...At last all are gathered for the rite. At Myrlen's insistence, Deer has lain and lit on the beach a bonfire of the left-over logs from ritual preparation and raised a pavilion of towels about it, so that those bathing may have both fire and a warm towel to dry off with. She and her Deer lead the way, Myrlen barking at him to hurry along and Deer again shedding his clothes on the white sand. Both splash happily into the cold Atlantic, whose usually rough waves on this beach seem to have calmed for the occasion. In the middle of his whooping and hollering - as others are beginning to join them, Myrlen takes a serious bent and reminds Deer that this is, after all, a ritual bath. In one last antic moment, Deer lifts the little Aussie high over his head and flings her headlong into an oncoming wave, then snatches her up again into a warm embrace. She licks his face heartily, the turns to observe the others more or less gingerly testing out the water. Freeing herself from Deer, Myrlen gracefully mounts a small wave and glides toward the shore, ice blue eyes smiling at each of those now immersed in Mother Ocean. Upon the beach, she shakes vigorously from nose to rump (having no tail to follow) and then goes to sit by the fire and wait.

Deer likewise glides beachward to welcome the other bathers, and begins to focus upon the upcoming work. After several moments of cleansing meditation, he emerges from the tide and strides toward the warming fire, content to shake the water from his hair much as Myrlen had and then complete the drying process basking in the radiance of the flames. As the other celebrants circle the round, some drying off after their bath and all donning whatever ritual robes and jewelry they will wear into circle, Deer slips away for a moment to the hollow in the dunes. Bringing a large cut crystal ewer of sea water gathered after the sun had set and before night had fallen, he first approaches the altar and carefully pours it into the silver chalice. Then, Deer quickly lights the slender taper waiting there, followed by the mass of patchouli leaves in their shell. A few steps to the Southern Watchtower and the pyramidal pyre there set takes a new life from the taper in Deer's hands, as does the censer full of red amber at the Western Watchtower when he approaches it. Deer checks again the the tall tapers at each Watchtower stand solidly in the sand, replaces the lighting taper in its place on the altar and quickly retakes his place with friends gathered round the bonfire on the beach.

Deer produces a hand-blown Egyptian crystal perfume bottle and going slowly round the informal circle anoints each with its mixture of jasmine, patchouli and styrax. After all but Owl have been prepared, Deer replaces the black and gold bottle in his pack and brings forth two more. The crimson and gold bottle, with its contents of Deer's Tongue, Dragon's Blood and Galangal he hands to his sister, while holding the midnight blue and silver one close himself. Both stand in silence a moment among their friends, then Deer bends and anoints the one who will be Lady this eve. First the tops of her feet, followed by the remainder of those five-fold points of glory he touches gently with sandalwood, jasmine and myrrh. This portion of the ritual preparation complete, Deer hugs his sister then waits as she likewise perfumes him from the ground up.

Myrlen, with some of the anxiety of youth that things proceed without taking too long, takes Deer's hand in her mouth and gently pulls him toward the dunes. She leads the group through the path and into the hollow already well prepared. Deer looks to see that Myrlen has taken her place as guardian of the portal and that those calling the Watchtowers are ready in their places - Nymue by the Eastern chalice, framed with dunes and backed by the Ocean herself; Rosemary before the Southern pyre, directly beneath the penetrating beam of the Cape Hatteras light, which swings their way several times a minute but seems to emanate from the burning pyre behind her; Susan by the Western censer, enveloped by its sweet cloud of amber smoke; and Fairymoon before the Northern crystal, glittering in the many lights it is reflecting - before reaching out and taking the hands of his beloved Owl, who stands beside him at the altar. "Blessed Be," he whispers to his sister and hears a ripple of likewise whispered Blessed Be's move around the circle. And the brilliant light of the full moon floating above them seems also to ripple across the warm and cloudless sky with its own echoes of "Blessed Be," reaching down into the hearts of all gathered beneath as well as out to the depths of the farthest star.

Deer releases Owl's hands, then moves to the altar. He first takes the Chalice of sea water and holds it briefly before the Owl, as both concentrate upon its magickal depths. Then, turning to the eastern quarter, Deer moves slowly deosil sprinkling the ground (and each gathered celebrant) with the essence of Mother Ocean. "This Circle I cast, from the life blood of our Mother, as a meeting place of love and truth to shield us against all which would lessen us and our endeavors this moon. Therefore I consecrate this space in the myriad names of our Lady and of our Lord.

Deer returns to the altar and replaces the chalice, then takes up the bag of flower petals. Again, after he and Owl meditate upon its contents, he moves toward the eastern quarter. The dampened ground he litters with the bag's contents as he moves deosil. "Nine flowers of spring our Lady gives, nine flowers to our Lord in His ascendance. Apple and pear, crocus and daffodil, clover and dandelion, camellia and chinese magnolia and lastly forsythia (fortune, affection, gladness, fertility, fidelity, happiness, loveliness, nature and lust) but none so sweet as the very flower of Her self." Having lightly clothed the Circle and those gathered with this floral bounty, Deer calls, "This Circle I cast, from the body of Mother Earth, as a place that is no place and a time that is no time. Therefore I consecrate this Circle as the home of She who is Mother to us all."

