Ocean sits in the sand, fine and white, like silk in her fingers. She thinks on this time of beginnings, to truly understand where we are going, we must remember where we have been. She recalls a walk along this same beach many moons ago, when the child of Pele gave her the gift of this place, along with so many other treasures. She remembers how those gifts, have brought her not in a circle, but a spiral to where she stands now. She slowly inhales the fragrance of the approaching night, the cooling heat, the salt in the air, mingled with the bouquet of a thousand tropical wild flowers. She lets the essence of life, of new growth, of beginnings fill her.

She listens to the whispers on the breezes as she watches the sun sink low over the calm Pacific, he who is parted, never parting, and knows his heart is never far from his loved ones. Soon the moon will rise and the others will come. "Aloha oe" she whispers back to the breeze. The moon rises, bright and pregnant with possibilities. With the white sand, and the water reflecting its light, the night glows. Still she builds the fire. To the north a rough altar is built of black volcanic glass, to the east the rising moon, to the south the forest of strange and wonderous flowers and leaves, and to the west, her own mother's dear sister. As she works, tracing the circle in the still warm sand, a tune from far back in her memory slips from her lips.

"We walked both sides of every street, though all kinds of wind and weather. But that was never our defeat, so long as we could walk together. So there's no need for turning back, for all roads lead to where we stand, and I believe we walked them all, no matter what we may have planned" Welcome friends, loved ones, my family...

...Nymue' approaches the East with her companion, Isabo, upon her shoulder. The copper of the Hawks feather meld with Nymues' curls...where does one begin and the other end?

"Hail Watchtower of the East!
I call upon the dragon Sairys, ruler of winds and clouds,
to guard and protect this circle.
I summon the powers of air,
Clear sighted eagle,
Golden dawn of new beginnings,
Refreshing winds of change.
Come to our circle, dazzling and brilliant, to aid us in our rite.
From the eagles wings we call you,
From the stormy winds we call you,
Spirits of swiftness and thought!
We Call You!"

As Nymue' raises her hand to draw the ancient invoking sign, the Hawk take to the air from her shoulder, soaring and spiraling higher and higher, as a gentle breeze builds. "So mote it be!" Nymue' returns to her place to await...

...Owl runs quickly to fill the space where Cloud's puter left just a smudge instead of a Cloud ...

Turning to the South and raising her arms, Owl asks quietly .. "Guardian from the South .. Element of Fire, we respectfully ask that you join with us and protect our circle. The Flame that warms, can also burn .. the fire that destroys, can also cleanse. In full awareness of all your potential, and your aspects, we call on you .. Guardian, Elemental, Friend. So mote it be!

Owl steps back to the edge of the circle, as the fire flares and a gust of warmth circles the participants ... and waits ...

...until Red Deer moves, with the far ringing of bells and a flash of aquamarine in his pierced ear, to the westernmost point of their circle. Once there, he lays out an earthenware bowl of river water and floats a small candle scented with thyme and yarrow upon it. Three salix leaves he also floats in the bowl, then lights the candle.

"Hail and welcome, watchers of the west. Naelyan, from the liquid depths I ask that you arise this night to ward our circle. Powers of water: vapid mist and bellowing steam, light refreshing rain and torrential flood, mellow spring and turbulent geyser, lazy lowland creek and rushing river, placid sea and violent ocean... come to our circle mellifluous and transmutable to partake of the magicks we work. Depth of emotion, tranquility of purpose, and daring of being - we humbly invite you within this circle cast." Red Deer moves his left hand in waves above the floating candle, before whispering "So mote it be." After a moments meditation upon the ingathering energies, Deer slowly makes his way back to the opening in the circle he had occupied and looks to...

...A small owl comes from the darkness, flies silently above the circle that has gathered. The moonlight reflects off his wings. He alights on a branch of a tree near the circle.

Boudica steps to the center of the circle. She looks around at all who have gathered. She smiles at all gathered, nodding to those she knows. Its nice to be back amongst friends again. She move across the circle to the North. She has an apple branch with flowers on it in her hand. She stoops over, and picks up a handful of earth. Still chill, it releases the clean smell of earth. Its spring again, and the earth is beginning to stir.

