Processions
By Dan Furst
A procession sets the focus and feel of being in sacred
space even before the celebrants enter the main ritual area of the Fire
Circle. By aligning the group through chant and music, archetypal images
and costumes, and brief rituals en route, a good procession builds wonder,
excitement, and the joy
of sacred play.
1.) The Basic Pattern of almost any procession is two abreast,
as people can most easily maintain the shape of the procession by aligning
themselves with those who are next to and in front of them. Within this
framework, some variations:
Two-yard chant and drum: each pair keeps a distance of about
two yards behind the pair in front of them. This is best for keeping
chant and drums on rhythm.
Six-yard Huuuu and bells: each pair walks about six yards
behind the pair in front of them. A "starter" who cues each
couple to go is useful for this. All in the procession chant the Huuuu
vowel. Every other pair gets a bell which it rings ad lib, so that
there is a distance of 12 yards between one bell and the next. In
a long procession that extends 100 yards or more, the bell effects
punctuating the Huuuu are beautiful and magical.
Lights: Candles and other lamps can also be arranged to make
a very beautiful chain of light -- though in practice, most Firetribe
processions are likely to have a single torch-bearer, or several,
or a Maker of Fire who actually starts the fire once the whole procession
is inside the ritual circle.
2.) The Corridor is a variation on the two-abreast pattern.
Once the procession reaches the portal or another switch point, everyone
stops, turns inward and takes a step or two back, so that each pair
now faces each other, with a space between them of about 4 feet (if
one person at a time is to go through the corridor) or 6 feet (if two
at a time). The procession then resumes from the rear, with those who
are in back going through the corridor. The idea here is that each person
or pair goes through an energy tunnel formed by all the people in the
procession. Some versions of the Corridor:
Chant and drum: Through a wide 6-foot Corridor, chanters
and drummers move two-by two, eyes open. This often is best for large
processions in which it's important to keep a solid chant and drum
rhythm.
Blind walk: Through a narrower 4-foot Corridor, one person
at a time moves with eyes closed, being guided by the hands, chant
and drum rhythm of people in the corridor.
Angel Walk: This variation of the Blind Walk is relatively
silent. One person at a time is guided by the hands and words of Corridor
people who lean in to whisper their praise, affirmation, and appreciation
of each one who passes through. It's best to slow down the walk tempo
on this one, as there's an inherent trust issue in the Angel Walk
that will make some people uncomfortable, so they'll tend to speed
up and rush through the Corridor. This very empowering procession,
in which each one gets bathed in the loving words of dozens of others,
often works well as a recessional that sends people buzzing into the
night after the circle ritual is done.
3.) Stations are people posted singly or in pairs or groups along
the procession route, so that the procession passes between them, and
they guide, bless and purify the people as they go through. We are already
doing simple Stations by placing smudge givers and didjeridoos just
outside the portal. Other versions that would be easy and fun to try:
Four Element Stations: Flanking the starting point of the
procession are two people who sprinkle sand (representing Earth) on
each one who passes through. At the halfway point, two people use
ti leaves and bowls to sprinkle Water. Near the portal, pairs of didjeridoos
blow Air on those who go through, and the Fire purification is done
by Smudge Givers just outside the portal.
Riddles: The procession stops once or a few times along the
route to answer riddles from a guardian, sphinx or other gatekeeper.
One person near the head of the procession can be designated to answer
the riddle for the whole group. The answer to the riddle can be a
one- or two-line chant that the group repeats until it hits the next
riddle.
4.) The Order of Procession will vary from one festival to another,
though some elements will tend to repeat. A Priest, Priestess and/or
Archetypal Figure (Venus, the Green Man, Luna, Pan, Saturn, Bridhe,
etc.) will usually lead. Smudge givers and didjeridoos will go next,
so they can take their positions near the portal. In the middle is the
main body of Chanters and Drummers, then the Ritual Dancers and Quarter
Callers (who will either carry unlit torches or receive them as they
enter the portal). The Maker or Bringer of Fire.
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