Finally, Deer replaces the now empty bag of petals on the large slab of wood, and takes up the single lighted taper within their midst. Again, he and Owl move into the depths of that which he holds before them, and then Deer mounts the Eastern quarter. Moving deosil all the way about the Circle, until he as retaken the East and then the South, Deer bends to touch the candle flame to the expanse of hemp rope emerging from the sand. In just that moment, a pale blue flame leaps skyward and circles round those gathered. While any outside observer might only have seen a ring of dancing fire, those within could aptly perceive that as the flames rise skyward, they also bend inward to form a flickering dome briefly above their heads, before their physical fire dwindles into darkness. "This circle I cast, from the heart of the Horned One, as a world between worlds, a shadow of all that was, is and shall be. Therefore I consecrate this Circle as the home of He who is Father to us all."

Deer returns the taper to it's place on the altar, and again takes Owl's hands in his. Then, turning to the East, he requests that the Watchtowers be called...

...Nymue' had romped in the ocean earlier in the evening with Morgan by her side. This had been Morgans first encounter with the Great Mother's waters... one could see it would be a life long love affair. The oceans scent was intoxicating to Nym' she could float in the waves for days. Its cleaning caresses washed away worries and reawaked her flow of connection, a oneness with the water. A healing of emotions and a lifeblood of thought. What ancient mysteries were sustained in these waters... water that had been here from time begun. Changing form, yet always returning.

Nym' had grown up on this ocean, she knew its strength, she knew its beauty, she knew its fury. The ocean had always been a center of depth to her; it had claimed her as a toddler washed away by its waves only to be returned by her Father. She remembered the serenity of its luminous sunsets, and its gently lapping waves as well as her many times sitting at the ocean's edge during raging storms, feeling and merging with its might.

Now here gathered with dear friends and family it was a time to celebrate. This is the moon of Persephone, Daughter of Demeter. Queen of Hades. Goddess of Spring, Rebirth, Planting. A time of change. To the Celts it was also the moon of her namesake, Nimue daughter of Danu, the Goddess of new life, compassion and dreams. The first stirrings of spring were in the air, the song of the sea so very near.

Nymue' approached the East simply draped in a soft blue silk, a sheer white veil covering her curls. A breeze caught the covering to reveal the cowrie shells entwined in the golden red hair. Strands of pearls and crystal tangled and wound themselves about her wrists.

Nym' drew four items from a deerskin bag at her waist. The first a white taper candle, this candle carried within it the flame of the sacred fire of Kildare, the flame that guarded the sacred well of Bride. Approaching the altar she lit the taper first in the candle of the Lord and then passed it to the flame of the Lady. Carrying the taper back to the spot Red Deer had so lovingly set for the Watchtower of the East, she raised the candle high...

"In the light of the Lord and the Lady
I call upon the powers of the east.
The sacred wells of tradition which give form to our dreams."

Nymue' then placed the candle in the sand beside the Watchtower taper. Three small bottles appeared from her bag, as she opens each and pours them in the bowl she says

"Waters of life, from ocean, spring and well...
The menstrual blood and the child's tears are one
Watchers of the East, Ancient ones of change and compassion.
Your life's blood runs through all, from within our veins to the living waters of the Mothers womb.
Blessed Be the Ancient Element of Water
We call upon you to witness this rite and to guard this circle.
Bring to us the sea, the rivers, and the falling rain.
Fill our hearts with compassion.
So mote it be!"


Before returning to her place she stops to place a kiss upon the cheeks of both Red Deer and Owl. Resuming her place in the embrace of the circle she awaits...

...The pyre off to the left of her crackled in the wake of silence following Nym's call. The circle waited patiently... feet began to shuffle and necks to crane for a view of Rosemary. Morrigan turned her own head to the southern quarter and wondered at the hole in the circle where Rosemary had only *just* stood a moment before. Her eyes turn to catch Red Deer's in question, but his look mirrors her own. Morrigan waits edgily for Rosemary to return. But as the minutes slip by, each feeling longer than the last, she moves from her place in the circle and walks to the altar, taking the lighting taper from it's place. With a nod from Red Deer, Morrigan walks to the south, through the warmth of the pyre built there, to the candle waiting her touch. She bends flame to wick, her body blocking the breeze that envelops her in smoke from the burning pyre.

"To the South I call! Spirits of Fire, I ask you to witness this rite.
Protect us as we circle here, and warm us with your purifying flame."


The wind shifts and sparks fly from the pyre to soar with the draft, spiraling into the night sky. Morrigan returns the lighting taper to it's place on the altar and takes her place within the circle to await...

...Susan turns to face the Western quarter, revelling in the scent of amber in her hair as it brushes against her face. Her rose cotton robe swishes as she moves through the sand, and her ankle coins tinkle mischeviously. She waves some of the sweet smelling smoke towards herself, breathing deeply. She is unaccustomed to calling Air in the West, so she takes a moment to ground herself before she calls. Then, throwing her arms back, she says,

"Hail, all those who Watch the West, Spirits of Air.
Spirits of change and communication.
From you all intellectual knowledge flows.
I welcome you to our rite this evening, in all your forms:
the winds that blow, the breath in our lungs,
the hawk and the coyote.
Join us as we celebrate the return of Spring."


From the pocket of her robe, Susan produces a box of matches from her recent wedding reception -- remembering with a start that she forgot to ask Deer if this was alright and hoping he would appreciate the spirit of the gesture -- and strikes one. As she touches the flame to the wick of the taper, Susan sees the distinct face of a grinning coyote just beyond the circle. She winks at her friend, adn then turns back to the circle to wait for...

...Owl gently nudges Fairymoon and asks if she may take her place to call the Watchtower of the North?

As Fairymoon nods, Owl walks to the candle set in the North. Raising her arms, she casts a sprinkling of scented herbs onto the lighted pillar, and its fire leaps higher.