She raises the apple wand to the North. "Oh Ancient One of the North, Spirit of Earth, Great Mother who provides for us, who nurtures us, and gives us all our needs, we greet Thee. As the days warm and lengthen, we welcome the return of life upon you. We await the greening of the grass, and the smell of the flowers, and the fruits in your fields." "We ask that you join our circle this evening, and be welcome. Your blessings upon us as we create this sacred space." Boudica returns to the center of the circle, bows to the North, and returns to her place in the circle. The owl flies from its place in the tree, and comes to rest upon Boudicas shoulder, to await ...

Upon entering the circle of friends & family, Nivasi looks at the people gathered in harmony and unity. She asks permission to enter the circle and begins. Carefully, she takes out her black velvet bag; reaches in, & takes out a handful of sacred ashes and sprinkles it upon the ground. O Great Father, Horned One, Sacred Spirit, we have gathered here tonight in your graces, we ask that you join us in this circle of light. Nivasi then, walks to all four quarters and whispers to each individual, are they prepared for this journey of love and light. Receiving the desired answer, she then re-enters the center once again, stands with her arms wide, Father, Brother, Friend, Guide, we are prepared ! Taking her position beside the cool black smoothness of the altar, she waits...

...Danno enters the circle. He's been apprehensive about his role in the ceremony all week, but now that he's actually in the circle, and stands at the north. In a barely audible voice, he intones "Eris, athe malkuth ve geburah ve gedulah le-olam. Amen." He walks to the center of the circle, and extends his arms to the full moon. He shouts: "GODDESS OF A THOUSAND NAMES !" ... he looks around sheepishly - reminds himself that this is not the 700 Club - lowers his voice, and lowers his arms parallel to the earth.

"Goddess who cannot be named." Spins slowly clockwise.. "Mother of us all.." stops, and locks eyes with Genevre - briefly touches a knee to the ground - "My love..." continuing the spin, getting eye contact with each member of the circle... "We are gathered here this night, in perfect love and perfect trust..."

Danno pauses, slightly disoriented. Not really sure if it's from the spinning, or the power within the circle. He takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly.. notices that nothing outside the circle is visible any more.. Raising his arms again - "Goddess, awaken that light within us all which is you !"

Sparks dance around the periphery of the circle, coalescing and twisting up towards the moon... a wisp of fog rolls by, highlighting a beam of light from the moon - it is joined by the sparks in a shower of radiance... the Goddess has announced her presence ! Dazed, Danno staggers back to his place within the circle...

...Ocean smiles brightly,... walking slowly deosil around the circle, touching a hand here, kissing a cheek there... so many faces old and new all well loved. Coming again before the altar...she places there a feather, from a bird from a far off land, it has traveled far to reach this place..

"welcome my brothers, welcome my sisters, welcome all ye spirits that have joined our celebration tonight, a celebration of life, a celebration of birth, a celebration of beginnings, a celebration of where we have been and where we are going, but mostly a celebration of the love of those who walk with us... ALOHA!" She steps back and awaits...

...Boudica comes from her place in the Circle. The little owl takes for the tree again as she walks across to where Ocean is standing. She stops, and gives Ocean a big hug. "You know why. Its is gong be ok." Boudica smiles at Ocean, and then walks over to Nivasi. Again, a big hug. "You are doing great. You know that." She then walks to the altar, and places something on the altar. She gives a small bow, and whispers. "Thank you Great Mother and thank you Great Father." She returns to her place in the Circle to await...

...Stepping from her post, Nivasi, stands in the middle of the circle, casting loving eyes upon her friends. It is time for petitions to the God/dess, if you have anything you wish to discuss privately with them, you are welcome to do so, in this circle of love and light. As she slowly turns to go back to her post, she realizes she holds in her had a piece of birch, the one that someone passed to her in a dream, not so long ago, GrandMother, I understand now, what it all means, it is so clear now. Nivasi then gazes upwards into the star lit skies, and a tear of joy slides down her cheek, Thank you she mouths quietly, and lays the piece of birch onto the altar. Again, she returns to her post and waits..

