Spiral Dance 1996 CO1

Spiral Dance 1996

I fondly remember doing the Spiral Dance often at the Tampa CUUP's Circles. Women, men, children, if you could walk you could dance. We affectionately called it Crack the Witch! Anyone over 50 grabbed the front of the line because it was a walking pace. The young'uns grabbed the end of the line because they had to run to keep up or they got whipped off the line! We often had 'catchers' stationed around the outside edge of the Circle to keep people safe. It was a challenge, and a great way to raise energy.

Instructions

The Dance was usually started by an Elder. They would begin by slowly walking widdershins (counter-clockwise) in a wide circle, left hand extended. As they passed people would join the line grasping the left hand of the next in line. As the line grew the lead would begin spiraling in, completing one, two, three circles and more until the line stopped growing. When the lead reached the center they would do a quick reverse and begin walking deosil (clockwise) the outgoing line now passing those still spiraling in. It wasn't unusual to hear greetings and laughter as people passed those they knew. 

I have many fond memories of my times with Tampa CUUP's; of the numerous Full Moon Circles and Sabbat Celebrations that I attended or helped to present.

Circle challenge - 'How do you enter this Circle?'

Response - 'In perfect love, and perfect trust.'

Go Mbeannaigh

          (Gaelic, Ireland - Blessed Be)

Sonqongi Apukuna Wak'aychasunkiku

          (Quechua, Peru - May the Heart of the Mountain bless you)

Xut Kala Xetl

          (Tlingit, Alaska - Blessed Be)