"Hail Guardians of the Northern Watchtower.
We invite you to attend and protect our Circle this night.
At the time of Ostara, the Wheel pauses in it's turning...
The Earth is in balance...
We welcome Earth from the North!"


Taking a small bowl of clay from her robe, Owl places it at the base of the watchtower pillar, and leaves within it a variety of stones .. both rough and polished.

And steps back to the Center of the Circle to wait...

...until Red Deer speaks out, "Our Circle is cast, and the Watchtowers set. Prepare for the coming of our Lady and Lord among us - not simply between and within each as is our usual, but physically manifest within this Circle as we celebrate both Esbat and Sabbat." Deer momentarily hopes that all is well with Rosemary and Fairymoon, then returns his thoughts to the moment at hand. The slight remainder of their lighting taper he takes from the altar - holding it close to the tips of the Lady's and Lord's candles in turn to renew its connection with Their sacred flames before moving toward the cauldron. Deer stands silently a moment before placing the shortened taper within. "Thoir čisd fhein, Māthair Aobhair agus Athair Allaidh!" Raising his arms skyward, as the nine woods gathered begin to flicker and then to flame, he recites:

"Now hear ye words of the Witches, of secrets well hid in the night, when dark was our destiny's pathway, that now is brought forth into light.

By mysterious water and fire, by earth and by wide-ranging air, by hidden quintessence we know them - thus we will, and keep silent, and dare.

Join birth and rebirth of all nature, become passing of winter and spring, all we of the life universal, rejoice in our magical ring.

Four times in a year Mother's Sabbats, when Witches their besoms do leaven, at Lughnasadh and Oimelc dancing, at Beltain and glorious Samhain.

When night and day become equal, when the Sun is at greatest and least, our Father's four sabbats come on us, and Witches do gather in feast.

Thirteen times silver moon in a year turns, and thirteen the old coven's array, thirteen rites our Esbats make merry, for each golden year and a day.

Great power passed down through the ages, each time between woman and man, each age passing into another, enow time and the ages began.

When cast is the magical circle, then raised with each quarter in power, its limn between shadowy worlds lies, in no time and no place for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it, and the world of beyond will tell naught, the oldest of Gods are invoked here, and the Great Work of magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, which stand at the gate of Their shrine, and two are the powers of nature, two forms and two forces divine.

Dark Half and Light Half succeeding, their opposites each unto each, shining forth as our God and our Goddess - of this did our ancestors teach.

By night He's the wild wind's own rider, the Horned One - the Lord of the Shade, come day He's the King of the Woodlands, first dweller in green forest glades.

She youthful or old as She pleases, sails billowing clouds in her barque, the bright silver Lady of Midnight, and Crone who weaves spells in the dark.

Our Mistress and Master in magic, Who dwell in the deeps of the mind, immortal and ever-renewing, with power to free and to bind.

Drink wine and break bread with the Old Gods, dance and make love in Their praise, till fair Summerlands shall receive us, in peace ere we renew our days.

Now "Do As Ye Will" be the challenge, so be it that Love mote harm none, for this is Their only commandment, "by Magic of old, be it done!"

Deer silently thanks the Lady and Lord for the great inspiration who was Doreen, then turns to Owl and kneels upon his left knee, with both hands resting upon the right. He waits until Owl indicates her readiness for the invocation.

"Blessed be thy feet, which bring thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy knees, which touch Mother Earth as you become Her altar.
Blessed be thy womb, which brings us all forth from Her.
Blessed be thy breasts, which we each have suckled.
Blessed be thy lips, which deliver to thy Lord His kiss."


Deer bows his head briefly before the one who already begins to glow with the inner fire made visible, then continues. "I invoke Thee, Sacred Mother, who is present within and beyond all we know. I draw Thee down, Mistress of the Moon, whose very heartbeat is the pulse of existence. I call Thee in Lady of Three Aspects, to the body of this Thy priestess, who anticipates the ascendance of Her Lord with the coming of Spring. Be here now!"

Deer feels the radiance which fills Owl and spreads to the limits of their Circle, and then far beyond. About him, he perceives variously the murmurs of fulfillment and wonder which come naturally to the lips of those gathered. He basks in the glory of She Who is both transcendent and emanant, and Who is now manifest in their midst. Beyond all, he waits...

...As Deer's Invocation draws the Lady to the Owl... Owl can feel her own essence rising to welcome and join with that of the Lady.

The Circle within the Circle is created, and Owl looks out with eyes changed. She sees her beloved Deer standing before her... a grin, a touch of nervousness, a sense of waiting and wonder, and an absolute belief in what is to come.

A focus... an awareness... and a timelessness occurs. Owl reaches out and places both hands on the shoulders of her brother. She sees him now, can feel his substance, and with other eyes she sees him 'before'. Remembering the first time they joined in this dance together, and in wonderment realizes it was not the first time at all. She realizes that it was powerful, and so very easy because they had been doing this from time immemorial. She can see the Deer as he is today, yet the other eyes show her the Deer as he was, again and again, through many life times. She sees him bearded, and clean shaven with the face of youth. She sees him naked, and in the robes of finely woven cloth. She sees him wrinkled with age and illness, and she sees him running to her with arms open wide as a child.

His hair is long, and his hair is shaven. His face is fair, and his face is dark lined and tattooed. His hands are smooth and supple as an artisan, and his hands are coarse, and misshapen with hard labors. But through all the incarnations, there is a love in his eyes for the Lady who stands within the body of the Owl.

