On August 5th, I went to Dandelion Communitea Cafe (618 N Thornton Ave, Orlando FL) to sketch the New Moon Circle. Each and every New and Full moon, people gather to celebrate the cycle of time. The Moon Circles are non-religious, and open for people of any walk,
faith, race or creed to come and enjoy. This a sacred space where you
can express your true self with music, rhythm, dance and trance. These rhythm circles are geared for musicians that play softer drums
like frame, tabla, jugs, bells or any other type of light percussion
instruments. Guitar, sitar, didgeridoo, signing bowls, flute, harmonica,
signing and laughter also have a home under the Bodhi Tree which is in the garden beside Dandelion Communitea Cafe. The circles are a way to celebrate harmony in the community.
Borrowing from Native American, East Indian, Middle East and Celtic
traditions the music experienced here excites, sooths and nourishes
and your mind, body and soul. The Drum circle is organized by the Florida School of Holistic Living. The school, seeks 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. They believe 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.
On this evening several dozen people gathered in a circle which was lit with an LED light strip. In the center of the circle was a metal bucket full of candles. A young woman lit the candles as it grew dark. Storm clouds gathered darkening the sky early. I used my weather radar app on my iPhone and it looked like a small storm cell was heading our way. I sketched as fast as I could. It began to rain with sporadic large drops at first and then a waterfall. I put up my umbrella and kept working. A tent was erected and the remaining musicians huddled under it. Despite the thunder and lightning several women danced in the rain lifting their arms to the sky as they spun. The candles had long since been snuffed out by the rain, but when the rain stopped, they were dried off and re-lit. The drumming and dancing continued as I left with my soggy sketchbook.
Mark Your Calendar! On Saturday September 21st,
the Largest Drum Circle in the World will happen as people around the world drum on Peace One Day 2013. Drumming in Orlando will begin at 10:30am. The exact location has yet to be determined.