There's a lot to learn and the mysteries are really only passed through experience.
There are fires all over the world connected to this emergent tradition. Not sure which will be closest to Chicago -- probably one of the ForestDances.

This is absolutely worth flying for -- many of us fly all over the place following the fire, and attendees hail from many continents.

Some members of our tribe, the ones featured in the video, have been working on some documents you might find interesting and helpful. Their Resourcery is posted here: www.4qf.org/_FiresRising/_res_index.htm

Try the links to the right on this page to read about how the different elements fit into the framework.
These documents offer some perspectives and a starting point for exploring this practice.

Not all of the fire circles in the broader fire circle family use an overt alchemical nomenclature or ceremonial framework, however I affirm that all of the circles embody what I would call real world, practical and experiential, alchemy. Not all of these circles would agree with the contents of these articles, either, so keep in mind that all the circles have their own flavor, their own customs, their own interpretations.

The basic practices and methods for engagement are relatively consistent, and all the circles cross-pollinate to some degree.

You might also enjoy the Sacred All Night Fire Circle tribe -- it's in my tribe list. This is a forum where all the all-night fire circle groups and events can share space.

Hello Yahazim and everybody,

I'm going to reiterate what Professora Liz wrote.... There is a definite culture of Firecircle (I use it as one word, capitalized) that is distinct from just any fire circle or bonfire or drum circle or whatever else. I'm not a classical Aclchemist, but I will try to contribute to this thread.

I would say the first things are setting the parameters, both Intent, and Boundaries. This is creating the vessel. The entire structure is metaphorical, and that metaphor can be rather surprisingly illuminative. Every emotional, psycic and energetic state that one may care to embody during the Firecircle process has an Alchemical countenance, at least as far as I have experienced. In this way, the Great Work is moving through a Great Metaphor.

As for permanent change, for what are you really asking? What is truly permanent? Even the stars in Heaven are temporal, and fade away in their own time. For us mere mortals, is it not enough to experience a Transformation that has substantial and visceral impact, and is a further step along our path? I would not say the Firecircle experience is "permanent" when measured in the same scale as the universe, but indeed can be "permanent", and a lasting change in the scale of one's own lifetime.

That being said, the processes of Conjunctio, Negrido, Rubio, etc. are quite palpable within the Great Work of the Great Metaphor. These steps, as psyco-spiritual processes, will be present even if the Great Metaphor is understated, or unrecognized. It is through a more deliberate decision to emphasize the Great Metaphor that the narrative unfolds more or less plainly to an observation.

For myself, I should say I am an Instigator of a Firecircle, one that is about to take place in a rural part of Czech Republic. For our nascent little group, the whole concept of Alchemy and the details of the Great Metaphor are not placed in great emphasis, yet. The process, and the quality of the comunity around the Firecircle, are open to whatever the participants bring in, and in this way the Vessel remains also a Melting Pot. We have language issues that are quite different than one finds elsewhere, for starters, so front-loading the Firecircle experience with a lot of theoretical or explained information is just too much.

The workings, however one wants to name them, remain and the process continues. The technology resides in aspects such as willful engagement, conscious music making, close observation and mutual support, maintenance of a clean Vessel, and a few unpredictable catalists mixed in.

I hope that's of some help,
Ciao,
Bilhelm

I'd like to reply directly to Yahazim's inquiry as to the "alchemical scaffold" of the Firecircle.
The model that Jeff and Abby work with is drawn directly from the Magickal arts of the Western Mysteries- from the Rosecrucians to the Celts. They are Alchemists in the highest sense of inner-personal, transformative work. All the traditional Alchemical terminology and methods are present at the Alchemical Firecircle. And on the same note, Jeff and Abby are just wise enough to not let the "Kablahblah" get in the way.

To "break down" the alchemical workings of the Alchemical Firecircle here would be a disservice to it. It is an experience and a process, not a scientific formula to be replicated and rubber-stamped. Each Firecicle formula is different due to differences in the organizers spiritual backgrounds, and each Firecircle is different due to the different constellation of people attending. Not every Firecircle is Alchemical in the technical, traditional sense- but I would say that every Firecircle (the kind that deserves a capital F) is alchemical in the general, universal sense. Alchemy is both a specific traditional spiritual path, as well as a pervasive, all-encompassing process found throughout Nature.

Most here are probably familiar with the fact that a majority of traditional Alchemical lore was written down, not in words and doctrine, but in art and symbolism. So it is with the Firecircle. The true inner mysteries come through the process of actually engaging in it and feeling the essence of it- not by reading it to "prove" its alchemical nature. Strange and powerful things happen 'round yon Firecircle- things that I can only imagine happening around one, or around some other sort of trance-formative ceremony of Magickal nature.

So I would say, you want to see the proof that the Alchemical Firecircle is truely Alchemical? Go to FiresRising.
Want to start an Alchemical Firecircle of your own? You'll not get even close if you've not been initiated.

~P

The Tao that can be Youtubed is not the Tao!

Wonderful! The first Taoist Firecircle mantra!

~P