This ceremonial gathering specifies specific arrival times in order to create a safe space for the community to do deep interpersonal work.  We close the gates and folks are asked to not come during times that are not designated. 

Can I come and go as I please?

In order to strengthen the ceremonial work we do, once you have arrived at the gathering, we will ask that you do not come and go.  You of course can leave whenever you need to, but re-admission to the event is not allowed.  Traveling to the swim hole in Petersham is not permitted.  

How can I get involved and help make Forestdance a success? 

There are all kinds of ways you can help! You can bring small percussion instruments to share, bring extra snacks and clean water bottles for the fire circle, bring sacred objects to help decorate the altars and beautify the site. Bring your clearest and highest intentions with you. Most importantly, spread the word to people who might be interested in attending, especially to people from other states who might not otherwise hear about the event. There will also be a list at the gathering for ways you can tap into helping. Feel free to email us registrar@forestdance.net if you'd like to get involved before the gathering. 

Can I teach or be on staff?

Staff and teachers are chosen long before the event, so it is highly unlikely you will be able to do work exchange at the last minute.  We also prefer that people experience the Forestdance fire circle once as an attendee before being in service as a teacher, though we have made exceptions to this ideal.  

What is the drug and alcohol policy of Forestdance? 

Forestdance does not support the use of illegal substances on the properties we lease from for our gatherings. Illegal usage is strictly prohibited. Very often, you will read a sentence like the two above in any festival's or gathering's guidelines that are written to protect the organizers. That said, many on the staff may have enjoyed partying at different times, and some may even be willing to get together with you and do so at some point in the future. However, we ask and highly suggest that everyone take this opportunity to explore magical space without the use of any drugs or alcohol. There are many reasons for this. We will be engaging in the process of fine-tuning ourselves, rather than doing anything that will remove us from one another or tune us out from our own greatest subtleties. In our experience, we have everything we need to attain incredible heightened states of consciousness without the aid of any altering substances.

Furthermore, the ability to retain the experience and integrate it into our daily lives is far more sustainable without altering ourselves. Our sacred circle model offers an opportunity to step into an environment that truly holds us in the highest vision of ourselves. For us this vision is a space that is free of addiction or habitual mind-altering substances. Also, others that have addiction problems or engage in habitual drug use are far more likely to partake if folks around them are offering or are carrying a vibration in which they are partying.

Furthermore, Earthlands, and the H.O.M.E. Farm have very strict policies about not having any illegal drugs on site. During the all-night Fire Circle process it is often difficult to achieve a place of true openness. The sense of a barrier or a wall is a common result. However, with continued participation and service within the circle, breaking through to a place of empowered embodiment will happen. Thank you for respecting these boundaries. 


What to bring

GENERAL NOTES: No matter where in the country we are, it may get quite cold late at night so please bring what you need to dress in layers. Bring a flashlight - the moon may not be visible. Consider bringing a battery operated alarm clock (best if covered and we suggest not bringing watches into the sacred circle), earplugs, and all natural bug repellent. Please bring a tent (unless you have made other arrangements) and plenty of warm and comfy bedding, and please bring extra if you can - we need more for the "nesting areas." These are places outside the fire circle to rest during the night. Some people bring folding chairs to set up farther outside the circle and in the nesting areas. Please bring your own cup, bowl, plate, utensils and water bottle clearly labeled! We will have some in case you forget. You will be responsible for cleaning your dishes, whether they are yours or ours. Bring poems for the Poetry Circle and any musical instrument and a song or three for the Bardic Circle. Consider contributing anything you would like to offer to the community or lending anything to an altar, such as sage, candles, something to burn sage in, seashells, feathers, crystals, etc. Please bring food and snacks for the food/community altar. These we are offering to each other as sustenance for the all-night circles. Aim for healthy and nourishing items, though chocolate-covered espresso beans do tend to disappear quickly. Please bring eco-friendly toiletries and your own towel. There will be a Gifting Circle at the end of the gathering so please bring something to give away to the community if you feel so called. The Gifting Circle can be quite an amazing experience.

FOR INSIDE THE FIRE CIRCLE: Drums, RATTLES (so important), and other percussion such as cowbells. Instruments other than drums and percussion are welcome in the sacred circle, but their use must be discussed beforehand with a facilitator after Forestdance Orientation. Chants, songs, masks, costumes and elaborate clothing are welcome, as are body and face paint and your intentions. (What would you choose to manifest in your life and for your life?)

Here is a checklist: Costumes, masks Warm clothing, layers Walking shoes Tent, sleeping bag, comfy bedding, Battery-operated alarm clock, Flashlight, Earplugs, Natural bug repellant, Sunscreen, Rain cover, Bathing suit, Towel, Eco-conscious toiletries, your medications if you need any, Water bottle, Your own cups and bowls labeled with your name, utensils, Nesting blankets and chairs, camp chairs (not around the fire), Ground cover to sit on, Snacks for the food altar, Personal roll of tp (free of perfumes & bleaches), Bring a solar shower if you have one, Ziplock bags to carry out your wet trash, Instruments, Drums, Shakers, rattles, extra ones too for the percussion altar, Decorations for the altars, Massage oils and tables, Clear intentions for shaping our reality.