Gazing deeply into his beloved eyes, Owl sees the Blue Star beginning to glow on his forehead. She leans forward and kisses his brow gently, as a mother does a well loved child. She then kneels, and exhales warm breath on each of his feet... as you would to warm the feet of child coming in from the cold. Taking both his hands in hers, she kisses each palm, as thanks for faithful service... and on his breast, over his heart Chakra, she kiss the life force of this brother of the current incarnation.

Standing before him, watching the essence glow ever brighter in his eyes, she speaks to him softly so that only he can hear... "Welcome again my Brother, my Son, my Lover, my Father. Within the Wheel we once again meet and rejoice in promises of old. Once again, we affirm the turnings and the returnings." Then loudly, and with absolute conviction and surety...

"I Call to the God of the Green...
I Call to the Life of the Earth...
I Call to the Sun in it's Path...
Be Here With Us At The Turning
When the World Lies Balanced on The Wheel...
I Draw Down The Light Of the Sun...
Abide within this Priest who has made himself ready from time immemorial ...


As the Sun God settles within the Deer... a glow of energy surrounds him... the Orbs of Owl & Deer merge... they stand as one... and embrace... for the time between... when the balance gives pause... and the promise of life is renewed. "I Live... I Love..." is whispered on the winds...

...and Deer - almost reeling from the smoke on his brow, the fire in his head and the ultimate 'seeing' now in his eyes - take a deep breath and suddenly stands taller in the surety of this embrace. Much as with Owl, he sees what is here and now, but also what has been. Yet not the distinct differences, rather a form which is kaleidoscopic - maintaining one feature at a time as others shift through a myriad of incarnations. And into the ear close beside his lips, Deer whispers "Welcome again my Sister, my Daughter, my Lover, my Mother. Aye, within the Wheel We again take on flesh, sense and sensibility. Again, We come unto Each Other and unto Our children."

Deer turns then, from the sweetness of this embrace fleeting and yet eternal, to address the celebrants gathered for this moon. "We are among you. We return, We live, We love. Through all the many turnings, this remains constant. You have leave to approach the sacred circle's center, and to present to Us and to the cauldron your hearts' desires. For petitions the time has come.

Then, holding gently the warm hand of his sister Owl, Deer waits with her for the first celebrant to come forward...

Epona looks about for a moment taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful circle. The rolling of the waters and the crackle of the fire. Epona steps lightly over to Deer and Owl, taking a hand in each of hers she aqueezes them lightly and thanks them for the beautiful gathering with her eyes.

Epona's green robes flow lightly about her ankles and bare feet. Celebrating her Irishness and welcoming the Spring all at once. Her red hair swirls under the moon as she lets go of the hands of her hosts.

Epona glides to the driftwood altar running her hand over it as she makes her way to the centre of the large piece. She is amazed at the smoothness of it. The ocean and sand having rubbed away all of the sharp edges. Epona welcomes the moon as she reaches into her robe pockets retrieving a small loaf of soda bread (the other large loaf awaits a feast later) and a small conch shell from her travels. Epona places them on the altar and addresses the goddess of Spring.

"Eostre, goddess of Spring and new beginnings. Your light and awakening of the trees brings new life to us all. I welcome you back from your long sleep. With the coming of the new Spring I ask your aid with a new beginning of my own. I have just graduated from college and am having a very hard time finding my path in this new venture of career. I ask that you help me to discern good opportunities from bad. I ask that you help me to find a company who recognises my talent and is willing to help me grow as a designer so that I may become all for which I am capable. I thank you for your beauty, Eostre. Biodh Dia!"

Epona then looks to the moon once again to address her;

"Blessed Dieties of the moon. With your light comes the forces by which to push the night into day. Shine bright this night as I ask you to continue to guide me along this path I have chosen to walk. Please continue to protect my loved ones and friends (Epona gestures to those gathered in circle). Keep my will strong as I face obstacles along this path. And continue to aid my inner voice. I thank you for your giudance as always. Biodh Dia!"

Epona steps quietly back into the circle amongst her friends and awaits the next petitioner...

With much trepidation, Cailean steps to the center of the Circle. She fears she will not be able to put into words what is in her heart, knowing she is a mass of contradictory emotions. She comes to the altar and stands open, face upward, eyes closed.

"Oh Mother, hear me. I come to you once again in my time of need which is also a time of celebration. I'm so confused. I feel guilty about my joy over the wonderful present I have received and resentment over a need to feel that guilt, to have this bit of happiness sullied. I thank you for the present, it is priceless and those who are close to my heart will know of what I speak. I wish to sing, dance, twirl and whirl to express the joy and elation it has brought me. But, there is dark as well. I feel torn by friends warring amongst each other; feel as though they are asking me to take sides in a battle not my own. I will not do this. I have come to care for each person involved, each in her own way, has taught me much, and I refuse to let sniping damage that affection and respect. So I ask for your guidance, Lady. Let me find my way through this difficult time without losing friendships which mean so much to me. Let me find a way to do my dance of joy without fear or reservation."

Cailean quietly walks back to her place, wiping the tears away...

...Jess steps forward, her hair tangled from the salt water. The sand shifts beneath her bare feet. On the driftwood altar she places a wood chip. It is inscribed with a bind-rune for strength and clear vision. "Bright Lady and Lord, guide my friend where he needs to go. He has had the courage to end a bad situation. Give him the strength to continue and the wisdom to choose the right path."

From her dress pocket Jess takes a piece of maple from the tree in her back yard. As it is about to be cut down, she considerd this piece a gift from the tree. "I'm sorry you have to leave, Old One. Thank you for the shade, the sounds, the leaves and helicopters. Here is to your progeny, where ever they may grow." Jess lays the piece of wood by the rune.

