Cloud arrives early in the stone room, to dust it and warm it up for the ritual to come Dust there is, but beneath it the glow of old stone and the promise of Presence. She sweeps the circle with her friend's best broom, gnarled apple branch polished by loving hands and bound around with straw, and the dust of months of elsewhereness obediently piles itself neatly for the dustpan. Time to wake up, old place, your people are returning! Candles in holders, stone altar laid with the crystal ball, candlesticks, fire lit, the room awaits our coming. Cloud sets a cauldron of spiced cider to warm, and goes to the North point to see if the door to the outside will open against the snow piled outside it. The door creaks a little, but swings open. The path to the grove is drifted but visible, and the sacred snow shovel stands ready. Cloud is still thinking about whether to ask her friends to brave the cold when the ritual starts soon as she goes back to readying the room, and awaits the moment of beginning

Cloud, dusting near the east quarter, discovers a panel she's never found in here before. Behind it is a small lever that pulls down (rather hard) and opens a skylight! A great expanse of snowy sky is visible above the center of the Circle, and Cloud *knows* the Moon will shine directly through the ceiling later. *Blessed be, Mama* thinks Cloud, and hurries to send out the word that the Ritual will take place indoors after all. Those who wish can take time outside before or after, and those who find ceiling moonlight sufficient won't need their galoshes She picks up her dustrag again. People will be arriving soon.

...and so we do, coming by ones and twos up the road, familiar though a mite deep, gratefully shaking off our boots as we come through the door into a warm stone room, lit now only by the fire in the fireplace and the moon shining through the roof. The old stone altar is dressed with a new altar cloth embroidered with ancient Celtic designs; Cloud's old crystal ball candlesticks with new candles in them wait to greet the Lord and Lady, and candles are set in the quarter niches waiting to be lit to call the directions. We greet our friends, and chat a bit, warming our toes by the fire, until at last all are here, and a small bell rings. We form our circle, hand in hand, and wait quietly until Cloud begins to speak. *Brothers and sisters, here we are again. It is a magic time in many ways: The Moon is full, a great astrological moment is at hand, a nation starts a renewed journey, other nations await peace at last. We wallow through snow and returning light toward Imbolc, and all around us are promises of new growth, new ideas. Let's not forget that many of the blessings on their way have their roots in old ideas, that have developed new meanings in new minds. Much of the newness around us is Renewal. That which was lost and pokes its head out of the snow to be rediscovered is no less a sacred thing than that which comes to life entirely *new*. We breathe a moment, feeling our roots, gathering energy from the Earth, feeling the brilliant moonlight in our bones. Cloud moves to the altar and picks up a bowl of salted water and we pass it hand to hand around the circle. When it returns to her, she exchanges it for a censer of frankincense and leftover bits of Yule pine, and we pass that around the circle as well, breathing deep. When the bowl and the censer are back on the altar, Cloud invites us to cast the circle with her. *Be careful of "out with the old, in with the new"; some of the old is precious I would like you to walk the circle with me this time. In recognition of a part of my roots, I'm going to cast silently, using the first words for this that I learned I invite you all to do the same*. She moves around the circle with her copper athame, and at first the light is her signature pale green, but other lights spring from blades and hands and weave themselves together as we all join in. And when we stand again in our places, the circle is indeed complete. We stand, a moment, and wait...

. .and Cloud moves to the East quadrant. She stands a moment in meditation, and then speaks. *Hail to you, Powers of the East, first breath of Breath, whether sweet breeze of springtime or blizzard gale the wind that brings in fresh air and new ideas Blow in our minds, awaken our thoughts, bring sunrise on the horizon. Be here, now*. She lights a candle, palest yellow, and its light joins the many woven strands of our circle as a light breeze seems to sweep the room Returning to her place in the circle, Cloud turns and beams a welcoming smile at Asham

