Fire Alchemy 2024
Welcome to the imagery RECAP of Fire Alchemy 2024! Here you can feel more about the event as … a picture is worth a thousand words. If you’ve attended before or not, let yourself slip in to the feel of the community - the supportive space that allows for transformation, the laughter ringing through halls, and the hugs and smiles offered with consent. Oh, and the FIRE. Bring your awareness to how witnessing this fire in real life felt/could feel - the shining of each soul present to open into the bliss of being amongst others.
We thank our photographers “Crispy” Bill Moeller and Erin Grimm for capturing the magic of the event, and each and every volunteer, lead, and participant who made the event the magic it is. And big thanks to Ray Duran for putting the photos and bones of this recap post together!
(And we do hope that you’ll attend in the future…. pretty please!)
August First
Reflecting on Fire Alchemy 2024 through the photographic lens, we see how we gather to focus on self-healing and authenticity. We settle in for grounding and play as we ease into the container as created by community.
The day begins beautifully as we all arrive at the Castle, finding where we lay our heads and setting up our spaces.
Before the fire begins, our first ritual co-creates an elemental altar of the 4 directions & 4 elements.
Then, a bonfire & a flow jam get us moving in our bodies!
August Second
The learning and healing begins with intentional workshops that span from morning until evening. Skills are shared and inspiration ignited. An afternoon meeting gathers us to download information without being on our devices.
Our most sacred ritual of Fire Safety begins as the evening closes in - this is what defines an Ignite Fire Keeper at their core - the safe weilding of the fire in community. Our newbies do their virgin burns in small groups to put out flames with a mentor, as more experienced fire artists gather to chat advanced knowledge.
Our chant of “We’ve got fuel, we’ve got fire, we’ve got a burning desire…” echoes as we open the fire circle together.
Space is held for those burning their First Fire, as we all play and revel in the magic woven together.
August Third
The morning dawns, as we stretch our bodies, create art, walk in nature, and learn many different forms of flow arts! The afternoon’s “Rogue workshops” are decided at the afternoon meeting, and are fulfilling and directed by the group itself.
Continuing the fun with a pool party during the hot day brings giggles and splashes… and chocolate!
The Saturday fire circle opens with Alchemist’s prepared Prayerformances. Fire dance and play ensues by all - equally prayerformance in all aspects.
Groups gather for cozy portraits around the bonfire by Crispy as bumpin’ tunes keep us going late into the evening!
We close the night out with a circle and a delicious howl.
August Fourth
Our day begins with art play in nature & Dance Church! It’s Sunday, and we fill the day with more playful workshops and freeform shared experiences. (want to see the schedule? it’s here!)
Our evening begins with the Fire Prayer collectively done with everyone to open the fire circle - part closing ceremony & part continuation of the transformation. The bonfire portraits are continued by Crispy as we get wilder and more comfortable with all in the group.
August 5
Monday rises, and we carefully embark on our last ritual of reclaiming all our objects & packing our bags into cars to leave the Castle that has held us for the weekend, and years.
Our Ritual of Departure and Gratitude echoes as we all revel in the magic of the weekend, and await the reverberations of the transformation transpiring in our bodies and minds.
We stay connected in messages and small groups until next time. :)
We do hope you’ll return to the container if you’re already an Ignite Fire Keeper… and if you’re interested and new… YOU ARE WELCOMED! Please come to join this epic container if it calls you in any way. Listen to those nudgings, and know this might be your greatest opportunity for transformation. :)
See you there- our 2025 dates are June 18-22 FOR SOLSTICE~!
with big love,
Gaea & Ray
(and the whole FA team!)
Guests are welcomed by returning Alchemists to Stronghold Castle.
Building the fire circle altar as a community.
Flowing with silks around the eternal flame.
Flow choreography in one of our curated workshops.
Drake wielding a fire shovel prop.
The joy of your first fire is a treasure.
The community altar in the Great Room.
An ecstatic Prayerformance with fire fans.
A sincere and multi-generational Prayerformance with torches.
Flowing with a purple dragon.
A moment of The Ecstatic Dance workshop.
The Fire Prayer to close the gathering.