She turns back to her place, staring in awe at the nimbus surrounding Red Deer and Owl. How can they contain such light and power? They are a wonder...

...Susan steps forward from the Western quadrant to stand before the drifwood altar. From the pocket of her robe she produces a program left over from her handfasting ceremony, a small piece of polished tiger eye, and an orange candle.

"Lady, Lord, I have much to be thankful for this moon," she says, looking to the sky. "Thank you for suspending the hailstorms so that I could have a lovely clear day for our handfasting. Thank you for all the love and friendship that were present at that ceremony, and may Erik and I carry it forever in our hearts. Thank you for the unconditional love I receive from my mate and that I feel for him, and for allowing us to make that bond a formal one in this life."

She places the program on the altar; it is cardstock and vellum bound with green ribbon, handmade by her beloved the night before the ceremony.

"This moon, and on the Ostara, I have two requests." Susan picks up the tigers eye. "As you know, the Pagan students on my campus are trying to form an organization. We know we will be met with resistance. Please give us the strength to persevere, the words with which to counter the resistance, and make the way smooth for us. We do this in Your Names."

She lays the tiger's eye beside the program.

"And lastly, please grant me focus as I return to my life from the whirlwind of the wedding. Help me keep centered as I work on my dissertation proposal, and let me create a product that will make You proud."

She lights the candle with one of the wedding matches. Susan stands silent for a moment, then returns to her place to wait for...

...Keilidh steps into the center of the circle to greet the Shining Lady and Lord. Spiral round to the right, then to the left, then to the right again in complete circles, she clasps her hands to her heart and then spreads her arms wide to embrace -- "Dearest Lady, we have truly been on a journey together. My heart is so full that words pale and cannot express my gratitude and love to you. Over me you have watched and guarded, beside me you have guided and taught for as long as I can remember. Before I knew you, you knew me. You brought me home to meet my family. You have helped me help raise daughter, who has grown strong and good. The lessons, both bitter and sweet, have helped me to grow too."

Keilidh reaches into the pocket of her cloak and places apricots on the altar and rose petals over them. "Mother, your moon is on the equinox of Spring. We will soon enter the waning as we now enter Spring of new birth. I ask that you never let me go or grow weary of me. Guide and help me guide my daughter well. Help me to always take care of my family and to extend that care ever outward..."

...Michael steps forward and walks to the altar. He drops to his right knee and says, "Awesome Lady, Brilliant Lord; I am Michael a seeker of truth." He then stands and reaching into his black velvet suit jacket he takes out a small bouquet of multi colored crocuses and tiny white snow bells tied with a thin white ribbon. He places the bouquet on the alter and says, "I come to celebrate this Ostara moon with you for this is where my path has led. I ask that you continue to show me your wonders and the way that is best for me to follow and serve. With a shallow bow first to Owl, then to Deer, He turns and traces his steps back to where the rest of the celebrants wait for...

...Dancing Skygazer steps forward, a slight tinkling with each barefoot step, wiping away tears which have dampened her face. The power of the setting and the ritual have completely overwhelmed her, and she is momentarily speechless. All the carefully rehearsed words seem to have disappeared from her mind. Then she remembers Cunningham's words, "O Great Goddess, you have freed yourself from the icy prison of winter. Now is the greening, when the fragrance of flowers drifts on the breeze. This is the beginning. Life renews itself by your magic, Earth Goddess. The God stretches and rises, eager in His youth, and bursting with the promise of summer." Her long red hair blows about her face, and the glint of the fire sparkles off of the silver at her ankles, wrists, throat and ears. Gracefully, like a cat, she glides across the sand, and faces Owl and Deer, who are radiant, in perfect love and perfect trust, and words are unnecessary, as the eyes and smiles convey volumes.

She smiles with them both, bows her head briefly, respectfully, with a little curtsey, and then turns toward the altar. She has been holding a clear glass vase filled with water and a large bouquet of proud, bright yellow King Alfred daffodils. She approaches the driftwood altar, and kneels down in front, pushing the vase into the sand at the base, the flower heads bobbling gently in the ocean breeze, slightly confused by the salt in the air. She turns back to look at Owl and Deer, "My Lord and Lady, I thank thee for the strength of the past moon, and for your guidance in the coming moon. I am pulled in many directions, help me to find the path of growth. In this time of rebirth, nurture me, that I may continue to nurture those who look to me. I trust in you always."

No further words being necessary, she reaches gingerly into her large pocket, and brings forth two eggs, she has prepared, each painted half black, and half white. Holding one in each hand, above her head, she breaks them both; one spilling forth with silver and the other gold, glitter. "For the Lady and the Lord, so mote it be" She flings her hands up and some of the glitter settles on the altar. She turns back to look at Owl and Deer, smiling broadly again, and returns to her spot in the circle, and...

...Iris looks aroud, and sees no one else moving so she steps up to the altar. Knowing what she wants and putting it into words are two different things.

"Dear Goddess, so close to me, all I ask for this moon is happiness. Happiness to be with the one that is in my heart. I know what we had can be brought back. But the fear of others in our lives needs to go away. Other people in my life need to understand that this is what makes me happy. And it would make the children happy, also. What I felt was real. I've never felt like that before, not with anyone. And the things we've talked about..." A tear slips begins to quiver in her eye, and finally falls down. "Please, Isis, I don't know how much more of this I can take. I just want to be happy." The wind rustles her flaming red hair, but somehow the candles weren't affected. Iris knows she's been heard, quivers a little bit of a smile, places some stones on the altar, some lavendar from last year, and some rose petals she spills over the altar, too. She turns around and walks towards the outer circle, waves to her friends, and wipes away the tears, still coming down. She joins the circle and waits for...

