SYMBIOSIS: A home to many
written by, Theresa Rodriguez

Where to begin is difficult. Symbiosis Gathering took place at “breath-taking Pyramid Lake“, home to the Paiute Tribe. The solar eclipse shaped an epic journey and aligned a community of 10,000 in respects to truly appreciating life. For five days there was a universal energy of love, creativity and serenity. This gathering paralleled with the climax of celestial event that took place on Sunday, May 27th. I am blessed to have participated in such a soul-shaking experience.

By the time that I entered on Friday morning everything was ready, and participants were more than excited to see what was in store for the rest of the weekend. With natural butterflies in my stomach, I entered and received my wristband on Friday morning. Somehow we were directed to artist camping where we were greeted with the most amazing hugs, filled with infinite love. Walking around I saw life’s magic in every single person’s smiling face. Everyone dressed in a fictional manner that radiated and exhibited his or her most inner beauty.

There were four main stages; Earth, Sun, Eclipse and Moon, each with a different vibe. The Earth Stage was shaded with beautiful cloths and surrounded by art canvases. The music played was more of a downtempo which created a mellow atmosphere. Govinda, Kaminanda, Of Porcelain, Gaudi, Bluetech, Kalya Scintilla, Desert Dwellers and David Starfire were only a handful of the artists who performed. I was enchanted with the most spine-chilling sunrise set from Kaminanda; he delivers such a magical performance to accompany his kaleidoscope style music.

Overhead reds and yellow fabrics decorated above the Sun Stage. This stage completely transformed from day into nighttime with artists such as Terrakroma, Worthy, Treavor Moontribe, Claude Von Stroke and Christian Martin, performing exclusive to Symbiosis. At the front of the stage lied an epic sized crystal surrounded by a kindness shrine from various possessions that participants donated.

The Eclipse stage had a range of artists who played. I witnessed Emancipator serenate the crowd during Friday’s sunset. Watching the solar eclipse, many sat around the nearest stage to listen to Random Rab and James Blake perform live.

The Moon Stage was continually led by such talented and dedicated individuals. Aerial, circus, and fire shows rotated with artists such as Justin Martin, Bass Science, Fungineers, and more.

During the solar eclipse there was moments of cheer followed by moments of silence. It was during the silence that I was able to fully reflect on my past’s days, I felt as if I was truly awake in my dreams. I was in an environmentally conscious community that lived in such a selfless and appreciate manner; where one could be their self, free of influences, and externalities. These legendary moments were eye opening creating a powerful presence of unified love in tune with the universe. Any doubt was immediately replaced and supported by such a genuine group of hearts. Everyone valued each other using the same principles as they would their self; respect, gifting and an honest presence. Personal connections were endless sharing treasurable memories and ideas transcending any expectation I had.

Blessed by the proximity of such a remarkable lake, there were daily beach-like parties where one could manifest anything. I think everyone would agree that entering that water was revitalizing to the whole body and soul. The sun happily created comfortable warmth during the day followed by a chilly night. This gathering was more than your typical mainstream madness festival but a place where being you was appreciated because there is no one quite like yourself. Human activity and innovation was at its finest at a non stop pace. The motto ‘pack it in, pack it out’ was placed at a high priority that genuinely respected by all participants.

With such immense energy from the universe, refracted rays from the sun and healing from the precious music, I witnessed and experienced a glimpse of possibilities. Driving away from the dusty desert, sacred lake and my new family I felt that my soul was blessed with a fresh canvas to be beautified. It was so very difficult to say goodbye to an established comfort zone that was filled with love, gifting and friendship. This was the ultimate gathering to kick of my festival summer.