...It is only two nights before the full moon and the new witch is waiting for her spell to finish itself. She lays between her two trees pondering up towards them as the candle at her feet burns for her. The Goddess whispers to her in a low and gently reassuring voice "Do you recognize these two?" The girl thinks for a moment and then she sees it as clearly as if she were in full daylight. "My mother and father?" Says she. Yes, it must be, for she was born a new witch under these trees. Her teacher was there, the trees bowing down to kiss their new daughter lightly on the forehead. "They are." The Goddess speaking in barely audible tones. "I recognize them. The tree to my right is my mother and the tree to the left is my father." The girl chokes slightly on her words as the realization brings with it a slight sob. She finishes her spell, invoking the Goddess by the power of one to help her ill friend. She walks back to her room, guided by the moon. The Mother's brilliant face shining down upon her youngest child's path.

Soon, very soon, Eve will circle her trees. She will whisper her words with such power that they will reverberate deep within the earth, and shimmer on the air like a haze of dew.

"Goddess, I invoke thee by the power of one, to give me the strength, patience, love and most of all the light to become one with the all knowing power of life. I ask Goddess, that you teach me. Please it thou to take me under your wing and show me all of your abundance and grace. Lastly I ask of you your love. I would want for no more than a delicious kiss from your countenance."

Eve lays down between her parental trees once more and waits quietly while gazing upon the burning beauty of the full moon...

...as Red Deer makes his way to the circle's center, the only unique point of their sacred space. Making his way to the altar, Deer pauses, entranced by the brilliance of our Mother.

"Thoir eisd fhein, Mathair Aobhair agus Athair Allaidh." He lays a small wreath of samaras from the elms in their back yard on the black surface. "The circle of our family, ripe with potential," he says, "I leave with you. Hold us each in the protection of Your arms as we undertake our journeys." About to retake his place in the circle, Deer quickly turns back to the altar and adds, "And if it's reasonable, warm and dry weather where we travel." With a small grin, he returns to his place among those surrounding him, and looks for the next petitioner...

...Owl steps to the altar and lays a small picture of her 6 year old granddaughter, Tessa. "Lady, I know you've been listening as I've talked with you the past few days ... I've been a wreck, and your presence has helped me be calm, when I really want to run screaming thru the trees. With your help, I'm sure we will all get thru the next few weeks ... but Mother, it's hard to be strong sometimes.

So once again, I ask that you hold Tessa close to your heart ... and give her little body strength to fight off any infection. She's too young to receive the vaccine for Lyme disease ... and that damned tick buried itself so deep, she has 3 stitches to show where it had to be cut out in the emergency room. So far, there is no rash, and there doesn't seem to be an inflamation of the area ... but we've got a few weeks to keep vigilant. So I ask two things ... health for Tessa, and strength for the rest of my family to get thru this, no matter what the result." A powerless Owl steps slowly back to circle ... wrapped in her own misery ... having little energy to share with the circle .. and waits for the next petitioner...

...Arcadia leaves her place in the Circle, and walks over to Owl. "Sweet friend, I have energy to give to you to get you thro this time, just as you have gotten me thro so many." With a light kiss upon her cheek, Arc walks to the altar.

Gracious Mother, Loving Father, I approach you this eve with much thanksgiving in my heart. For many months our family has struggled, but we have made it thro each and everyday with the strength you have given us. Now, you have made our road alittle easier, and I will use this opportunity wisely. I also ask of thee Mother, to watch over Owls' beautiful grand-daughter, and Owls family, in this time of uncertainty.

Arcadia whispers a few words to the silvery Moon that watches over all, and then returns to her place in the Circle to await the next petitioner...

...Cailean bows her head, so hard to make the decision, but she does and steps to the center of the circle.

"Mother, Lady...I give thanks...yesterday was so hard, 3 years ago my father travelled to the summerland and it seems that I alone of my family remember. As I struggled thru the day at work, dealing with the petty nonsense, I felt your loving presence and it gave me the strength I needed. After work, two auditions and what are the chances of getting two cold readings dealing with death by cancer? But I got them and I cried and I rebelled and finally I gave in and let my emotions carry me thru. Again, Lady, I felt your loving presence, a warm hand stroking my hair. I thank you, too, Lady, for the wonderful people I have met here in our cyberspace circle. I learn so much from them, not the least is courage and compassion, they share their strength, love, problems and caring so freely. I cannot say the words to express the love and gratitude that fill my being." With tears streaming down her face, Cailean returns to her place...

