Testimonials

"Forestdance was a beautiful demonstration of human community and will power, I feel blessed to have been there."

- Eli Carlton-Pearson

"Thanks again for all the work you do to create this amazing container where we can safely go deep within if we choose. For me; well, it’s my favorite thing to do--movment and sound coming from now with all the power of creation, for its own sake! A chance to be fully present, listening for the next step, letting go and just feeling/expressing where it takes me next. Listening for the space to respond “I hear you!” sometimes in beauty, sometimes in pain, its bliss! And to do this with beautiful mindlike brothers and sisters with sacred intention and humor in our heart ... well, pure yummminess!!"

- Eva Arriaga

"Forestdance was an amazing experience for me last summer. I felt so open to absorbing everything when I was there and I love the community of people and recognizing more faces from previous gatherings. The size of Forestdance makes it easier to connect with people. I was on this natural high that lasted for a few weeks after I got home. I started a new job which I loved and my phone kept ringing with more job opportunities. Things just seemd to turn around when I got back from the festival."

- Melissa Morrissey

"The Forest Dance in Petersham, MA. was the best. I felt safe enough to dance for the first time in a long time as if no one was watching. I truly felt moved. I had experiences, I thought lived in the world of the improbable, which now are reality."

- Billy Woods

"Going into Forestdance, I was wise to leave my expectations at home. They only would have gotten in the way. The beauty of the Sacred Land, the integrity of the participants, and the intimate atmosphere made this a supporting and safe place for me to work the deep majics and transformation. Not just drums and dance, but a Family of Spirits. I knew I was in the right place when the storm came and everyone kept going. The fire was hot, the drummers were hotter, and the dancing was truly in between the worlds. Fire performers, shooting stars, and spoken words weaving the wisdom of our Gods and Goddess, everyone had a chance to serve, to hold, to be held and to trance. To see so much love in action was humbling and inspirational. I am grateful to be included in such a vibrant Community, and Gods willing, I will dance and drum there again."

- Raven Marquez

Thanks, Jason and crew for bring Forestdance and the magick of the Sacred Fire Circle into my life. From the moment I stepped into the Sacred Fire Circle I knew I was hooked. The warmth, the love, the caring and sharing of everyone in the Circle was so powerful and you couldn't help but be comfortable and feel so accepted. I've never felt in a safer place to do my work and turn my lead into gold. This is definitely an experience that will never be forgotten and I look forward to sharing many more Fire Circles with you."

- MoonFeather

"... Forestdance, which I find to be the perfect combination of everything worthwhile in life: communion with our selves, each other, and all nature, self-expression through the body, in dance, song, music, poetry and art, and healing of mind and spirit in cycles, again and again."

-Nina Smolyar

"The first forestdance was probably the most amazing small festival I've ever attended. There were enough people with the intention of love and celebration that the mojo was strong, but not so many people that I couldn't find time to connect with most of them. Each Forestdance I've been to since has built on that first one, with clear intention around the fire, coherent ritual that shapes the energy but does not restrict personal spirituality, a strong focus on community, and intense mojo."

- Papillon

"It's better than drugs"

- Noemi Bowman, Normandy, France

"For me, Forest Dance is a magical container for personal transformation. It is a place to honor the land, the community and the spirit. The festival is held in a beautiful place. You can feel the sacred intention that is being held by all involved. When I am there I am surrounded by many shining beautiful faces, most who I know, some who are new to me. The energy of the fire circle is very dynamic. It is a place where I can feel myself open up and unfold completely...I am safe and held here. It is truly amazing to witness this opening in myself and others! One thing I most love about Forestdance is that is very intimate. It was easy to connect with everyone."

- Leah Shapiro

"I have been to a Forestdance and would like to be included in info on upcoming gatherings and tours. A memory of Forestdance was seeing the fire area get prepared with a huge amount of focus and intention, the same firepit I found myself dancing around reluctantly a few times, slowly building into a rythym and through the dance interacting with a dear friend, and building, and letting go and letting flow, and next thing I noticed that my friend was dancing behind me and before long I let go again and soon I was off on a tidal wave riding the rhythm in all its power and drive. I remember flying around the fire on my toes, moving with lots of creativity and energy, totally sober, yet in a non-normal state of conciousness driven by the rhythm. I also remember loving some awesome yoga in the mornings, and the feeling of community that built in the handful of days."

- Jacob Zammito

"This has been one of the best fire circles that I have been touched by!"

- Nick Cannizzaro

"I love Forestdance. Other people crawl on the ground there too"

- Rabin Sol Lieberman, Las Vegas, NV

"The participants of my sound workshop at ForestDance arrived amazingly open and willing to try anything; it was my best group so far! Jason has done a wonderful job in creating a festival in which everyone is presented with opportunity to experience true heart connections, like a coming home, like family. I will most certainly be back and will recommend any other events that Jason puts together."

- Kerem, ReSounding Peace, Sound Healing practitioner and workshop facilitator

"I'm just getting in from Summerset. I have to tell you it was the best one I can remember thus far. In large part... this is due to the group Incus and the wonderful mastery of fire circle magick that was demonstrated last night by Jason Cohen, it's leader.

"Anyone who has studied or led ecstatic dance circles would readily admit to being skeptical about whether a serious one can actually take place in an open setting like the main firepit at a pagan festival. Jason puts that skepticism to rest. His unique approach is like no other I have experienced. And WOW!"

- From Susan Herger of Snakes' Rising

"Forestdance was a wonderful experience for me last year. The energy was intimate and warm, which matched the sounds and movements around the fire. To see so many wonderful people together in harmony always reminds me of how blessed I am to be surrounded by such an incredible community. I look forward to returning this year, and to creating more magic together."

- Shawn Starkweather