...EarthChild steps forward; her short, dark, hair ruffling in the breeze. There is joy in her heart for the coming of spring, and yet so much turmoil over recent events.

"Lord and Lady, I come before you with a heavy heart. I am at the limit of how much I can handle. So much has been going on with myself and those I love, and I feel as if I am trying to hold together a sinking ship.

My soul sister and freind, April, has recently found you both. She has been given a miraculous second chance at life. While this makes her and the rest of us happy, she is losing her unborn child. She already lost one not long ago, and it is happening again. The doctors do not know why this is happening, and she blames herself.

I would ask you to help her come to terms with these losses. I grieve with her, Lord and Lady. She has lost and is losing these precious lives, and while their unborn lives may have been short... she loves them still.

Another dear to me has been having many health problems. He has had severe back pain, gastrointestinal problems, an ear infection, and numerous other illnesses. As soon as he gets over one thing, he gets nailed with another. He has lost three weeks of work now. Lord and Lady, please help him to heal and to find the right solution to his commuting problem which is aggravating his back. I love him dearly, and hate seing him in so much pain.

My Family's financial situation is dire. Somehow, help us to manage to scrape enough together to cover our bills and put food on the table. Somehow we must manage through this rough time. I am so sorry to be asking for so much. I am trying to the best of my ability to help myself and those I love through this tough time that we are all having. I find that I am running out of strength."

EarthChild bows her head. The tears that too often she has shed of late begin to roll down her face. Through her tears she looks down at her expanding belly, and smiles despite the tears.

"Lord and Lady, I do also have much to be thankful for. I have two beautiful children whom I love dearly. I have come to appreciate through the experience of others just how lucky I am to have them with me; and to have them be healthy and happy. I also have new appreciation for just how fragile the life I carry inside me is. Thank you for not only giving me this precious gift, but also for things to have gone so smoothly thus far. I hope that things will remain this smooth through the remaining months, and that this little child is born healthy and well. Despite all the recent problems, I will always be grateful for the people I have come to call Family. To have people whom I am close to; and whom I love and they love me... that is a gift beyond all value. A gift that I wouldn't trade for anything else in this world. "

EarthChild dries her tears. Not having much to give this month, she gives gladly of her heart. She hopes that will be enough. Turning her face to the breeze, she revels in the smell of spring. Spring. A time of renewal. Of hope. With that thought in her heart, she returns once more to her place in the circle...

...Heather steps into the circle. Marveling at what a magical time and place that has been created. The Lady glowing brightly over head, her slivery cool rays bolstering Heather's confidence. A knowing smile is given to all those who have helped her through the tough times of the last cycle, with out friends and many shoulders to cry upon, she doesn't know if she could have made it through so well. Upon the altar Heather places a clay pot full of bright green spring time seedlings, a symbol of all the newness and life yet to come, of all the potential she feels growing in her soul.

Turning her face to the sky, Heather smiles and lets out a laugh of joy and love, knowing Mother Moon understands. "Thank you Mother for bringinng me through these past weeks. It has been a time of very little laughter and many many tears. It seem as if there was so much to cry for and so little to find joy in. I felt like I had been led into a dark cave with no hope of finding my way out, no light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully with Your guidance and the help of so many wonderful people, the light is now visiable and is growing brighter and brighter. I'm finding more and more reasons to smile every day, more and more laughter. You held me up when I thought I would collapse, when I thought I couldn't bear the weight anymore. Like a patient mother, you let me cry, you listened to all of my sobbing 'Why's?' and though you know the answers, perhaps they are not things I'm prepared yet to know, and I reluctantly see that now. So tonight my Lady, I thank you for helping me find my strength through sorrow, for showing me that I am a good and strong woman, not a weak and silly girl, and no matter how dark it gets, there is a light."

Heather blows a kiss to the sky as she steps back to her spot in the circle...

...Nymue' steps forward again, before approaching the altar she stops to hug Caileen. There have been trying times of late in which Caileen has felt trapped in the middle. Nym's hopes the heaviness has been lifted from Caileen's heart. Approaching the altar, Nym' removes a handful of seed from the inner pocket of her robe. Raising her open palm skyward, exposing the seeds to the moon's glow she asks;

"Brightest Lady, Blessed Lord,
As my feet are rooted on these cool sandy shores
My your night breeze be my wings to carry these seeds,
I ask you to plant them, guard them, and nourish them.
These are the seeds of compassion, trust and healing.
Carry them to those in need, if it be your will."


A sudden ocean breezes blows carrying the seeds from her hand to be scattered upon the land. Removing a small package, wrapped in cloth, Nym' bends to place a small seedling beside the altar. "Mother please accept this small token as my thanks for the wonder of this night. This is a seedling from a beautiful plant those name 'False Dragon's Head' intrigued me two summers ago. It seems this plant has become endangered here in its native soil. It is my hope that the love and strength with in this gathering will help it to blossom and flourish once again."

A tiny Ghost Crab looks on curiously as Nym' plants the seedling near his burrow. The sound of the Snow Geese returning home in the night sky brings Nym' attention back to the moment. Here at ocean's edge, no well-defined boundary marks where the sea ends and the land begins. Here land and sea work together in an alliance. Just as we work with forces seen and unseen. Nym' looks at Red Deer and Owl, thankful for the night. Looking out to Mother Ocean Nym' remembers the Song of The Bard:

"I have been a wave on the ocean
And I have been a fish therein
I was cast away,
and found again."

