Eve Arthur - Drum circle

Our campus drum circle was really interesting (and a bit chilly). It was a great experience, and the structure was different from how I typically view such an event. My friends (Peso!) and I attend drum circle in Norfolk whenever we are able, at a little eclectic pagan shop called Mystic Moon. Held on monday nights, drum circle at the Moon is a gathering of some of the most animated characters you'll ever meet. There are two distinct crowds: the drummers and dancers, who are there to truly participate in the intended ritual, and the social types, who mainly come to hang out, chat, and smoke. The purpose of drum circle is to raise energy for healing, through the feet of the dancers and the hands of the drummers. At a point where high energy is present within the circle, Brian (an owner of the Moon and facilitator of drum circle and other magickal events) enters the space and reads off a list of names to whom the healing is directed. After voicing the names of our loved ones, Brian casts the list into the flames of the central fire, and the participants all hoot and holler to send the energies to those in need.

It was strange to participate in a drum circle where the use of vocal chords was taboo. I especially liked the concept of switching instruments - it seemed to suggest non-attachment, and at the same time inter-connectedness with the people around us and the earth beneath us. I'd like to know the significance of circling twice around the space - was this of dualistic meaning? I hope we have more drum circles in the future, I really like doing interactive, kinetic activities. It was good to see Kelly again too after the Maine trip (and the progress of his facial hair).