...SpringDragon solemly awaits Arcadia to return to her place. Then he steps forward to the altar. Kneeling in front of the altar with pain in his heart he places a picture of a little girl and her mother upon the altar.

"Loving Lord and Lady, I know that you hear our words. Though mine are not as saddening as others I bring this to you. If it is your will that these two wonderful people slip from my life then this I will accept. I can only ask that they remain in my life for the selfish reason of happiness for the three of us."

"Thank you wonderful Lord and Lady for lending thy ear. Spring Dragon slowly stands, with a tear in his eye he approaches Owl. "Know that the Lord and Lady have heard your pleas, my sister" he whispers as he lightly kisses her cheek and return to his place in the Circle...

...A tall, dark figure glides into the circle as an owl flies silently overhead. Chanting softly as he reaches the altar, he removes a small pouch from the folds of his dark robe and sprinkles an offering of fragrant herbs and amethyst powder upon the coals. Retreating slightly to the center of the circle, he raises his hands and face skyward. He pauses as if to grasp the moonbeam itself, then draws it downward to his feet with a sweeping, downward motion of his hands. Sweeping his hands skyward once again, he calls out to the sky:

"Hail, O Lord and Lady of Many Names, hear my call upon the winds. By the Sacred Flame of the Forge of Brighid, I ask that ye shall grant me your powers of transformation. By the healing waters of the Cauldron of Life, I ask that ye shall grant me your powers of healing. By the strength of the mighty oak, I ask that ye shall grant me your strength, your guidance, and protection. Let your spirit descend upon me, filling me with your essence. I come before thee asking that a rift with a dear friend be healed. Let the chains of guilt and fear, which keep us apart, be dissolved so that they bind us no more. Let all the obstacles which stand between us be swept aside, smoothing the way for us to come together once again in perfect love and perfect trust. Let a new dawn drive away the darkness that has settled between us so that our friendship may blossom once again like a perfect rose."

A blonde woman in her 40's approaches the circle from the east holding a white rose against her ample bosom. As she moves, the moonlight plays upon the folds of her white robes and flashes gently in her soft, blue eyes. As she approaches the dark figure in the center of the circle, she hesitates and they eye one another uncertainly for several long moments as she wrestles with her mixed emotions. Finally, the decision is made and both step forward. Meeting in a gentle embrace, they seem almost to dissolve into one.

Following their long embrace, they step forward, placing the rose upon the altar as an offering of thanks and return together to the edge of the circle, where they wait...

...Rowan, who has remained silent this ritual is now stirred by a longing to help a dear friend. She approaches the altar while in her mind, she reliving the ordeal of her nieces' recent surgery. As she thinks of Kayla, her thoughts turn toward Tessa. Two beautiful children so much alike, yet so vastly different. Without her friends gathered here tonight, the outcome may have been much different for Kayla, and she is more grateful than anyone realizes for the strength she received from such generous friends. This same group of individuals now has another child to watch over and protect.

As she stands before the altar, she removes an owl feather that was gifted her by a dear friend. This she places on the altar as she raises her face to the beauty of the night sky, and sends her thoughts to her patroness, the Protector of Children and those young. "My Lady, I ask of you on this night, to protect my dear friend Owl's granddaughter, Tessa. She is a lovely child, one that I grew quite fond of in my brief visit to Owl's home recently. Give her Your strength and protection now, when she so desparately needs it and lend that strength also, to her family." Rowan turns from the altar and walks to Owl. Embracing her, she holds her softly and gives of her strength freely, for Owl needs it more than she. She kisses her friends' cheek, and touches it softly to try to erase some of the worry etched there. A little fatigued and dizzy, Rowan returns to her place among her friends in the circle, and waits...

The young Eve steps foward timidly. She rests upon her knees just in front of the altar. She has a lot to ask this time around, so please bear with her.

