MOONDANCE
IRELAND

Information and Guidelines for Dancers

The Moondance is a transformative ceremony that brings women together in a sacred circle, where they pray to the Goddess for the well-being of humanity, connect with their feminine essence and heal their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.

Any woman who is at least 17 years old and holds physical and mental health that permits her to go through this prayer, is invited to join. Should you like to be a dancer at the ceremony, please carefully review the sections on information, guidelines, and registration pages found on this website. We want to emphasize that these prayers and ceremonies are very profound and life-changing. It is not a festival or casual entertainment. We strongly believe that respect is a fundamental value to be honored during the ceremony, remember that we are reflections of each other, and it is important to be respectful and kind. The Moondance forms networks based on respect for each other and Mother Earth that will create a synergy for the benefit of life.

 Everyone is welcome, and we want to ensure that you understand the significance of this prayer. Therefore, please read all the information thoroughly.

 Thank you!

THE MOONDANCE

The Moondance is a spiritual journey that, in order to be fully prepared, participants are asked to commit to for a minimum of four years of consecutive attendance. The ceremony happens once every year during the summer, but still, we have workshops and ceremonies around the year to go deeper into the study and integration of this tradition which involves songs, drumming, Aztec dance, and herbal medicine. Each year on the journey involves going through the different aspects of life represented by the four directions, and each year of the dance is valuable, we can see internal changes happening during this time. If there are circumstances preventing you from attending for a year, such as illness or childbirth, you can let the Meztli Ehecamitl Mihtotia Council know about it so that we know that you wish to continue with your commitment but won´t attend the ceremony for the time being.  Women who choose to participate in the Moondance adhere to a four-day fasting period where they only consume water, tea, and a small amount of honey if necessary. In addition, they participate in eight Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies throughout the dance, with sessions occurring at each sunset and sunrise. These rituals, combined with ancient chants, dance, and prayer, can create a profound sense of unity in the divinity. 

During the dance, fasting is done to slow down our bodies and give us a chance to connect with our inner selves and tune to the feminine energy, the moon's power, and nurturing subtle energies. Honey is provided during the ceremony to keep the energy level up. Water and homemade electrolyte drinks are also offered to the dancers during the ceremony. There are no entheogenic or hallucinogenic plants used for this ceremony, we believe in the personal power attained by the inner work itself and not from an external benefactor like a plant or drug. Please don’t bring any mind-altering plant, drug or entheogenic, either for yourself or to share it with others.

Pregnant or lactating women and those with illnesses are allowed to eat and drink accordingly, please mention it in your request letter if this is your case. Pregnant women in their first trimester are not allowed to participate due to the delicacy and rest needed for the baby, and in a deeper sense, the seeding of a new being is a whole ceremony in itself which should be respected. Each participant is responsible for their own health and must inform the council of any special conditions or medications. Inside and outside the circle, women are encouraged to care for and respect each other while maintaining privacy, freedom, and safety. Dancers have to stay in the campsite for at least 5 days with the recommendation of 7 days including a day to arrive and a day to integrate the experience. They should also remain in the circle during the night for the dance, with exceptions made for urgent cases. Short breaks are scheduled through the night in the ceremony so women can rest, smoke the sacred pipe, and do personal care if needed.

Dancers are requested to bring 52 prayer ties filled with tobacco and medicinal plants. During the ceremony, these will carry all the prayers and intentions of the circle. You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare your ties once you register for the dance.

 Dancers are asked to invite a person of their trust to be their supporter during the ceremony, it could be their partner, family, or friend, they would pray for their acquaintance, be there for emotional support, and also eat on their behalf to keep their energy levels high. Helpers are very needed prior to, during, and after the Moondance. All genders are welcome to be helpers in our Moondance Meztli Ehecamitl.

 Please take the time to read this entire page carefully. 
Thank you and welcome!

 MOONDANCE CEREMONIAL DRESS

We dress in special ceremonial white attire that all dancers have prepared beforehand, the purpose of the outfit is to unite the dancers in one prayer and be able to focus on the spiritual realm rather than the material aspect.

The outfit consists of three clothing items: Huipil, Quechquemetl and Cueitl (long shirt, skirt, and poncho). It is requested that these items be white and made from natural fabrics like cotton or hemp and they should follow the design guidelines. 

As part of the outfit, we wear a crown made of wildflowers and medicinal plants on our heads.
We are also encouraged to wear “Coyoleras” or ankle rattles that are reminders of our ancestors walking with us every step of the way, they also keep our joints warm and protected.

To step into the dance circle, we are asked to wear leather sandals or moccasins otherwise barefoot, avoiding all kinds of rubber soles. The clothing should be comfortable and respectful for dancing. Since it is a ceremony, we should avoid short skirts or tight blouses. If it's cold, it's a good idea to wear warm clothes underneath these pieces, so it's better if they are loose.

