Elenya anxiously awaits the arrival of the others. It is a warm day here on the North Carolina Coast and a special outing has been planned. As each participant arrives, they are warmly greeted and in turn, each wait until all are present. Greetings are exchanged before all pile into the van and prepare to board the ferry that crosses over to Ocracoke Island. Like many of the barrier islands that comprise this area, Ocracoke is accessible only by air or water. The ride takes us about 30 minutes, giving those gathered time to relax and prepare for the day ahead.

Several of us go to the back of the boat, where a flock of seagulls is gathered in search of a handout. Overhead, the black-capped laughing gulls ride effortlessly in the warm air currents. We watch them follow us as we make our way across the sparkling clear blue water. Beside us race schools of bluefish, trigger fish and sea bass, their colours shimmering under the sunlight as they glide silently in the water. We reach the shore of the island and pull off into the sleepy fishing village of Ocracoke. To our right we see the large white lighthouse that is located here, the oldest operating on the eastern seaboard. The waters off this shore are said to be where Blackbeard's ship finally rested.

We continue up the coastline and board a second ferry that takes us to Cape Hatteras. Here we pass a tall, slender black and white spiraled lighthouse that guards the narrow strip of sand that is Hatteras Island. Off-shore, the warm ocean currents from the south clash with the cold northern currents, creating an area that has baffled even the most experienced mariner, an area created and governed by water. Silhouettes of ancient shipwrecks are visible as we drive through the sparking sands of the beach. For miles, all that is visible is the Carolina blue sky, the dazzling beaches and the whitecaps of the surf as we make our way north. We pass through Bodie Island, where we see a third lighthouse that has watched thousands of ships pass safely under it's watch.

Arriving in Roanoke, we gaze upon the crystal waters which brought the first English colonists. We proceed to a small inn, and while eating lunch, listen to some locals weave their tales of the history and lore surrounding the lost colony and a missing child named Virginia Dare. Not wanting to leave, but having a ways to travel before our journey ends, we proceed again, with visions of the past and future.

All are quiet as we make our way to the extreme north end of the island. In Corolla, we stop to watch the wild horses which thrive here. These beautiful animals are descendants of the Spanish Mustangs which survived early shipwrecks off the coast. The lead mare moves the herd down to a grazing area that protects them from the road, while a large black stallion stands watch over the group.

We soon reach our destination, and pull the van over. Quietly, we assemble together to make preparations for the final part of our journey. We walk past the sand dunes that tower above us then watch in awe as we enter a pristine maritime forest. There are hundreds of live oaks surrounding us, their gnarled boughs covered with yellow jasmine flowers. The oaks are soon replaced by Crepe Myrtle's at their peak followed by pink azaleas in full bloom. We continue along the path, until we reach a wall of sea oats, swaying gently in the breeze. The air is heavy with the scent of wisteria and gardenia, and the birds grow quiet as the sun makes it's final appearance of the day.

Before us stands the brick tower of the Currituck Lighthouse and ahead we hear the sounds of waves crashing upon the shoreline. The herons and egrets fly home for the evening, while the terns are following the waves for a few minutes more, hoping to make one more catch before day is done. Sand crabs race across the beach making patterns in the sand as they head home.

A bonfire is built on the beach, and as it's flames rise, they dance in the warm, sea air. Upon this enchanted shore, we again become children, frolicking and dancing in the surf and feeling the salty ocean spray on our faces. As the full moon overhead casts a shimmering beam upon the waves in front of us, we come together, and walking desoil upon the warm, silky sand, form a large circle around the bonfire. Holding hands, all stand quietly and wait...

Elenya steps into the circle, walking desoil around the bonfire. She feels the soft, warm sand beneath her feet, and the vibrations coming from the heart of the earth are echoed in her heartbeat. She takes her athame, and dips it into a chalice of salt water from off these shores, then draws a line to form a circle around the group. "With this, our circle is cast. As we meet as children of the Goddess, always remember that we bound by peace, love and trust. May we and the work we begin tonight be blessed by the love and light of our Lady and Lord. So Mote It Be". Elenya steps back into her place in the circle, and nods to Bronwyn, awaiting the beginning of the invocations...

...Bronwyn paces forward. The sea air whips her long hair playfully--the air elementals await her call.

Turning to the east, Bron and all the celebrants lift arms skyward, pulling the feeling of the ethereal ones into our being. Bronwyn's slender figure is sculpted by her filmy cream gown blown by mercurial breezes.

"Spirits of the East, winged, windward ones, we ask your attendance and blessing upon this gathering. Breath of the sunrise, surf-song, sea-winds: Be Here Now!" Bronwyn lights a pale yellow candle, and immediately it is blown out. She lights it again--"OK air-dragon, I know you are here too, and I honor you!" The candle stays lit now and smiling with a private humor, Bronwyn takes again her place in the circle to face the westward gates...

