Dancing the Fire: A Guide to Neo-Pagan Festivals and Gatherings

by Marian Singer

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806525347
• ISBN13: 9780806525341
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful handbook

I agree with both the previous reviewers. While there is a limit to what anyone can present in this limited format, this is really wondderful for participants and staff alike for any neopagan festival. Those who believe they're called to festival facilitation would do well to read how much of a life commitment this takes. Those who want to simply meet others, can look to discover what events really tug at the spirit-strings and have topics that support the soul. As the years go on it will become outdated but Singer has strongly encouraged double checking and using online resources to try and allay that problem.

A Basic Primer for Pagan Gathers

Marian presents a well-rounded, comprehensive book for the new Gatherer as well as the old. She gives equal weight to all aspects of a Pagan Festival, from the newest attendee, the lecturer, or to the organizer. Although many of her points are what one might call "common sense", she thoughtfully points out that common sense may not be so common. Ms. Singer takes the would-be Gatherer through what to expect at a festival and what to bring. More importantly she includes the what-not-to do and bring things as well. Her readers are gently led to choose a Gather that will be most enjoyable for them. She also discusses the mechanics of creating your own Gather; the joys and pitfalls of being a festival organizer are both considered. Ms. Singer speaks from her own experience of being a speaker/attendee of over 200 gathers. She shares some of the more humorous events of her travels, some of which make you shake your head in wonder at the audacity of some folks. She includes numerous spells and charms meant to enhance your travel and festival experience. The spells are set out in boxes throughout the text, making them easy to find for future reference after the reader has digested the main text of each chapter. The second half of the book contains an abridged listing of events and gatherings in the continental US and Canada. Each listing contains contact information, approximate timing of the event, facilities, service, amenities, (including wheelchair accessibility and the availability of interpretation for the deaf), and attendance costs, plus some listings have short descriptive paragraphs describing additional details. This is where I feel a very strongly written book was somewhat weakened. I realize that trying to provide a comprehensive list of all the possible events that happen in our community is literally impossible. No one could hope to list anywhere near all the events. The author does refer readers to witchvox.com, an on-line resource for the Pagan community that has numerous listings. I found the information in the book lacking an important item. The length of each event. As an experienced event attendee, I know an event can last anywhere from a single afternoon to several weeks. Many events happen to fall on different dates each year but their duration tends to be consistent. Another minor point that could be added to the listings is whether a site is alcohol-free or not. This is an excellent book and an easy read. W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

Everything You Ever Need to Know about Pagan Festivals

With the Festival season coming up on us, this book is a handbook on what to expect and how to handle neo-pagan festivals. Ms. Singer outlines some very appropriate information and gives us some timeless advice on what pagan festivals are all about and everything you may want to know about them. The book is divided into two sections, but the introduction should not be overlooked. This section contains Festival FAQ's which are priceless in their good, solid information and practical advices. The part one section then covers "Everything Else You Need to Know About Festivals: and part two covers "Major American and Canadian Festivals". There are some well deserved Acknowledgments and a good "Authors Note to Gathering Facilitators and My Readers", as well as an index for quick reference. But to get into the "meat and potatoes" part of the book, first read the Introduction. This is a well thought and put together section, in FAQ (frequently asked questions) format that asks just about every question you can think of regarding new-pagan festivals, and a few you didn't think to ask. The answers are thorough, and very "on the mark. If you find yourself asking about whether you should attend a festival, medical issues, what about clothing optional or what if I see something that should not be going on, the answers are here. Questions about what a festival is, what do I need, work passes and "Pagan Standard Time" are all here. The author is very complete in her FAQ's and my hat is off to her research and the care she put into this section. Her advices are excellent and should be repeated to many groups before starting a festival. In part two "Everything Else You Need to Know About Festivals" she covers anything else that may have been left out in the Introduction, and expands on other items covered in the FAQ. Which festival should I choose and why, what should I pack, what should I wear and what can I eat? What workshop should I attend, what vendors are the best, what about evening entertainment? While Ms. Singer does not tell you where to go and what to do, she does offer information to help you make intelligent choices about events, vendors and workshops that might be of interest to you personally. She also gives safety protocols, discusses what safety and protection steps should be in place at a festival you choose to attend and how to handle any medical or safety issues you personally need. And she offers the best advice anyone could possibly give you regarding going to festivals: Do research (check) on the festival, ask questions and get reviews and recommendations from others to help you understand what the event is about and whether it is the right event for you. If you don't like camping, then maybe a hotel event is for you. If you don't like cooking, find an event that offers meals, or has food available within a short distance from the event. Ms. Singer wants you to make sure the event fits you, your personal needs, and