FULL MOON RITUAL February 1998

On a clear, sunny afternoon, Lady Green, wearing a purple jacket, stands on the deserted beach, tossing a ball to Godzooky. Both Lady Green and Godzooky are enjoying the rare, mild day. After all, it isn't often that the temperatures hover in the mid 40s along the Lake Erie shoreline during the month of February.

As the wind whips through her curly, auburn hair, Lady Green surveys the damage left by the previous night's storm. There are many fallen tree branches about, and quite a bit of debris has washed up upon the wave ravaged beach. Yet, the peninsula has held up rather well, in the face of the winter storm, as it has for hundreds of years. The work crews of Presque Isle State Park have all ready cleared the roads, so Lady Green knows her friends will have no problem reaching her lighthouse home on a section of the park's seven miles of beach this evening.

"Zooky, you silly!" Those birds don't want to play with you." she laughingly calls to her canine companion. "Come on, Zoo, your Goldy girl will be here to play with you soon. Let's go inside to make sure eveything is ready for tonight." Together, they head for the fence that separates their home from the public beach. Upon entering the fenced in section of the beach, Lady Green looks around her sandy yard at the raised beds that will contain her herb and flower gardens come spring. As she gazes once more at the cold shoreline, she knows a moment of hesitation about hosting this month's circle at her home. She would love for everyone to be here during the summer, when all could enjoy everything the state park has to offer, instead of now, when nature is slumbering through the harshness of winter. "Oh well, Zooky," she says to her pup as they enter the two story, red brick house with white trim attached to the lighthouse, "what better place to fully appreciate the Storm Moon than on the coast of the Great Lakes."

Upon entering the house, Lady Green looks around her home with a smile. The house, which was built in 1872, is warm and cheery, with a fire buring in the hearth. Plants, books, candles, CDs and teddy bears cover every shelf and table top, and Godzooky's toys are scattered across the hardwood floors. The area rugs through out the house have purple, pink and green floral patterns. Deep forest green fabric shades serve as window coverings. The oak table in the dining room is covered with a dark green table cloth, and is set to accommodate the buffet meal that will follow tonight's ritual, and the aroma of baking lasagna and bread fills the house.

Once her guests had assembled, warmly greeted each other, and had changed into their riutal robes, Lady Green dressed in her flowing purple robe, leads the group up the tower stairs. A unique feature of Presque Isle's lighthouse is the tower being square in shape rather than cylindrical. As the group ascends the stairs, Lady Green explains that the old lantern has been replaced with a strobe light and a homing beacon mounted on the roof of the lighthouse, leaving a circular, glass enclosed ritual room atop the tower. When the group reaches the top of the tower and joins hands at the stroke of midnight, Lady Green moves to the small altar in the center of the room and lights the white candles upon it. She raises her athame, whispers a blessing, points the athame outwards and turns one, twice, thrice in her space beside the altar, casting the circle. "Blessed Be all who have gathered here, in this circle of perfect love and trust, this place between the worlds." She smiles at her beloved family and friends as she rejoins the circle to await the calling of the quarters...

...Arcadia's breath catches in her throat as she looks thro the window to see the moon in all her wondrous glory sitting high above the lake. Tendrils of silver glisten on the water. With a small shake, she steadies herself to the task at hand, knowing their will be time aplenty later to gaze at the moon and the thousands of stars that surround her. She steps quietly and lightly to the altar, her long mauve colored rub swirling around her, the candle light catching the symbols emblazoned around her feet. With hands held high, she intones: "I call upon the Ancient Ones of the East... Blessed Givers of Air, the Whispering winds... The gentle breath of Life... I ask you to please watch over us... In this time of No Time... In this space of No Space... Here between the worlds of the Gods and Man... Watch over us Dear Mighty Ones... That we may be granted compassion and wisdom. So Mote It be! "

With a flash of hands, the barely seen glint of a blade, she turns, and takes her place back in the Circle, to await...

...Elenya, who also takes a moment to gaze upon Mother Moon and her glowing reflection in the waters below. The cascading moonlight illuminates the silver stitching on the sleeves of her gray ritual robe, causing Elenya to glance upon the Runic symbols etched there. Her eyes fall upon the sign of Kano... Fire, causing Elenya to remember her purpose here. She who stands at the Southern quadrant of the circle holds a candle anointed with essential oils from Ginger, Rosemary and Clove. Lifting her arms, she begins to speak: "Ancient Ones of the South, Givers of Fire, Spirits of the Eternal Flame, I call upon you to be present in our workings tonight. Please bless us with your energy and strength, as we complete our task in this circle of friends tonight." Lowering her arms, and smiling broadly, Elenya turns to await...