As Bronwyn notices Asham lost in the mystery of the hour, she glances to Cloud with a gentle and understanding smile, and it is passed between them that Bronwyn will invoke the South quarter at this time, allowing their friend the chance to invoke West if he desires. Bron reaches into the folds of her simple ivory gown and pulls out a large, smooth chunk of amber. It glows and sparks within its veined depths as it is passed hand to hand around the circle, each member feeling its ancient heat. She turns to the altar and lights a gold candle, symbolizing the waxing strength of the youthful sun. "Light of Lights, fire-dragon, we call you to be here with us tonight as we again celebrate Luna's fullness. Heat of the South, fire-maiden, attend us here tonight! Grant us your courage to stand up for what we believe most essentially, That we are all here for a purpose, and that we are all expressions of Goddess and God. Guardians of the South, be here now!". And there is no doubt that indeed the wild and volcanic presence of the South spirits are here, for everyone present in the circle breathes a blast of heat, taking in the surging essence of unfailing strength and passion that flame bestows. Breath gradually disperses some of the heat, leaving behind a comforting glow. Turning like the ocean tide, all now face the West, ready to call upon the essence of water.

Nodding to Bron and silently thanking her for her understanding of his newness to this circle, Asham moves to the alter and withdrawing a Oaken Wand from the purse on his waist, he passes the Wand thrice through the smoke of the incense and then the same number of times through the flame of the Alter candle. With this done he then walks to the West Quarter and lights a Blue candle, standing with head bowed for a moment. Then drawing an athame from his waist and extending it skyward along with the Wand in his other hand he says, "Oh Nicor Naelyan, Ruler of the Dragons of the Water awaken from thy slumber and come be with us. " Ruler of the Dragons of the Seas, Springs, Lakes, Ponds and Rivers, dispel from us and protect us from all negative thoughts, actions and deeds with the cleansing waters of your domains. Instill in all who are present your compassion, peacefulness, forgiveness, love, intuition, calmness and peace of mind. We ask you share with us your strength, wisdom and. knowledge and to remain with us until the circle is uncast.". With this said, he turns and walks back to his place in the circle, taking the hand of his mate Midnight.

Laughing Dancer smiles at everyone. He can feel the heat rise waiting for the completion of the circle to be let free. What begins in the East shall end in the North. Outside the Bright Lady shines down on dancing snow-motes swirling over the pristine, sleeping landscape. A. blanket of white, from within the Great mother all sleeps in anticipation of a vibrant spring-to-come. Laughing Dancer shares with the beloved circle how that in the midst of the deepest snows there is still life. It is in January that the Great Horned Owl lays and hatches her eggs. Going to the door, Laughing Dancer scoops up some snow facing north he bows his head in silent prayer. Holding the fast melting snow in one hand and some rich fertile soil, saved from warmer days, in the other, he begins. * All hail the guardians of the North! Hail Mighty mountain and sleeping plain. Oh sleeping Mother you who are our reality, our very existence in form. Cradle your children by the light of the fire as we BECOME, in the safety of your arms. .Like this melting snow so too dissolve our shells as we prepare to let our souls unfold with the Spring.* Taking the soil, Laughing Dancer sprinkles it around the circle, * Always remember beloved, our fears are the compost of our dreams. This soil our home.* Back in the North, laughing Dancer says * To the North we rededicate ourselves to the Great Renewal, the strength of the Mountains, the wisdom of the valleys be with us under the Bright Lady's light give us the stage on which to Dance!!! Smiling, Laughing Dancer looks at Cloud and enjoys the warmth of his new friends.

Midnight releases the hands of Asham and Cloud and steps into the circle, wearing her usual deep blue velvet robe etched with silver stars. Her shadow is cast by the moonlight as she makes her way to the altar. She breathes in deeply the mixed smells of warming cider, pine, snow, frankincense, firewood, and candles. Before the altar, she closes her eyes for a moment, then lights the candle of the Goddess which stands in one of Cloud's beautiful crystal ball candle holders. She turns and walks softly to the center of the circle, Full Moon directly overhead,. surrounded by a canopy of twinkling stars. Moonlight cascades over her figure, and she feels the light of the Mother flow through her as she raises her face and hands to the sky and says: "Our Silver Lady, sweet mother of us all. We ask that you be with us tonight, holding us in your Light and Love. Tonight marks a time of new beginnings, rekindling the ancient spirit in the heart of man, and uniting the energies of you and your Blessed Lord once again on the earth. We ask that you remain with us throughout our workings this night, and keep our hearts ever bathed in your sweet loving light as we journey on from this night into the future. Come, be with us now". Midnight smiles softly, bows her head for a moment and returns to her place in the circle, awaiting the invocation of the God.