...as Cloud moves to the center, feeling the warmth of the fire at the center of the earth through her soles on the sand. She is wearing *all* her amber with the green-brown robe, and her hair flies around her as she finds a stick that hasn't yet gone to the flames. She lights it from the heart of the fire, and when it has firmly caught moves quickly around the circle carrying it. At this time of year the fire of returning life is so strong it needs no invocation; we feel it in our veins as the makeshift torch passes, and by the time Cloud completes the circuit the guardians at the South gate are decidedly *here*. Cloud plants her torch in the sand and steps back to await...

...Red Deer. Upon his chest, a moonstone shimmers in the pale light as he winds deosil about the circle and then to the altar. This stone he holds above the salt-water on the altar for a long moment, then turns to the western gate.

"Spirits of the West - finned, furred and feathered ones of the waters - we invite your attendance and blessing upon this gathering. Tonight we are exceptionally aware of the circle of waters for, though you ward our western gate, we feel the force of you round the world to our east. And realize that our fluid bodies are also a part of that circle. You join us to the surging tides of the Atlantic, and then to the constant flux of moon and sun. You flow through our lives, to and from those of all others upon the Earth. Enrich the work we undertake tonight with your constancy."

Deer lowers the stone, its heart afire with pale moonlight, and returns to Elenya's side. As he watches...

...Norda walks to the center, her hair prudently tied back in a grey-and-brown braid in deference to the coastal winds her midnight-blue robe with silver sleeves rippling with each step. She faces north and speaks. "Hail, Guardians and powers of the earth, forces of strength and gentleness, growth and being, be welcome here and bless us." She turns to the altar and takes a small handful of stones from her red belt pouch --- shards of malachite, stubby pieces of pyrite and roughened turquoise. She lays them down reverently and in their midst lays a small carved cat of maplewood. Norda smiles fully, raising her head to wink at the moon, and steps back into the circle to await...

...Carielle moves to the center of the circle, feeling the wind ruffle her shoulder-length red-gold hair. Her green robe whips about her body as she closes her eyes and lifts her face to the moon. She touches a banded agate wrapped in silver and suspended on a black cord about her neck. The bands of brown vibrate gently beneath her fingers, circling, ebbing, flowing energy building in waves. Carielle raises her arms above her head, reaching to the moon as she greets the Goddess.

"Blessed Lady, we greet you! We feel your presence in the vibrant growth of Life this season...we see you in the smile of chidden at play, we hear you in the early morning birdsong, we sense you in the pulse of our own life force. Your Body is the Earth beneath our feet, your Breath the wind upon our faces, your lifeblood the waters just beyond our touch. And we, Your children, welcome you to our circle beneath this May moon."

Carielle pauses, and feels the spray of the ocean play against her, misting in the moonlight, overshadowing her... for a moment, another figure is visible. . . a feminine form without face or solid form, but with a Presence undeniable. As the mist fades, Carielle smiles joyfully and turns, awaiting . . .

...Typo steps from the shadows cast by moon's bright glow. he stands next to Carielle, his long flowing black robes fluttering about his body. his reddish brown hair being tossed about by the warm ocean breeze. his green eyes glowing slightly from the moons bright glow. Typo removes his black robe revealing a large silver pentacle dangling from his neck. he takes the pentacle and raises it above his head so that it almost fits perfectly over the moon.

"Greetings oh Lord, you who rule the sky and earth, you who rules both night and day. you whose presence is felt in all things and whose light radiates in us all. WELCOME and join us this night and bless our circle with your presence Typo turns to Carielle and embraces her lovingly. looking deep into her eyes he takes her hand and turns his gaze to Elenya and waits.....

...Elenya again steps into the circle, and smiles broadly at all those gathered. The winds surrounding them subside, and the surf seems to calm, as all around them grows quiet. he time has come to come before Our Lady and Lord with our petitions". She steps towards the bonfire, and rises her arms towards the luminous glow in the sky above her,

"Old ones hear us

Old ones rejoice

We are your children

Sending a voice

No more destruction

No more remorse

Dancing the heartbeat

Back to the source"

Elenya lowers her arms and steps back into the circle beside Red Deer. She turns to wait for the first of the petitioners...

...Owl steps slowly to the center of the circle ... taking a small plant of Rosemary from the deep pocket of her robe, she bends to scrape away a bit of earth. Gently pressing the roots of the plant into to the softened ground, she covers them with earth she had brought with her. From the flask at her belt, she waters the small plant, and with her athame, she draws a small circle around the plant, motioning a pentagram over it.

Standing slowly and raising her arms, Owl says: Lady, in your realm, know that we remember those who have passed over. Lord, in your realm, guide them through the darkness to the Summerland. Owl simply steps back to wait...

...Bronwyn, who steps to the fire in silence. She holds up two small pieces of wood to the moon and hums a private melody, drawing the silver glow of moonlight down from the heavens, through the wood, and into her willowy arms.

