Dance Magic

One of my favourite ways to transform energy is to dance. It is magic to put on a favourite song and move freely in response. When we dance, we consciously create with our embodied rhythm of Life.

Dance spells are ancient forms of alchemical magic and they are wonderfully free!

Throughout history, cultures from around the world were aware of the power of dance to raise and channel energy. Perhaps dance could even be considered our original mother tongue? A global language of connection and expression for our embodied experience.

Dance magic weaves together body, mind and spirit as a unified whole. We become aware and present to the current of life force that is moving through us and is us. In dance spells, we are the rhythm and the drum, the singer and the song, the weaver and the weaving. We are able to be both ourselves while also becoming Universal. We are potential and presence. We are magic in motion.

Dance can be a magical act of liberation through creation. When we untie ourselves from the knots of perfectionism and convention, we find that dance is inherent. Through moving in ways that are uniquely our own, we can shift, amplify and transform energy as needed. Dance magic can help support our emotions (energy in motion) to flow in ways that are generative and healing. For example, when I am feeling a charged sense of contained energy building within me (irritability anyone?), I bring this to my practice. When there is a heavy stagnancy in my field, I offer this. When desiring resolve in a tricky situation, I ask it to dance. When infusing healing work with potency, I physically motivate it with movement.

Dance spells will be as unique as their dancer but the following elements are important to mine;

• I always cast a circle. This helps create a safe, supportive container where I am held and protected.

• I focus my intention on the greatest good for all, allowing my magic to be bigger than my smallest self.

• My body becomes the alchemical altar. I listen with my whole being as the energy guides my movement for metamorphosis. I move as a river would move. Trusting my intention and the nature of the flow to take me where I need to go.

  
  

At each workings close, my stillness opens into a spacious, re-centred state. Within this expansive peace, everything finds its place.

I particularly love practicing this kind of magic outdoors, within the beauty of the elements. Dance magic can help deepen our relationship to our own elemental nature for healing and balance. For me, dance spells are a rhythmic conversation between the nature within and around me. They feel infinite, renewing and reciprocal. With bare feet on earth, I can sense the rootedness of my healing as a root of healing for the land. My body remembers itself as an altar of the earth. I become an ear to the ground in deep listening. The act of listening is a lining of the womb for conception of the new. From here, my magic will flourish.

Some examples of working with the elements through dance magic may be:

• Connecting to the Fire within us by stoking the heat of our creativity through movement or finding transformation within our ignited heart.

• Connecting to the Air within us, by dancing in free-form ways to embrace our own ever-changing nature or by making big movements to mirror taking our place in the world confidently.

• Connecting to the Water within us by echoing, amplifying and exploring waves of feeling through our physical expression and encouraging cleansing with our sweat or tears.

• Connecting to the Earth within us through celebrating our sensual nature as a doorway to present awareness and our pleasure as a divine offering.

Dance magic is wonderful to practice alone but takes on a special kind of energy when done with others. The joy, belonging and transformation generated through communal dance spells is powerfully healing. As a mum of three young children, I find this magical practice especially sympathetic to my daily life. Children love to dance and are so naturally liberated in their expression. You will often find me dancing with my children in our kitchen, the energy of connection melting dissonance into resonance. Nothing brings cleansing or blessing to a space or situation like the joyful sound of children (including inner ones) giggling as they dance!

At its core, Dance magic is a practice of attuning to and communing through your heart. There is no "wrong way" when allowing your heart to become your ear, mouth and eyes to the world. It will guide you, teach you, bless you and free you.

So, I invite you to bring an intention to your dance.

Feel yourself alive with Spirit and come into its deep communion.

Be present to the pure magic of your Creation.

xxx The Butterfly Blessings