On the Road

Do It Yourself! http://www.flickr.com/photos/kith/

So who runs the Rainbow Gatherings?

The answer is no one and everyone. There are no leaders and, in theory, no one has more authority than anyone else. Not all opinions are equal though and the ‘elders’ of the tribe may have more experience when it comes to conflct resolution with the cops or organizing food supplies. There are also some people who are simply better at getting things done and these focalisers, as they’re called, get to know each other pretty well over the Rainbow circuit.

But anyone can be a focaliser. Regular talking circles are held where current needs are discussed and people volunteer to take responsibility for them. So someone strong might agree to supervise the digging of the shit pits and he’ll then recruit people to help him.

You can’t sit around at a Rainbow Gathering and complain that something has been left undone. The motto is ‘if you see a job, it’s yours’. In some ways it feels like a return to the ancient democracies of Greece where the power is firmly in the hands of the people. If you want to start a project, workshop or organise something, you can just get up and walk around the food circle, making your announcement.

Likewise any big issue is decided in the talking circles, a ritual stemming from the Native American tradition, a spiritual source very close to the heart of the Rainbow. There’s a Talking Stick and whoever holds it must be heard until they’ve finished what they have to say and pass the stick on. Occasionally there’s an Answering Feather, too but then things get bogged down in hippie bureaucracy, truly something to see.

Sometimes the meetings drag on interminably and it’s already time for the next meal, yet it is a way for even the quietest voices to be heard. It’s easy to make fun of the rituals but it works most of the time and, short of having actual leaders, it’s the only way to go.

It’s also important to understand that if you’re at a Rainbow Gathering you are part of it. Don’t imagine you’re on the outside just because you may not have dreadlocks or wear multi-coloured clothes. The Rainbow includes all the colours of the spectrum. If it feels cliquey let them know it and you may be surprised at how welcome you’re made to feel.

Want to meet other road junkies?
Come to the Road Junky Sahara Retreat Feb 6-11 2012 to hang out with 30 other travelers to meditate, make yoga, tell stories and dance under the full moon in the desert.

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