"Ancient Mother, I call you. Come, fill the woods that frame my new harp with your secret and loving wisdom. Touch my hands that I may draw forth your voice from the strings, your unconditional and eternal love a blessing sounding from this instrument. Bless the one who creates this harp too, that his journey be a rejoicing as the separate parts become whole. In perfect love and perfect trust, so mote it be." Bron gentle gives her wood to the fire and returns...

...Typo steps forward and looking unusually sombre for the energetic young man. the soft breeze blowing his hair about his face somewhat masking it at times. he looks straight up at the moon, its light reflecting off his large eyes. "Lord and Lady, may you bless Carielle and myself with the strength of love to endure all trials and tribulations." Typo looks at Elenya and Red Deer with true admiration and a slight grin, "grant us the depth of love to make it endure in the manner of Elenya and Red Deer's has." Typo then looks back to Carielle and stares loving into her soft blue eyes, "bless us with the love of the Gods so that we may be together for forever and a day." Typo steps back and waits...

...Carielle steps forward, smiling into her husband's eyes. As she passes him, she reaches out and touches his hand softly for a moment, then stands and closes her eyes, feeling the presence of the Lord and Lady in the circle. She places a cutting of hawthorn beside the bonfire and speaks.

"Lord and Lady, I ask that you bless my husband and I with the fullness of life that is Yours to give. Grant us happiness and protect those we love who live far away, yet close in our hearts."

Carielle removes two small sprigs of flower, wraps each in small cloth which is tied to make a sachet, and stands the cutting in the soil so that it resembles the hedge it was taken from. She places one sachet in the pocket of her robe and gives the other to Typo, with a kiss. She moves back to her place in the circle and awaits...

...as Norda walks back towards the fire, a sway and a skip in her steps seldom seen. She looks around the circle at the friends gathered there and flashes them a grin that reaches into her big grey eyes, this time. She scoops up her wooden kitty figurine from the altar and, raising her arms and face to the brilliant Moon, begins to speak. "Thank you, Mother and Father of All, for the recent good changes in my health and circumstances. Thank you for the friendships I have found with the people who work to save and care for the beasts of earth and sea and sky. Thank you for blessing me with the continued friendships with those who create and craft and cultivate the soaring imaginations of all who see their work." She hugs her kitty to her, surprised by sudden tears, and steps back into the circle, smiling sheepishly...

...as Cloud steps forward, a summer program brochure in her hands. She smiles a minute, knowing she's done her best SO far, raises her eyes to the moon, and speaks:

*Lady and Lord, I ask your blessing on my staff and myself as we embark on yet another enormous summer of helping your children to see your world with new eyes. Breathe on the minds, fire the energy, flow through the caring, and ground the being, of these fine young people who can do so well, and guard the health and safety of them and the hundreds of children they serve. Help all of us to be as good at our jobs as we truly are, according to free will and for the good of all* She offers her symbol to the flame and moves back to her place, to await...

...Red Deer, who again moves to the circle's center and the bonfire blazing there. "My petitions are simple this eve, Mama and Papa:"

"I implore that You help me find within myself strength for the tasks to which I am set - by myself, both others, and, I trust, by You. This is not the first, nor will it be the last such request I'll make. And always, I recognize and admit that the strength I find within springs from You."

"I also ask that my wife hear my love for her..." Deer states, as he begins to sing:

"I'd often wondered how love would strike me next

Would it hit me like thunder, that's what I'd expect

But when I held you, I knew it was different from the start

No words were spoken, but I felt it in my heart."

"It was softer than a whisper

Quiet as the moon

But I could hear it loud as laughter

Across a crowded room

It was gentle as a babies' hand

But it held me like a chain

It was softer than a whisper

When love called out my name."

(lyrics by Pat Alger & Austin Cunningham, © 1992 from "Sure Love" by Hal Ketchum © 1992)

Red Deer kneels before the flames. After arising, he turns and retakes his place by Elenya's side, watching as...

...Elenya returns to the circle and walks slowly around the bonfire before her. As she gazes into the fire, she quietly speaks:

"I have so many things to be thankful for but above all I place the love of my family, for which I am forever grateful. Next moon RD & I will celebrate our 19th year as husband and wife. As a couple we continue to grow and evolve under Your watchful eye, as we watch our children grow under Your guidance. Please continue to lead us as we guide them in their learning and growing."

Elenya returns to her place in the circle, and seeing no other petitioners, she again steps forward.

"Gracious Lady and Lord, we have been honored by your attendance with us this evening. Thank you for your presence and for listening to our petitions. Please grant them as you see fit."

She then steps to each of the quarterpoints. As she bids farewell to the each of the elements, she thanks them for lending their energies to the work we began tonight.

"Our circle is open, but never broken. As we leave this place of enchantment, may the peace and magick found here always remain in your hearts. So Mote It Be!"

The group walks back over the dunes to the sound, where a large picnic has been spread out on the beach. Laughter and merriment prevail as the group sings and dances together into the evening. They are soon joined by the sounds of hoofbeats in the surf, as the wild horses lend their energies to the celebration...