“In the circle of flames, we’re held close and secure,
carried by closeness, safe through the night till morning comes sure.”
Prototype Language
World Languages
Cultural Languages
Nordic Languages
Northeastern Languages
Balkan / Oriental Languages
Languages Neighboring German
Non-European Cultural Languages
The circle is the oldest image of community.
Whoever sits in the circle belongs.
All sit at the same distance from the central fire,
which warms, nourishes, and connects.
In the circle, there is no “I.”
The “we” is not an ideal,
but a spatial fact.
A stranger who enters the circle
is first called Acon.
But one who stays, listens, shares, and learns
becomes Con —
a friend.
The circle is open,
but not without limits.
With every new person, its circumference grows,
and everyone moves farther from the fire.
If the distance becomes too great,
the fire loses its effect
and is perceived as no longer present.
That is why the circle lives by measure.
When new, inexperienced strangers are welcomed,
experienced members move on.
They carry knowledge, stories, songs, customs, and skills
into other circles
or found new ones.
No departure is a loss.
For every return to the old circle
rekindles the central fire
with inspiration, memory, and experience.
Thus the circle can grow
without burning out.
More energy allows a larger circle.
More exchange keeps the fire alive.
The circle lives
through passing on,
through movement,
through intercultural exchange.
In this way it endures
and renews itself at the same time.