"Dear mother, I invoke thee on my behalf and the behalf of others. It has been a rough time for us all. I ask that you help Chris in her time of illness (oh, she accepted the stone that I offered her, thank you). I also ask that you help Leigh to see her ways for what they are, as they are hurtful to me and all of her friends. Help me to make it to classes and guide me in a direction so that I may pass this semester. Oh, and I know I'm asking a lot of you sweet Goddess but could you help me to find someone to love? Lastly I just ask to know what it is that my teacher and I did that night in the woods? I know it was powerful magic and I made an offering of myself to you, but what now? Thank you Goddess and please don't feel that all of my requests must be answered, just what you feel needs to be done."

Eve looks around the circle and sees so many faces that she does not know. "Oh and mother, please let me know that all of these new faces around me are benevolent ones to share with? I'm sorry, I ask so much." Eve sighs gently and stands slowly. She places a small wax covered piece of paper upon the altar. "This is my offering to you, I suppose, for I am not sure what else to do with it and I've had it for so very long now." Eve looks to the heavens and sees the shining face of the mother smiling down upon them all. Maybe all of her requests won't be answered, but they were heard and accepted with love. She steps back into the circle and awaits...

...At the next pause, a young woman in a purple robe steps forward and kneels before the altar.

"Great Athena, Patroness of my Hearth and Justice Keeper, I thank you for safely seeing my daughter and I through our automobile accident with minimal injuries. Your loving hand was truly felt. I now petition you, Great Lady, for Justice to be served in the legal resolution of this case, and please, if I may, let it be quickly?"

She kneels in silent praise before the altar, adding an offering of incense, and then gently moves back to her place within the circle...

...QuietWaters steps forward, a little hesistant and nervous since this is her first time participating in one of these rituals. She places a small shell on the altar and looks up at the bright fullness of the moon.

"Thank You, Lady, for Your comfort and guidance these past few weeks. I have felt Your presence during this time of uncertainty and appreciate it. This journey I have set out on at Your call sure is a strange one, but nonetheless wonderous. As You know, I can be a bit hard-headed and stubborn (ok, that's an understatement!) when it comes to learning certain lessons. I'm working on it."

With a somewhat mischievous smile on her face, QuietWaters steps back to her place in the circle, to await...

...Lolandrea steps forth from her usually quiet and busy little corner.

"With thanks to my goddesses: the Morrigan, Persephone, Tara, Athene, and the Yivataria...love for you all, honor above all, and remembering always. Not to mention, a belated spring greetings in honor for Persephone and Dionysos! Eirene."

Steps back into the circle...

...Liz too steps forward nervously - she still hasn't found a name for herself, and this is also the first time that she has taken part in one of these rituals.

She directs her thanks to the moon and the stars "Lady, thank you for your love and comfort in the past months. Thank you for giving me back my strength so I can be here now, and many thanks for giving me the courage to fight for what I believe in. The only thing I have to ask of you now is your guidance and love to be with me more than ever in the coming weeks - I know that they will be the hardest." Liz then cautiously adds "And I ask of you only one more - let your strength, love and comfort be with Owl and her family, Cailean and hers, Eve,the young woman in the purple robe and her daughter, and those who call out to you."

With that, Liz places her offering upon the altar, and slowly returns to the circle and waits...

...Norda sits quietly on the couch in her moonporch, wrapped in quilts and afghans, casting her mind over the distance to the spot where this Full Moon celebration is taking place. She asks the Mother for patience, patience, patience this Moon. All she can offer in return for her petition is her own two hands and a full heart...

...Ocean steps forward again... she stops for a moment to hug PAniteowl, she turns to the fire in the centre and the company of loving friends and for a moment basks in the warm glow of both.

"Gracious thanks, spirits that have joined us this night, we go from here carrying your love and protection with us, you take with you our love and our gratitude. Gracious Lady, Gentle Lord, you bless us with your presence, now and always. Though we break this circle we have built this night, the circle of love, memory, friendship, that circle is never broken, in the wise words of an old dear friend... Love is the bond!" Thank you one and all for a most beautiful blue moon ritual, 'tis been a pleasure and and honour to share this with you all. To the cakes and ale!!