It's important to remember that the nights in Ireland's summer could get cold and wet. Make sure to pack up warm white accessories such as a raincoat, hat, gloves, sweater, thermal underwear, and leg warmers. Also, bring extra dry outfits in case of prolonged wet conditions or random showers.

During the ceremony, you are asked to wear long skirts or dresses as opposed to pants, this is to allow the energy to flow from the earth to your body and vice versa.

Coyoleras (Ankle rattles)

PREPARATION

To ensure that your body and mind find the 4-day fasting period as easy as possible, it is highly recommended to prepare by adjusting your diet beforehand. This means cutting off refined sugar and flour, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, or better yet, avoiding all kinds of processed food for at least two weeks prior to the ceremony. By doing so, you can prevent the added struggle of withdrawal symptoms during the dance and you can focus more on your prayers and intentions. Besides, this effort brings health, clarity and willpower. 24 hours prior to the ceremony, consuming raw vegetarian food can help make the transition more comfortable. 

We kindly encourage you to practice fasting for one or two consecutive days a few times in the months leading up to the dance, so that you are familiar with this state, just please make sure to allow enough time prior to the ceremony for your body to recover balance and full strength. It is also important to be well-rested and focused when you arrive at the ceremony. It is advised to reserve two days before and two days after the ceremony without working or engaging in stressful activities, even better to stay in the campsite, this is to help establish a higher state of vibration accessed through the ceremony. Additionally, it is beneficial to drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to the dance.

In our Moondance circle Meztli Ehecamitl, we believe that honoring our temple by nourishing our physical bodies is essential to reach higher states of consciousness, as well as to keep us healthy and able to continue our service to life in a good way. The kind of diet that we promote is simply removing all kinds of processed food from your life and replacing it with natural, fresh, local, and organic food. Then, all that we consume will bring us energy and a positive vibrational state. Refined sugar, flour, and oils can severely affect our physical and emotional bodies all to the point of feeling depressed, choose organic produce if you have access to it. You can look out for farmer’s markets around your area :)

THE SACRED PIPE 
(Acayetzin)

The Sacred Pipe, or Acayetzin, also known as "Chanupa," is an important element of our ceremony and helps elevate our prayers during the dance. It serves as a connection between us and the Great Spirit. Natural tobacco is used to offer our prayers through the smoke.

Dancers will be given a Sacred Pipe on their fourth year of Moondance. The Pipe will be handed when the dancer completes the four-year commitment. After this, the Acayetzin becomes the dancer's property, thus becoming a Sacred Pipe carrier, this is a powerful tool for praying and symbolizes their connection to the Great Spirit, there is a inherent responsibility to honor their Moondance circle´s teachings and protocols.

If a dancer decides not to finish the Moondance four-year cycle, or after finishing, is not resonating with the Sacred Pipe, they are kindly requested to return it to the elders after the ceremony, or post it to a council member. 

The pipe should be kept in good condition with clean parts for usage. Dancers should carry natural tobacco, matches, and a bag for their pipe. There is a protocol to fill the pipe in front of the sacred fire before entering the ceremonial circle, this knowledge, and any other relevant information will be passed on through the ceremony.

The pipe is primarily smoked at night during the dance or in special cases within the Temazcalli (sweat lodge) during daytime. The tobacco within the pipe represents the dancer's prayer and should be fully consumed since each part carries a communicated prayer.

THE SACRED PIPE (Chanupa or Acayetzin)

THE SWEATLODGE 
– TEMAZCALLI

Moondance is a ceremony that emphasizes in deep prayer and self-reflection for a woman's growth. Part of our tradition involves working with the medicine of the Temazcal (sweat lodge). Dancers will go through eight during the ceremony, one before each night of dance and one after each sunrise.

Temazcal ceremony is an opportunity to go back into Mother Earth´s womb where we can feel completely safe, allowing healing to happen and experiencing a true rebirth. In this ceremony, we benefit from the medicine of the four elements present. The “atlachinolli” or burned water (steam) carries the energy from the grandmother rocks and the sacred fire, charging the lodge with a mystical warm atmosphere, while the ceremonial songs elevate our prayers and set a beautiful intention to the ceremony.

Attending all Temazcals during the four-day ceremony is essential for healing and cleansing.

All participants are requested to be present at the lighting of the sacred fire for the opening ceremony. It is not possible to join the ceremony afterward (except for justified reasons) or to miss a temazcal, which will be addressed by the council after the first night.

If a dancer cannot enter the temazcal or the dance circle for any reason or needs to leave before the end of the ceremony, the dance year will not count for and may be repeated the following year.

Medical Supplies

During the ceremony, there will be experienced and knowledgeable medicine women who will provide care for you when you are going through intense processes or feeling extremely tired or ill. The medicine they use is made from natural and herbal ingredients which can relieve muscle and organ pain, headaches, and fatigue. They carry drops, tinctures, globules, or small candies to administer the medicines. You can feel at ease knowing that you are in good hands with them. 

For safety purposes, there will be a car on-site for quick transport to the nearest hospital if ever needed. While we hope that extreme cases won't occur, it is responsible and sensible to be ready for any issues that may arise.

