It is time. Time for the “Plain
Language” portion of The Plain language Pagan! Time to explain certain words
and concepts, as I understand them! I will use many and sundry internet dictionaries
and the like, as well as books. Yes, let’s all collectively gasp at that word. “Books”
real, holdable, rich smelling, needing to use your eyes, Books! I do read them!
Without further ado, let’s get
into our first phrase.
Spiral Dance:
Wikipedia defines it as follows;
The spiral dance usually involves
a drumming group and a chant or song in addition to the dancers. All members
present hold hands and follow a leader in a counter-clockwise motion using a
grapevine step. As the leader comes near closing the circle, he or she whips
around and begins moving clockwise while facing the rest of the dancers. By
continuing this formation, every dancer in the line will eventually be face to
face with every other dancer.
In some close-knit circles, where
people are comfortable with the idea, a kiss is given to each person at the
moment they pass each other in the dance. In some cases kissing may be
discouraged upon during large or public rituals, due to disruptions of the
rhythm of the dance.
Rather neat sounding, yes?
Wiktionary defines it thus: spiral dance (Noun)-A neo-pagan group dance emphasizing
community and rebirth
Community, and rebirth? Those are
something to consider!
A dance where you love, and
respect one another. A dance where you want to see the best of someone in hopes
they succeed, and want the same for you?
The 3 dances I have been in were
all that is described. A sense of fun, well being, and belonging! After a long ceremony,
that feeling is rather uplifting! You can even stumble, and the fact that you
are holding hands means that you will not fall. It means that you are
supported!
Now, you know what Spiral Dance
means, and can read more for yourself!
Tell me, do you have words or
phrases that others have used you’d like defined? Ask me to define them here! I
will try, and then, we can learn together!
Merry meet!
Merry Part!
Merry Meet Again!
One detail they don't mention about spiral dances is that in larger, open circles, certain dancers can get rather exuberant compared to others. The overall effect can be a bit like an earth worm moving along. Some areas get bunched up while others get all stretched out.
ReplyDelete-this also has the effect that you can, at times, feel like your shoulders are being yanked out of their sockets. Circle organizers try to discourage this, but it still happens.
Of course, by the time the dance is done, I always found I really didn't care. The energy buzzing through you is such a rush....