.and Red Deer, with bells on, moves from his place at Elenya's side, to spiral inward toward the altar. But he does not go there before having exchanged a warm hug with each here gathered. As he winds twice more about the circle in his approach to the altar, the moonlight traces not the shadow of a man, but that of a young buck upon the floor. When he stops to greet the old stone, sparks - as though from hooves - fly as he thrice stamps his right foot upon the pavers. From his flowing hair, Deer removes several sprigs of selaginella - its creeping roots still moist - to place upon the altar. By mishap, or perhaps not, one drops upon the floor and immediately takes hold - fuzzy root hairs seeking damp joints from which to draw water. Deer pauses for a moment, bends, and - with eyes closed -. whispers a silent blessing over the little sprig now clutching the stone floor, before addressing the Lord's taper upon Cloud's candlestick. "Grow in Light," he says, "for the time is upon you." With these words, Deer lights the candle, which blazes forth with an intense yellow flame in counterpoint to the almost white one of its mate.

As had Midnight before him, Red Deer moves from the altar to the center of the circle then raises his arms to the circle of stars and Full Moon above. "Our Golden Lord, wise father of us all. We ask that You join us this night, holding us in Your strength and mercy. Tonight we are assured that You return to Your former glory and shall again wed Your Blessed Lady. Please remain with us this night. Counsel those who come petitioning, hear their needs and, as is Your will, aid them in conjuring that which their hearts desire. So mote it be."

Lowering his arms, Deer beams a smile broad as a mountain valley towards all here gathered, before returning to Elenya's side in the circle to await

Cloud, who stands with us a moment longer. We breathe together, and the Presences around us *show themselves* in a glow of contained power. She says *By the air of Her breath, by the fire of Her will, by the waters of Her blood, by the earth Her body, by the Power of Her Spirit and ours, the circle is cast*. . Moonlight streams into the room, glinting off embroidery, jewelry and candlesticks - and Cloud's silver-streaked hair as she returns to the altar, watching her step to preserve the new life at her feet. She carries her basket, filled with small silvery stars, from which she removes two to place near the candles signifying Goddess and God. She stands a moment, smiling around the circle, marvelling at the ever-changing Return of this time. *This moment is a miracle in many ways. We are still here, again, in spite of all our changes, and that alone is amazingly beautiful. The Dance goes on, weird weather and all - yesterday in a sheltered corner of a parking lot where the snow doesn't get so deep, bright new grass came with the thaw that which never ends yields to changes and newness, but goes on forever. They who watch and guide us urge us to our finest growth. If we can slip sideways from our clockwatching, Spring is already here. Let us give thanks for the blessings already given, and those on their way, as we make our offerings and requests. Life seeks life, and the dream glows around us waiting for our touch. Take a star. Keep it with you. The moment of rebirth is upon us and the eon of continuation has never left; a star is part of both of these, a sign of potential, a sparkle in the dark*. Cloud hugs her way around the circle, with a star and a kiss for each of us, swinging out at the points of the four directions to place a star at each of them. When she returns to her place, she speaks once more:. *The Goddess is alive, the God is alive, YOU are alive, magick is afoot. The Mother says, whenever you have need, come to Me. Now is the time* Cloud steps back into the circle, takes the beloved hands on each side of her, and waits.

Bronwyn feels the time is right to offer her deepest thanks to the Sacred Ones present in this room tonight As she steps to the altar, moonlight pours over her from above, cascading quicksilver pouring through her unbound hair, illuminating her gown with an otherworldly brightness. She lays a tiny gold crocus flower, the first of the year, in front of the candles, and the gentlest scent of spring seeps through the air. "Thank you, Ancient Mother and Father for protecting us from harm on the road I know you were guiding us with a loving hand. Please make safe the long winter journey I undertake tomorrow. Blessed Be and walk in peace." Silently she rejoins the circle.

