The Rhythm of Fire

Monti Sartorius – Etna – May 1999. Etna Park Authority

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The Performance “The Rhythm of Fire”, carried out on Etna at the time of the Waxing Moon in May, is the first stage of a journey, both real and spiritual, which through the Red Ribbon will connect several countries of the Mediterranean (Italy, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Malta…).

This Journey, begun on the volcanic mountain – magical seat of primordial alchemies – is “The Dance of the Rope”.

The Serpent drawn here by the Red Ribbon symbolises – as it emerges after a long sleep and periodically sheds its skin – the Awakening of dormant Vital Energy and the need for transformation within the continuity of Life.

This “umbilical cord”, connected with the river of lava and the element of Fire, besides favouring the release and expansion of the life force – and so being a source of illumination and healing – reunites the Artist and the participants with the common, very ancient past; it reconnects women with their foremothers, so that, re-membering, they can restore the integrity of the Feminine; it reunites all of us with Mother Earth, with her terrible, harsh beauty, and, through the presence of the Moon, with cosmic cycles and the Universe.

Photos by anTheòs and L. Signorello

The Artist and the participants, gathered in a small valley on the slopes of Etna, form in the hollow a coiled serpent – a great spiral – symbolising the Vital Energy dormant within each of us, Kundalini.

The ascent continues, allowing the Red Ribbon/Serpent to unroll, releasing all its potential. In the same way, our dormant energies, awakening in turn, can recreate Harmony between us and the Universe.

Once formed, Energy needs to come out, so as not to implode or scatter chaotically; so the “purple serpent” begins its tiring but necessary climb – which is the Awakening and Expansion of Consciousness.

Continuing the analogy with volcanic Magma which, having risen to the summit, flows downwards, often radiating into several incandescent rivers, this symbolic serpent too divides and becomes threefold, further showing its capacity for transformation, fertility and vitality.

To document and bear witness to the Event, and to share it with those who could not be there, a VIDEO was made and distributed by the Cultural Centre.