At the school, we seek to connect our community with the planetary cycles that affect all of us, even in urban environments, such as seasonal cycles, planting cycles, and lunar cycles. It is our belief that by living in greater harmony with the natural cycles that guide us, we develop a greater relationship to the planet and thus it becomes easier to walk our path lightly upon her. To help our community connect with the lunar cycle, we celebrate the New Moon and Full Moon with community circles. These family-friendly events feature drumming, dance, chanting, singing, local artists, healing, and much more. The energy of the circles shifts with the lunar cycles and is different each circle.
For three years, the heart of our Moon Circles has been the community drum circle. In service and gratitude, we offered this element to help our community reach its highest potential through rhythm, with an intention to serve, to inspire and to reach beyond what separates us. Playing music together puts us in touch with the creative force that directly connects with our humanity. Each of us carries our rhythm every day, even if we've never drummed before. We walk in rhythm…our heart beats in rhythm…we breathe in rhythm… When we take that rhythm and express it as a thread in the woven fabric of our circle, we realize how our uniqueness blends with that of others to create a rich tapestry of community.
In the course of three years, connecting with each other every Moon, we have watched a beautiful, strong, vibrant community blossom. The tremendous healing and community growth that has occurred in this circle has amazed and uplifted everyone who has participated. It has been an honor and blessing to share these sacred spaces with you to heal, express, and create together as a community.
Our community circles grew so large and beautiful that in January 2009, we were forced from our original space in the garden, due the volume of our circles and neighbor concerns. Shine On Yoga provided the circles a temporary space for our gatherings, but at their request we will no longer be able to continue our drum circles at their location. May 9, a Full Moon and also Wesak (the Buddha's birthday) marks our final African-style drum circle on Thornton Avenue.
Moon Circles will continue in the Florida School of Holistic Living's Community Education Garden, just without the loud African Drumming component (I.e. djembes, djun djuns, and cowbells). Starting with the New Moon on Saturday May 23, we will honor the Lunar Cycle with Music Circles in the Garden. Meditation, massage, reiki, flutes, guitars, frame drums, tablas, and other musical instruments of a low volume will be welcome. Come sit in the garden and enjoy a moment to heal and commune each New and Full Moon. These events are co-hosted by our neighbors at the Healing Arts Sanctuary and Dandelion Communitea Cafe.
Children are welcome but must be supervised at all time; please leave dogs at home to ensure a peaceful, safe event.
Moon Circles are supported by YOUR DONATIONS. The Florida School of Holistic Living is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and your donations are tax-deductible. Click here to support these circles.
You can support the circle through your volunteer support, as well. Contact us to lend a hand setting up, cleaning up, or serving as a Drum Circle Guardian to ensure drum circle etiquette, including smoking policies, are respected.
Moon Circles are scheduled as often as possible to coincide with the exact date of the New or Full Moon. However, sometimes circumstances require our circles vary from the moon by one or two days. Please consult a Moon Calendar for specific dates new and full moon dates and times.
Click HERE for a video from the Orlando sentinel about our drum circles.
http://www.orlandosentinel.
New to Drum Circles? New to Ours? Learn more about Drum Circle Etiquette here for a better idea of what to expect, what to bring, and community etiquette to help you feel more comfortable and enjoy your experience.
Connect with the local drum community.