. .Elenya releases Red Deer's hand and takes slow, even paced steps towards the altar. Instead of her flowing robe, her garment has been replaced by a worn hospital gown, but she didn't have time to change before joining the circle. She closes her eyes and smiles as she remembers Poseidon wearing his beloved Flyers jersey here on several occasions, and figures the Goddess will understand. It has been a while since she has been in the old castle, and she is flooded by memories of the people who have passed through this special place, and gives a nod of thanks to Cloud for bringing us back to our *roots*. Elenya approaches the stone altar and places on it a pale pink and white Camelia flower from her yard, signifing the end of winter and the promise of spring. The cycle of the Wheel continues. Unable to raise her arms at this time, Elenya places her palms together and looking towards the ceiling, she notices a skylight she has not noticed there before. This does not surprise her, as this place has always been full of magick. She watches as whisps of clouds pass over the luminous moon above them, and begins to speak "Holy Mother of all things, I come before you this moon feeling Your presence ever close to me. As I approached surgery this week, I felt Your loving arms cradling me before, during and after the procedure, and have felt Your spirit sustaining me in these days following my discharge from the hospital. The energy I have received from You and my friends have made the pain more bearable than I ever thought possible. I thank You for watching over me and my family through these difficult days and in all the others that follow. Elenya turns briefly to wink at Midi, who she had not seen here in a while, and to smile warmly at the new faces who have joined our family here; "Welcome", she whispers, then takes her place back in the circle to await

Red Deer, who now leaves Elenya's side to move again to the altar. This time he kneels beside the creeping cedar which planted itself there during his invocation, and gently strokes its wispy needles, first with a warm breath and then with his fingers. "Little one, long may your life be here. Over the years may you grow and flourish, offering to all who pass through this room the cool, quiet comfort of a dense Carolina wood. Remain close with your sisters who inhabit our northern slope a channel be for those here who need our help, and for any from our wood who might seek solace of the Lady and Lord."

Standing, Deer gathers threads of moonlight streaming from the skylight above and directs them toward the little selaginella below. "Mother & Father, as we gather strands of the web to reweave let us not forget those of Your children who have need of help, but no voice with which to ask for it. As candlemass is upon us, and the greenwood quickens in anticipation of spring, help us to find answers for our brothers and sisters whose populations are disturbed by human meddling, that they may again flourish. (but not beyond their environments' ability to support them)."

"For my family, I ask healing for Elenya as she continues to recuperate from her surgery. And, for those who sent their energies our way during the past week, may they be replenished three-fold. So mote it be.".

Having spoken, Deer, moves back to the circle beside Elenya, bringing one of the selaginella sprigs from the altar which he weaves into her hair. He kisses Elenya upon the lips, then turns to face the altar and wait as

Venia steps from the edge of the circle into the moonlight. Dressed, as always, in a simple robe and smelling of her beloved vanilla oils, she raises her hands to the sky, not attempting to hide the awe in her expression as she gazes upwards, lost in a trace, for several moments. "I know not the words to offer you, o' gracious Lord and Lady. You have led me through adventures that I could not have imagined and risks I never dreamed I would take and still your path leads me on into the unknown". She takes a stick of incense from the pouch about her waist and lights it from the candle, holding its smoke as an offering, she continues, "I honor thee, this night, as all others, and ask that you continue to be with me. Dearest God and Goddess, most Blessed Lord and Lady, cast your cloak of protection about me; guard me now and always. For the good of all with harm to none, let it be done." She bowed her head, chanting her devotional prayer softly before saluting the Gods, the Quarters, and her friends, and returning to her place in the circle to make way for...