...Storme quietly leaves her place in the circle and steps forward. This ritual has been exceptionally beautiful. The air by the coast is so fresh and clear, and the presence of the Lady and the Lord in Owl and Deer is incredible. She approaches the alter feeling cleansed and balanced. On the alter she lays a photograph of her son and a bunch of the first spring flowers from her garden.

Lady and Lord, you have watched over me and helped me and given meaning to my life and for this I thank you. I ask that you help me not to avoid the lessons you send, but to learn and to grow. I ask also that you will help my son; you know how upsetting the present situation is for him. Caring for him has taught me so much, and I feel privileged to know him in this life. But, as a mother, I find his pain harder to bare than my own, so I ask your help, to help him until this situation is resolved.

Feeling relaxed and calm, and incredibly happy to be allowed to be a part of such a warm and loving circle, Storme resumes her place, content to Let go and Let Goddess...

...Fariymoon now standing in the circle, queitly steps up to the altar, her blonde hair still dripping wet from the salt water. Thinking to her self, "Late again as usual," she centers herself for the task at hand... she places a new tiger eye stone that she just got and some pink roses on the altar..

"Oh great Goddess and God thank you for all you have blessed me with. I only ask that you help me with work related problems may it resolve its self quickly and fairly. I also ask for your great guidance so that I may stay on the path you have laid before me... may I too, grow in this season of growth. In Your light always, Blessed Be."

Fairymoon stands back and turns to Red Deer, then nods apologetically... Deer returns the nod with a smile and she moves back to the circle were her fairy friends are waiting for her. One of her fairy friends whispers in her ear, "You wouldn't be late if you were not playing with the water nymphs so long." Fairymoon smiles and waits...

...Amara steps into the circle and looks up to the moon with a smile. "Thank you Moon Mother." She says with a voice full of happiness. "Thank you for the strength to change. Thank you for all the goodness in my life. And thank you for the new love for myself and my new self worth." Amara pulls out a pouch of corn meal and throws a little to the 6 sacred directions. "Thank you." She says at last and steps back into her place...

...Morgan rises from her place in the Circle and approaches the altar, smiling greeting to all her friends as well as the newcomers.

All week, she has been ill with a head cold that has seemed unshakeable, and has been gathering needed strength to make this journey. Arriving at the altar, she scatters on it some fragrant citrus blossoms, which look like tiny white stars and smell deliciously like jasmine. Raising her arms and face skyward, she says:

"Gracious Lady and Lord, I come more to give thanks for the many blessings You have lately afforded me and mine and for the promise of renewal that Ostara brings rather than to ask anything, though I certainly appreciate your continued favor! I particularly wish to thank you for the improvement in my relationship with my eldest daughter, and give thanks that her life too seems to have finally taken a positive turn.

"I also think of my father, who would have been 83 this day in his earthly life. But I know that in the Summerlands, he enjoys rest and renewal and that one day we'll meet again. Please give him my love."

Morgan closes her eyes for a moment, feeling the energies of the full moon as well as the others gathered here, then slowly returns to her place in the Circle, and waits for...

..."Well," Cari thinks to herself "I haven't done one of these in a very long time." She steps forward, her raccoon like eyes, peering out at the circle and the great altar. What to do next? She shrugs and kneels to the ground, getting her knees all sandy. What is life without dirt and hardship? How much hardship has she herself known? She speaks in her own mind, the most powerful place to be. Words can only muddle her purpose.

She's been swapmed this semester. Working on her fair share of plays and productions. Running her own talk show. Keeping a long distance relationship alive. Even finishing homework is a chore on most days.

She can only ask that she have the sanity to finish the semester. Bless her with the strength and creativity to get through to the other side. Oh yes, and help her get those extra credits she needs so she doesn't lose her TAP again.

She needs to ask a few things for the better half, since he doesn't ask for things himself. Give him the wisdom to see where he should move next. Help him to find a job that he'll like. Help him to get through the rough times, the times when she can't be there for him.

Other than that the squirrly little girl just asks that spring come soon to Plattsburgh, oh and pretty please help her to complete her business with the Stag so that she can move on with her life.

Cari steps back into the group. Her legs are covered with sand, her face has the faintest of smiles and her mind is filled with hope for the coming months. She waits...

...and Rosemary comes into the circle, to the edge of the fire. Her heart is full and thankful for friends. She takes a sprig of rosemary from her pocket and lays it in the coals of the fire. As it's pungent fragrance fills the air she smiles, bows to the Elementals of the Directions, raises her arms to the Lord and the Lady, and says, "Thank you for balance in my life in this season of balance."

She stands for a moment, smiles and nods her head again, and returns to her place...

...Cathi hesitates for a moment, but then steps forward, bathed in the full moon light. With little to offer, but her heart, her thanks, and a small peice of tiger's eye, and a boquet of newly blossomed flowers from her garden, she kneels before the altar in the sand.

"Great Mother, you have given me so much to be thankful for, my wonderful family, my home, my health... I have but one request of you this night, I ask that you guide my husband and me on the correct path, so that we can begin to regain our financial wellness. Help us to make the right decisions. I give my hope to you, Great Mother, my faith and trust. Blessed Be."

Cathi steps back, hoping she said it right... Continuing to pray for guidance... And then...

...Sunspider leaves her place in the circle, her hair bluish-black in the candles light. She approaches the altar, giving a nod of reverence to Deer and Owl. She places a brown polished river-stone among the others gifts. The stone has veins of quartz running through it, showing the layers formed through many years of existence. She imagines it once being part of a large solid mass of rock, then eventually breaking apart from that mass. Tumbling through the rough waters, becoming polished, unique... yet still carrying it's history with it. Life... She understands now the message this stone held for her when it was calling to her...

