ready to sing that particular song. There is a balance between supporting every voice in being heard, and in the length of time we sing any particular song or chant. Yes, there are many, many songs to sing. Yes, there is a deep and special magic that can occur when a song or a tone may extend to an hour. Again, we find the breathing balance of inhale and exhale, expansion and contraction. Trust the moment. By attending to what is happening, moment to moment, in the Fire Circle Shrine, we can get inspired to know what the next song could be. If a brother or sister steps in to offer a spoken word piece, we often find that the theme of it will lead beautifully into a song the group already knows. If someone enters wearing, say, an incredible bird mask or costume, we may instinctively know that “Fly Like an Eagle,” will be the right song at the right time. Look, listen and discover what is going on in the deeper layers, and you will be guided and you will know. Trust the process. Breathe. Release attachment to outcome. As we learn to attend to deeper and deeper layers of the ceremony, we carefully watch the actions of those within the Mars track and within the musician’s grove. Spontaneous ceremonies arise constantly in and around the Fire Circle, through the interactions of us all. Ceremonies of gifting and gratitude, of appreciation and respect, of honoring and acknowledgement, of sharing Love in all sorts of new demonstrations. In a moment of silence, simply pausing to gaze into the eyes of a friend, with pounding hearts and open eyes, sharing the breath of life and thinking “LOVE”- with no attachment, grasping or expectation, simply the moment of falling, falling into pure love… is healing, powerful, and transformative. As Jeff says, “This is all about coming up with new ways to show each other how much we love each other.” This magic happens only and always in the present moment. A great Indian sage named Bapuji said, “before you speak, consider…” Consider whether what you are feeling pulled to express is an improvement over the silence. Consider the intent behind the words. Remember, in time, the silence may breathe. When we allow for moments, or minutes, of clear silence, often, the angels may sing; the voice of the ancestors may speak, the trees may whisper secrets…. Consider…. When was the last time you were absolutely, perfectly silent? Imagine if an entire Shrine-full of celebrants, tuned into each other through a few hours of singing, and drumming and music, opened into that place of silent awareness for mystery? Where might we go in our de-light? What new song might arise? How far into the heart of love can we go? When a new song does come through, when a quiet voice steps in to start a song, the musicians, in the interest of being in harmonius interaction with the rest of the circle, can support the moment by listening, and by joining in the song. They also support the energy by allowing time for the song to build before joining in with instruments. This way, everyone in the circle has time to hear what is being sung, and has a chance to learn the words and the melodies. As musicians, there is a call for “us” to serve the moment until a solid foundation is created before adding other parts. As our music and practice evolve, we are learning to allow the songs to shape the rhythm that comes in. We open to new times, to new sounds, to new time signatures, to new instruments. We can learn a rhythm in seven, if we want to. We can learn how to fit a song that’s usually sung in 4/4 to 7/8 if we listen. C’mon, let’s get musical! When you’re ready to start a chant, you can consider this…. Before you step up to sing, hum it to yourself once or twice, to make sure you have all the words and that you’re starting on a note where you’ll be able to sing the song all the way through, in a comfortable range. In the excitement of the moment, it can be challenging to find a pitch that is comfortable. Wait for the circle to be slowing in energy, a pocket in the drumming, or a quieting. Step on the threshold of Mars, set your intention, take a deep breath. Make eye contact. It can be helpful beforehand, to let a few friends know of your intention, that way, you have the chance to have a group of voices all coming in together…. If we are mindful and aware of what we are singing, these spells and songs can truly add to the ritual. If the words we saying are perfectly in tune with the harmony of the moments, their effect can be palpable. This is one of the elements of the Breath of Life. The way the breath of life stays fresh is by inhaling, and by staying flexible. When we bring a new song to a Gathering, or one that hasn’t been heard in years, we are refreshing the web. So bring on the new songs, open the way for inspiration…. May we breathe, make music, and life, in harmony, all ways. Love, Spinner )0(

© 2005 Abigail Spinner McBride