Virago steps forward, trying not to betray the exhaustion she feels. Inside the circle, however, she feels stronger. "Lord and Lady, you have watched over me this past year, and as the Wheel has turned, you have protected me many times. With your love, and the support of my friends, and of Loki, I'm able to stand here today, a far cry from where I was one year ago". She turns, gazes at the faces surrounding her, and reaches into a pocket of her robe. She pulls out two hollow eggshells, the first painted with an intricate pattern of snow, ice, and a few personal symbols the second, painted with a background pattern of clouds, and a blue rose, wrapped lovingly and protectively around a smaller purple rose. She gazes at the painted eggs, and thinks for a moment, about their symbolism. "Lady Mama you understand why this must be done," she whispers, as she hides the first egg in her hands, squeezing tightly, and breaking it "Lord and Lady, this represents what I no longer am, what I have overcome with your strength and your love". She lays the second egg on the altar, "And this is what I have become, with your strength and your love. Tonight, I ask not for healing, but I offer thanks for all of your love". Tears spring to her eyes as she completes this task and returns to her place in the circle, squeezing Loki's hand, and smiles and waits

Releasing the hand of Midnight and Cloud, Asham sets to the center of the Circle and with hands outstretched before him, he turns slowly round the Circle as if embracing all who are here, both seen and unseen. Though unable to make out what he is saying, it is apparent something is being said by the slight movement of his lips, as if in silent prayer. As he again faces the Alter, he walks toward it and reaching into the pouch at his waist, he withdraws something cupped in his hands. While holding his hands cupped together, he passes them 3 times through the smoke of the sweet smelling incense and the same number of times through that of the Flame of the Alter candle. Then taking a step backward and raising his hands skyward, he says. softly, "M'Lord and M'Lady thank you for your Blessings upon us all and for the songs we feel in our hearts. Your presence here with us is comforting and most joyous. Please accept this gift for what it represents - hereby he opens his hand and releases a most splendid butterfly, complete it all it's Glory. I ask humbly that you be with my daughter and protect her, help her, comfort her, and bestow upon her the clarity she needs right now at this conjunction of her life. Grant me the strength needed to be there for whatever she may require of me. My heart is yours in all things". Having said that and bowing his head, he returns to the side of Midnight

Midnight winks at Asham as she moves toward the altar she pads across the old floor on bare feet moving as silently as the moonlight. She takes from her robe a. small stone which she picked up in an oak grove 2 years ago on this date. She places it upon the altar and looks to the moon above. "This is my final token of giving over, Mama of letting go, and of trusting in your Love. Help me not to falter on my path, as my journey takes me into the unknown waters of the future Let me always feel in my heart the peace that comes with knowing my place in the universe". She returns to the circle, and squeezes Asham's hand

Our wishes stated aloud or silently, our thanks expressed, our seedling workings hang in the beaming moonlight that caught the glittery stars at the altar and quarters. We stand expectant a moment longer, hand in hand, energy tingling at our backs, through our feet, until stillness is impossible. Is that a chant beginning, some old tune from the festivals, or the hum of the power, or perhaps the music of the spheres? It has a flute in it, quiet or far away, and maybe a drum or maybe our hearts beating together or maybe our feet are moving, circling, pounding the floor, or are the stranded energies spiraling around us while we stand still? Is the Earth turning so fast we can feel it as a spinning, pounding circle, in time with the rhythm of the universe?

We spin, or the world does, and the energy swirls around the turning circle, colors blending to white bright as the moonbeam it races toward, and when the room finally can't contain it the power *GOES* and the world has changed. We breathe a little more evenly in a minute, and turn with Cloud to bid farewell to the Powers of Earth, Water, Fire. and Air with our thanks. The Presences of the Deities are. slow to fade tonight. They will stay with us, in us, for a long time We the changed, the healed, the mending, the grateful, the transformed, and the trying hard, stand hand in hand one more time, this time

*The work is done, for a little while

The rite is ended, but never ends

The circle is open, but unbroken

Merry meet, merry part.

And merry meet again*.

And we shout *SO MOTE IT BE*, dissolving in hugs and hilarity and HUNGER, moving rather quickly to get into the line for a great looking feast