I woke up at Sirius Rising, a festival on a land that lives in liminal time. Like many other folk have expressed, as soon as I arrived, I knew I had come home.
Once you have been around the bend, you will never be the same.
Brushwood is a magickal place and the land is incredible. From the moment I arrived the creative force of the land and the great folks there just called to me so much so I am struggling to find words to describe my experience.
As you roll into Brushwood there is a sign on the little bridge you have to cross to get into the main area and it reads “once you have been around the bend, you will never be the same.”
Well, ain’t that the truth.
Most nights found me dancing at the main fire to more amazing drumming. The energy of the fire, the drums, the people turning and moving together; feeling the ebb and flow, the weaving of the primal threads that connect us all.
In between vending duties, I had time to attend some workshops…I checked out the belly dancing class on “Water” (This was my first belly dance class since losing Rose last winter. For those that know me a little more so, will understand the significance of the actual ability for me to attend such a class) and Ancient Blue; Body Art with Indigo Blue taught be Catherine Cartwright-Jones (which was awesome). I also went to the “Raquey and The Cavemen” performance and was totally blown away by their masterful middle eastern drumming.
Full Moon on Friday and the Sirius Rising community led a beautiful Spirit Ritual at their Labyrinth (a very large Labyrinth sited on the upper field in the meadow, lit with candles, sun setting, moon rising, mist rising….) By the time Dawn touched the land, I had walked the Labyrinth three times; once with my Sirius community, once for myself and once to hold sacred space with a healing connection just before dawn.
Saturday night culminates with the final Ritual combining all the Elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth; and Spirit. Each year has a focus and this year is being on building communication as a community and dedicated to the Thunderbird.
With early morning light tinting the skies and drums beating in the distance, I finally lay my head down to sleep.