...Lady Green, who was caught gazing at the glory of the full moon and the play of the stars in the sky. Lady Green steps forward, smiles at her circlemates, raises her arms and says: "I call the Ancient Ones of the West, the creatures of mer and the undines, the sirens, the givers of the water of life, of love and of friendship, I ask you to be present with us in our workings this night, join with us in our circle tonight."

Lady Green pauses a moment, smiles softly, and returns to her place in the circle to await...

...as Norda steps forward, rustling in her winter midnight blue robe with its silver sleeves, looking like she's lately been dragged backwaards through a knothole, but still with a smile for her friends and family within this Circle. She takes her position at the North quarter of the room, and speaks: "I bid you welcome, Ancient spiris of earth, Guardians of the Northern watchtower. I honor the shores which embrace the tide, the meadows which lie dreaming under snow, the soil which awaits the further turning of the Great Wheel towards Summer. Be a part of our circle; be welcome now!" And she resumes her place, to await...

...Cloud, who is grinning like a fool at finding herself in physically familiar geography and dazed by the brilliance of the moonlight through glass walls. She has to take a minute to ground before she steps forward bearing a candle of shining silver and stands gazing full into the Lady's glowing face. She wears black and silver tonight, and the metallic sprinkles on her tunic glitter back a million tiny moons. Cloud lights her candle, raises it to the bright night and speaks:

*Lady of silver magic, daughter of desire, mother of dreams, weaver of fulfillment, be welcome here as we return again to another brand new place of wonder. Join with us this night at the first pale hint of possible spring. Hold our baby plans in Your arms, breathe hope on them, water them with love - Your help for our doing. And hold us too, when you hand them back to us, well fed, for us to tend to maturity. Shaper of ideas, former of will, power of love, strength of abundance, above, below, surrounding and within this circle and all in it, be here, now*

Glowing even more, Cloud leaves the candle on the altar and returns to her place, to await...

...until Red Deer, at long last realizing the Lord's time has come and those gathered may be growing a bit impatient, moves toward the center of the circle and the small altar with its white candles whose flames dance bathed in moonlight. With only a gentle sound reminiscent of bells tinkling, he turns thrice deosil about the altar, never taking his eyes from the Lord's sanguine candle which he passes from one flame to the next of the three already burning there. Finally, he comes to rest at the altar's north east, and stands for a long moment with one hand clasped about the dark amber at his throat.

"Lord who quickens within your Mother, son of the dance, father of dreamers, hunter of souls, be welcome here among we who find wonder in your return. Join with us this night, to celebrate your ascent to brilliant warmth. Sing plans of this turning into realization, coaxing them from Mother's arms into the wider world, cultivate them, shine upon them, make them radiant. And sing to us also, of our role in maintaining the dance, ever turning, ever returning. Your voice in the wilderness of winter, heralds the burgeoning green of spring above, below, without and within our circle - and within the hearts of all here gathered. We invite you, be here now."

As Deer firmly plants the charged candle in it's place upon the altar, those watching closely may notice a ring of fire - cool and golden - spreading from the amber first among the altar candles and then out to their circle's perimeter, to the glass walls of their tower keep, and to the waiting night sky beyond. Then, woven again into the circle of friends, he smiles toward each about him and waits...

...Arcadia leaves the circle and steps to the altar. She looks over to the place where earlier Lady Green had stood. The sudden illness of her friend has left them all shaken, but we know in our hearts that Lady will return to us soon. "Mother Goddess, Father God, please, hold our blessed sister in your ever loving arms. Give her strength and healing, so that she shall soon be up and about again, her usual lovely, perky self. At this time, in honor of my dear friend, I will open petitions and know in my heart, all will think of her, send healing energies to her." Arcadia steps quietly back into the folds of the circle...

...and Deer returns to its center, torn by many emotions over the events between the Sabbat and this moon. He carries now a large white clam shell, with a fiercely glowing ember in it's heart, which he places upon the altar.

"Father, Mother - so many changes, so many adjustments. For my eldest daughter, a veil has parted. May she walk in beauty. May she understand love. And may she welcome life with its seasons of rain and of blue skies." Deer places several fronds of winter fern from the woods about their home upon the coal and immediately their pungently sweet smoke fills the tower room.