Camping

Different areas will be designated for dancers, singers, and various support functions during the dance. Make sure you set your tent in the right area and bring one or two tarps to ensure it remains dry in case of prolonged rainfall, if possible, bring a rainproof tent since random showers are very common in Ireland.

The dancers are only allowed to stay in their assigned area for the entire duration of the four-night ceremony. It is strictly prohibited to stay anywhere else, regardless of convenience or proximity. This is important to avoid distractions and maintain focus on the subtle energies present in the ceremony. The space we create for this gathering is protected and intended to be a sacred space, so it is crucial to remain there in order to keep the energy focused on the internal work, therefore it is important to stay concentrated in the ceremonial grounds.

Please be respectful to the land that is holding us as guests. We have a zero-trace ideology, which means we don’t bring any trash-generating items and we also try to integrate this into our daily life, being mindful of all the pollution that we generate through our commodities. Please make sure you bring a bowl and spoon for the closure feast, and a thermal bottle for your daily teas, electrolytes and water. Notice that we will not be using or allowing any disposable containers. 

Please refrain from camping in areas that are not assigned to you. We have a beautiful land available, special camping areas will be provided for dancers, helpers, and children. We always act in a respectful way to the land and fellow campers, and we request your cooperation in adhering to these rules.

BEHAVIOR AROUND THE CEREMONY CIRCLE

  • No smoking is allowed.
  • The use of drugs is prohibited.
  • Loud conversations should be avoided.
  • Eating or displaying food is not permitted.
  • Disrupting or interrupting ceremonies is not allowed.
  • Cellphone use during the ceremony is prohibited.

BEHAVIOR ON SITE

  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, neurotoxins, hallucinogens, or cigarettes is strictly forbidden. This is because we are cleansing our bodies to expand our consciousness during the Moondance. Tobacco used during the dance is considered sacred and serves as a connection to the essences of the universe.
  • Taking video recordings, photos, or audio recordings during the ceremony using devices such as video cameras, cell phones, and still cameras are strictly forbidden. If someone is caught engaging in such activities, the material created will be immediately taken away.
  • The distribution of newspaper articles or advertising material is not allowed.
  • Selling of products during the ceremony is prohibited. If you have items you wish to sell, please wait until the end of the ceremony where many brothers and sisters offer their beautiful work. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these Council Agreements.
  • Companions, friends, or male family members who wish to support a dancer and be present during the first three nights of the ceremony must be part of the helpers remain outside the circle at all times, and are not allowed to enter the circle for any reason.

AFTER THE CEREMONY

It is recommended to allow a suitable place to rest and recover after the ceremony. This will provide an opportunity to process your experience and integrate it into your personal life. You are invited to stay at the campsite for two days prior to and two days after the ceremony. Spending time in nature, eating healthy food, and getting plenty of sleep is ideal for this integration period. Allow yourself to rest and rejuvenate after the Moondance days.

 External guests, either friends or family are welcome to see the fourth night of dance from a designated area and wait to greet the dancer they came to visit or pick up. Unfortunately, they won’t be allowed to camp on the following integrational rest days as they are only reserved for the dancers and helpers who made the ceremony happen.

Right after the closure of the ceremony, we invite helpers and dancers who produce or sell items that are aligned with the rules of the site (no drugs, no entheogens, no plastic or pollutant items) to put up a market for the day so we all can take home quality products made with love. There are usually lovely unique items, our advice would be to be prepared with cash if you like buying goods and gifts. We also encourage the ancient practice of “trueque” which is basically negotiating a trade without the need for money by exchanging items of similar value, it can only happen if both parties are eager to obtain an item offered to them.

DISRESPECTFUL ATTITUDES AND EXCLUSION

Anyone (dancer, helper, or visitor) who fails to adhere to the disciplinary rules inside or outside the circle will be asked to leave the premises. It is essential for dancers, firemen, watermen, helpers, and visitors to respect one another. The council has the authority to regulate the behavior of everyone involved.

If a dancer behaves disrespectfully, the council will make the ultimate decision as to whether that person can remain in the circle. It is crucial that everyone respects each other's property, and any form of abuse will not be tolerated.

We encourage the dancers and helpers to observe the protocols and rules of our circle to maintain the sacredness of this ceremony and its meaningful purpose. At the same time, we must respect personal privacy and freedom of individual responsibility. Let's all be aware of safety and integrity.

Dancers are requested to assist with camp preparations and to show understanding and cooperation in case of any spontaneous changes. At the end of the dance, everyone is asked to help clean up the space and leave it as we found it. It is necessary for all dancers to take their trash with them when they leave for organizational reasons.

Any form of discrimination or cult practices towards dancers based on skin color, nationality, language, or religion is not allowed. We are all equal under the same moonlight, and every one of us deserves equal rights, duties, and respect.

Let us celebrate the dance, let us walk our paths in an impeccable way. With love, respect, discipline, and joy, let us elevate our prayers together.