She knows eventually she will be through all the rough waters, and become a part of something beautiful and sacred. And find peace in simply being... "Thank you Lord and Lady, for clearing my vision, for courage, strength, and determination. For this path you have set me on... and the knowledge that the rough waters will lead me to such beauty..." She bows her head, her thoughts move to the one who holds her heart.. "Please watch over him, help him find his way..." A tear rolls down her cheek. Sunspider returns to her friends in the circle, to wait for.....

...Red Deer who, seeing that all the petitions are completed moves to the altar and takes up the two and twenty crimson silk cords there lain. As he feels their lightness, he momentarily thinks upon their number. Two and twenty - the number of letters in the ancient alphabet, with its seven Lady letters and fifteen letters of the Lord all circling the seasons and coming to the sacred proportion as well. What a propitious number for their Lady Day ritual. He turns to Owl and holds the lengths of silk out to her, where upon Lady and Lord perform Their final act of this ritual.

After embracing with the cords held between them, Owl and Deer perambulate the circle of friends deosil. In the right hand of each celebrant Deer places one end of a cord, while Owl places the other in the left hand of the friend standing next to her or him. With each length threaded through all the ones before, the group becomes one - one flower with its pistils and stamens positioned above the nine woods still burning, albeit much lower, in the cauldron; one circle physically connected each to each; one energy flowing inward to the center and outward to the bounds of their magical space. When the pattern is completed, Owl and Deer take places at opposing poles. "Now, as the moon and sun turn through the sky, so our circle turns," Deer calls as the group begins a stately deosil round. "Now, as the sun and moon turn through the sky, we gather the energies of our petitions and release them to the world," Owl calls back as the group continues.

Upon the first several turns, each connected to all through their connections with another other, the celebrants find themselves ever more deeply merged. Owl and Deer pick up the pace and those looking beyond the circle being to see a blur of the world beyond - dunes merging into a whir of white and the sky into midnight blue punctuated by circles of starlight, while the moon hangs stationary overhead. A few more turns and they are all fairly running. Attention slowly shifts from the patterns of the outer world to those of their cords now seeming to take on light of their own. The lines from celebrant to celebrant begin to shift, both in shape and in motion. Those looking carefully may perceive faint waves of white beginning above the cauldron flames and slowly rippling outward to enfold each petal, each member of the circle. Again, Owl and Deer pick up the pace and the shimmering pattern begins to reverse, white threads of light flowing inward toward the fire. Just when all present feel they can proceed no longer, Deer and Owl simultaneously lift their cords high into the night air and bow their heads, releasing the energies gathered from without and within - returning the essence of Lady and Lord to the circle, to the fire. With a brilliant flash, the last of the white web works inward and joins a final flare from the nine woods gathered - at which moment the center of their wondrous whirling flower is consumed and all fall to the sand. Invisible to the outside world, but exceptionally bright to those within circle who turn faces skyward, the dancing pattern of white rises upon that flame which released it.

After an eternity's reverie - which may have passed in the flicker of an eye - Owl and Deer rouse themselves from the sand. Myrlen rushes from her place to lick at hands and faces, then waits calmly with her Deer as the others slowly rouse themselves from the depletion of a major working. Deer hears in his head, "a fine circle you've wrought tonight brother, but without blessed cakes and ale here please get these folks out to the beach so as to replenish themselves post haste!" Again, Deer tousles the ears of the little Aussie and whispers, "Ever more pragmatic than I, little one," before turning to embrace his sister. Then, he and Owl again round the group - exchanging greetings, hugs and thank you's with each.

Taking the circle's center briefly, Owl and Deer call as one, "Blessed guardians of the Watchtowers - spirits of Water, Fire, Air and Earth - we thank you each for your presence in our circle. Stay if you may, or go your merry ways if you must." And after embracing again, "Tonight, our Lady and Lord have walked among us. Not invisibly, not simply within - as They always do - but with physical form, with bodies which feel, which touch and which speak to the outer ear as well as the inner. Remember, however, that They are always with us, always within us, and always within every shining being about us. Our circle is open but unbroken. Blessed Be." And as Myrlen, growing somewhat impatient with their long windedness, pulls at Deer's hand - they move out through the small opening in the hollow dunes back onto the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Senses heightened from their experiences in circle, many note how each of the billions of sand grains spread out in the moonlight glints like a diamond, how the song of the surf carries its own melodies - beneath, above and beyond the thunderous roar which is both beginning and end of most people's perception of it. And how the scintillating pattern which danced among the cords through which they all had been joined seems to reverberate yet among the stars above them.

After laying several logs on the embers of the fire left there hours ago, and seeing that everyone is warm and finding their way to the table laden with bread and cheese, and the many other victuals brought that afternoon, Deer scoops up the little Aussie and heads for the waves. Still filled with the energy from their Calling Down, he cares not about the frigid night time Atlantic's ability to steal warmth from a living body and rushes headlong into the surf. The shock both grounds him and quickly reminds him that he no longer is Lord, however, and he rapidly follows Myrlen back to the fire, and the company of friends, as the eastern sky begins to pale. Deer dons clothing to warm himself after drying again by the fire. Soon, he knows, the sun in ruby splendor will leap from night's bed - far out over the vast ocean's horizon - and they will enter into the first day of the Light Half. "A day of balance," he thinks as the first rosy rays streak across the sky, "and still the great Wheel turns..."