"For my youngest daughter a friend is lost. Help her to adjust. May she not feel cast adrift in a world where even the strongest relationships seem tenuous before understanding of the Turning Wheel comes." Another pass of Deer's hand over the glowing cinder and tight new buds from the brooms about the wood release their scent among the circle.

"For Lady Green, who is suddenly torn from our circle this eve. May she find comfort and healing from those who care for her, from the energies we raise tonight, and from being held close between You." Now dried immortelle releases its sweet fragrance of everlasting spring when sprinkled over the coal.

"For Jane, still within her temple, valiant to a fault," dried thyme from Elenya's summer garden of years past sifts between his fingers. "May she find sleep, love and courage now and at the time of her crossing."

"For Elaine," hard red berries of yew with a few dried leaves sizzle and smoke on the dying ember, "may she find fair crossing, rest and that to which her faith brings her."

As the many odors mix upon the night's air - each maintaining its own distinctive character, each blending with the others into a single new aroma - Deer blinks back his tears. "May we all find understanding of the changes life brings, emerging now from the belly of Winter. So mote it be!"

Deer slowly returns to his place within the circle of friends. Acutely aware of the support he finds here - both within the arms of Lady and Lord, and the thoughts and wishes of his friends - he waits for the next to come forward...

...Pala steps forward. She has not been here of late, but her was called together among her friends this night, as she hears the petitions she realizes now why her heart has been so heavy. Her friends have had loss and illness in their lives, and sadness has swept across their spirits. "I hope to bring some peace to your hearts by saying I was called here by those we love, our Gods, and the spirits of those I call friend. The love we share alerted me to that there were friends in need. I offer the Lord and Lady this, a wondrous black stone cool to the touch and it always seems to bring such calming to me. I offer it upon the altar for all to shard and I ask the gods to hold those I love in Their arms. May peace and good health fill your lives." Having spoken, Pala fades back into the night...

...Norda steps forward, her offering this moon a very simple one...a shallow wooden bowl with potting soil in it. "Mother Moon, Father Sky, I come before you with thank-fullness for seeing my beloved and me over one hurdle and ask your watchful eye over the next battery of medical tests. I ask, too, that you keep in your sights my own mother and father as they enjoy their new lives and reforge their relationship with me. This truly has been the Storm Moon, for me, but I ask your help in learning to appreciate its hidden blessings amongst the tossing waves and tempests." She makes a silent petition as well for the safe return of Lady Green to this Circle, having experienced herself the recent terror of sudden uncontrolled illness, and also tries to stretch her comfort to others in this Circle who have known loss, fear, and sadness. Then Norda steps back into the shadows, to await...

...Elenya, who with slow steps approaches the altar. She comes forward with a heavy heart, but finds comfort in the company of her friends. She looks at the glowing moon in it's full state, and drawing a deep breath begins to speak. "Lady and Lord, I come before you this moon to ask for healing. First, for Lady Green and my father, so they may soon be well and back home with their loved ones. Also for Sweet Jane, please give her the courage to let go. She has fought a brave battle against cancer, but longs for the summerlands. Make her journey swift and pain free. And lastly for Elaine, who left this life far too early, healing and understanding for Roger and their family and those of us left behind... Shalom. As for myself I ask for clarity and direction in these confusing and trying times. Please help me follow the proper path as who know what is in my heart." Elenya takes a deep cleansing breath and wipes away the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. She carefully lays several small white origami cranes on the altar and in quiet reflection, returns to her place in the circle to await...

...Targe moves to the altar. He places a stone from the mist covered highlands of Scotland on it. Bowing his head to gather his thoughts. Looking toward the beautiful full moon he speaks with a shaking voice... "My Lord and Lady... much pain has found it's way into the lives of those gathered here... wrap Your loving arms around them... give the healing of body and spirit... and for those who have passed or are about to... guide their spirits to the summerland... bring them peace. As tears roll down his face Targe turns to all gathered... and softly says... I love you all... and takes his place once again...

...Arcadia pauses brief moment, noticing the shards of moonlight dancing around each of her friends and family gathered there in the room. She turns to the person beside her, and offers a kiss to her cheek, then procedes around the circle, stopping at each and every person, looking deep into their eyes, and bestowing a brief kiss upon the cheek. Her heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for the love of each person there. She kneels before the altar, seeing the moon blazing far above her.

