ECSTATIC DANCE

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 starting at 10 am.

Location: Chula Vista campground – 100 yards down the right trail next to the Ski Patrol Lodge at the top of Mt Pinos car park. Please park your vehicle with the nose faced out, in case of fire or emergency evacuation.  

General Protocol: This is a sacred ceremony – NO ALCOHOL, DRUGS or SMOKING permitted. Generally the ceremony takes place first with the potluck and social time following. Please be discreet entering or leaving the fire circle area, especially during the ceremony. There are two pit toilets close by and the parking lot to vehicles is about 100 yards away if you need to make a call or text someone. During the ceremony, an elder will explain and prompt the invitation for family and guests participation - please follow their lead. It is good etiquette to remove your hat and leave it on your chair before being smudged and entering the circle. If you have a disability, please let someone know that you need assistance. If you don't feel called to enter the circle, please remain reverent by holding space quietly and witnessing. 

(It is important to note that we are all participating rather than spectating.) 

Dress Code: Women/girls - long full skirt or dress, respectful neckline blouse/top that covers the shoulders and/or has sleeves, soft flat shoes that allow you to feel the earth, a shawl and a broad brimmed hat for the sun. 

Men/boys - Long pants, casual shirt with sleeves, comfortable shoes that allow you to feel the earth, hat/visor for the sun (no shorts, tees, tank tops or flip flops please.) 

Everyone - any personal talismans or jewelry that you usually wear, feels appropriate or you feel called to wear to a sacred prayer ceremony with celebration. 

What to Bring: Your authentic self, heart and prayers - this is a special time in a powerful place. A folding chair, small tarp or blanket to sit on - a shade parasol or easy to erect canopy if you are sun sensitive - (Summer Solstice, midday at 8,500 feet), lots of water, your own plate, dish, mug & utensils and set up for any of your guests or family (this will save a lot of paper and plastic trash clean up that normally has to be hauled out by the elders and their families who do not live here).  A small trash bag or wet wipes to clean off your plates - "Pack it in-Pack it out". A small healthy dish that is easy to share and transport, some easier suggestions could be freshly prepared fruit such as a melon/papaya/berries in a ziplock bag, or non insect attracting snacks - such as trail mix, corn chips, etc. 

Cameras/phones: Please understand that out of respect and tradition, there are to be NO PHOTOS or VIDEO's taken before, during or immediately after the ceremony.  Do ask permission first from an elder if you wish to take any photos outside of the circle or nearby during the pot luck and social time. Please place your phone on airplane mode with the ringer off, or even better leave it in the glove compartment of your vehicle. 

What not to Bring: Pets, unless of course they are service dogs, are leashed, well behaved and can be with you or a family member. They are not permitted in the fire circle area. 

Gifts: It is traditional for gifts to be exchanged between the elders, their families and honored guests that may not have seen each other in a long time or the previous year.  If you feel called to offer something as your way of showing gratitude - a packet of loose tobacco is always a welcome gift, a simple handshake and a verbal thank you to the elders is also very appreciated.