"I come before you this evening, Gracious Lady, to offer my heartfelt thanks for these precious people gathered here, and those beyond this room. It saddens my heart that soon I will be losing touch with many that I have come to know and love, but even though our weekly "ritual" of gathering and chatting will not be available, they will still be foremost in my heart. You have given me a family most precious. Teachers, friends, counselors, advisors, brothers, sisters. All aspects. And for that I thank you, and thank them. I leave them, heavy hearted, but reassured, for you hold the lantern that lights their path. Bless each and everyone, Dear Lady, and be proud of your handy work, for each of them are all you inspired they should be. She rises slowly to her feet, knees shaking just slightly. " I shall hold them in my heart, now and always," she whispers, then turns, and returns to her place in the circle...

...Lady Green reenters the circle, as abruptly as she departed. After a quickly giving her sister Arc a hug, kiss and thanks for continuing the ritual in her absence, Lady Green steps into the circle. She slowly approaches the altar, and lays a single, white rose upon it. "Lord and Lady, I thank you for the love and support of my dearest friends and family. I thank you, my Goddess and my God, and those I hold dear for the healing energies directed my way. I ask that your love, protection, healing, guidance and wisdom may always continue to shine upon us all, through all joys and sorrows, all trials and triumphs, for all eternity." Lady Green steps away from the altar and gives each circlemate a kiss on the cheek and sincere thanks for all the positive energy sent her way. She rejoins the circle to await any more petitions...

...Cloud comes forward. She had planned something else, but is feeling a different need now, and her basket is filled with stones, tiny pinecones, little wooden eggs painted to look like those of wild birds, a multitude of symbols of new time or new spirit. She moves first to Lady Green, and hands her a biggish tigereye, said to be charged with serious life force. "Lady,I know it's not your color, but it packs a wallop. Take it - it's good for you" she says, and with a hug for her moves on to Red Deer and Elenya with a matched pair of fossil amonites. "You have had so much pain in your lives lately. It's hard to remember when you're hurting that 'everything lost is found again, in a new form, in a new day,' but so it is, and so it is with these beautiful spirals, once the shells of living creatures, brought to light again after millions of years to remind you of the circles and circles of love that surround you. Blessed be." Cloud moves on around the circle now, and somehow we all find an object that means exactly what we need to help us ready ourselves for renewal. Pine cones and eggs are symbols of potential, strong for those who have Big Plans for the time of growth; and every stone means something to somebody: here an amber, there an amethyst, aventurine, hematite, and quite a number of Interesting Pebbles, all find their way to loving hands, with hugs. We hold hands around the circle for a moment, with our friends and our treasures, sharing the energy of those who have any to spare and drawing more from the earth and the marvelous moonlight. For all our pain, for all our need, in this circle there is *enough*. Cloud takes her empty basket back to her place, and awaits...

...Lilith who comes forward wearing her red dress; golden bracelets and armbands shaped to resemble serpents seem to move in the flickering of the candles. Walking quietly to the altar she lays a stone upon it, carved with the shape of a rune. She stares at the stone some moments before raising her head to gaze upon the moon. "Lady help me find my place and guide me in this time of change so that I may find inner peace and purpose again." She pauses for a moment to send a silent prayer of healing for family and friends before turning and going to Lady Green. Reaching up she gives her a fierce hug and a smile before moving back to her place to await...

...Norda steps again towards the center, thoughtfully fingering the amethyst piece which Cloud has given her, smiling at the gift of protection that it represents. She looks out at the Moon, hanging large and gorgeous in its silver splendor over the lapping waters surrounding this lighthouse. She feels pleased to bring another petition to the Great Mother, one of thankfulness. "Lady Bright and Father Wise, I bless you for bringing joy to two dear friends, one who thought her health had fled, another who thought herself barren. These two have shared my joys and griefs, and I am so pleased to share their happiness. Thank you!" And she stretches her arms out to hug the sky, and then, finding that not quite sufficient to express her feelings, hugs the folk on either side of her in the Circle...

...Lady Green returns to the center of the circle, next to the altar, seeing no other petitioners coming forward. "Most gracious Goddess and God, Mother and Father to us all, we, your children, have been most honored with your presence in our circle and your attention to our petitions. Our requests are with you now, for you to fulfill as you, in your greater wisdom, compassion and vision deem appropriate." Lady Green then moves to each quarter, starting in the East, thanking each element for lending their energy to this ritual, and bidding each hail and farewell. She returns, one last time, to the center of the circle. "The circle is open, but never broken. May love and magick ever be in each of our lives. Blessed Be!" With a last look at the glory of the full moon through the glass of the tower, the circlemates descend the stairway to the home below, where they send the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company as well as the support, affection and well wishes of all.