FULL MOON RITUAL April 2000

In the quiet morning air, Owl walks slowly up the Mountain Path. Touching the bright yellow heads of the daffodils, pinching a bit of the sage just beginning to green up... she inhales the scents of the pines.

The path curves, and the climb becomes steeper for a bit. Deep grooves have been carved by the spring rains and melting snows. A glint of sunlight flashes, and with a prod of her toe, Owl unearths a small chunk of Quartz. This particular stone is quite clear... but many others she's found are "Shattered Quartz"... formations caused by the movement of the earth over the millenia.

The path levels to a gentle slope, and still she climbs. Peeking thru the brush at the sides of the path, she can see where Will has been clearing some areas. The forest has been left to seed too long, and the vines are strangling both the old and young trees. But today, she really doesn't have time to go wandering off the track.

The Sun is at her back ... and she enters the clearing from the East (which is only proper) {G}. She goes straight to the mud hole to check for tracks. It's still early, so a shallow pool of water remains. It will dry during the day, but with the coming of night, the moisture will stay, and the animals will come for a cool drink.

Today, the tracks of Deer, turkey, racoon, and rabbit are evident. Owl wonders if they were all here together? Or did they take turns? A rustle in the bushes reminds her that she has not seen the track of momma bear, or the cub. Maybe they've started their wandering, it's been warm enough to wake them from winter slumber, but the cold weather has delayed the budding of the berry bushes, so they may have gone to the river to fish. The Trout are hearty now, and the bears must replace their store of fat.

Owl walks around the landing .. and decides there is NO WAY a broom is going to clear this mess {G}. A huge pile of logs are stacked in the center. Much too much wood for a fire here on the Mountain. But the pile will make a good place to sit and talk later.

There's a path off to the North where an old apple orchard has been harboring and feeding the wildlife for over forty years. The trees are gnarled and bent .. the only prunning done by the animals wandering through in their search for food. Owl walks a ways into the orchard, following the tracks of the deer herd. Oh, I know it's too early, but I can just barely detect the scent of apples. The trees are greening, and soon they will flower.

Returning to the landing, Owl rolls a log from the edge of the pile, and brushes it off with tufts of dried grass. From her back pack, she takes a Goblet, a bowl, a bag of salt, and two candles, one silver, one gold. Placing the Pentacle on the Altar, she steps back and thinks "this is good!".

Climbing thru the log pile once more, she spots a stump which had rotted out in the center. Wrestling the stump from the pile, she places it between the Altar and the water hole. On her next trip up, she will bring the small cauldron, which will be set down into the cavity of the stump. As she works, Owl can feel the breeze dancing joyfully thru the branches of the trees around the landing. Are they too happy that people will soon be here?

Before going back to the house, Owl strolls easily along the South trail. Like the spokes of a wheel, there are a number of paths to take from the landing. Each trail is unique, and each trail has some degree of difficulty... but all are beautiful. Feeling the need to balance, Owl returns to the landing, and then follows the path to the West. It is here that the water runs off the mountain to fill the water hole. A bit deeper in the woods, the path is crossed by a deep gully. From this point, the path turns left and begins to climb steeply up the mountain. No time to do that climb today... there's still much to do!

Heading back to the house, crossing the landing and walking DOWNHILL much more quickly... Owl checks the woodpile Will has brought down from the Mountain to the fire pit in the back yard of the house. A tent and long table has been set up... and the Soup Kettle is simmering. Long sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers, and CHOCOLATE are on the table. A pile of blankets lays on the picnic table for later. Loaves of fresh baked bread are cooling in the kitchen. And soft celtic music plays thru the speakers.

Now, we wait for Sundown...

...Owl enters the clearing as the last rays of the setting sun flash off the tips of the pines in the West. She carries her small cast iron cauldron and places it down into the heart of the old stump. At each of the four points, Owl places a Sand Candle and lights the quarters. As people arrive at the house, there are sand candles for each to carry with them as they climb the mountain. Owl waits, and watches as the flickering lights appear down the path. There's laughing, and joking, and she can hear the voices carrying on the sweet nite air. And then, as they catch sight of the flikering candle light at the landing, all fall silent on the final approach.

Owl waits til all are gathered ... She scoops a large dipper of water from the waterhole. Returning to the altar, she pours some of the water into the chalice... the rest is poured into a strange looking container hidden in her robes. Owl takes the Salt, and waits til the winds begin to circle strongly around the landing.

Raising her arms, she tosses the salt into the wind as she spins... calling out... "I consecrate this land to the Goddess and the God... I Cast the Circle Between The Worlds... This is Sacred Space, and all within are safe from harm"...

"So Mote It Be!"

Lighting a bundle of White Sage, Owl again raises her arms and spins, the sage smoke carrying on the cool Mountain Air... "I consecrate this land to the Goddess and the God... I Cast the Circle Between The Worlds... This is Sacred Space, and all within are safe from harm" .... "So Mote It Be!" From deep within her robe, Owl draws forth a WATER BLASTER!!! Pumping quickly, she release a strong stream of water into the winds as she spins, shooting above the heads of those assembled... "I consecrate this land to the Goddess and the God... I Cast the Circle Between The Worlds... This is Sacred Space, and all within are safe from harm"...

"So Mote It Be!"

With a deep laugh, Owl grins at those whose solemnity has just been shattered! "What!!???? Ya never saw a Water Gun used as a Ritual Tool before??? Wait, we have more surprises for you..." Owl states with a very big, evil grin.

Owl then faces the East and calls out: "Guardians of the East, Watchtower of Air... At this season of beginnings, your breathe holds the promise of new life. Join with us now as we celebrate the Moon in her fullness.

So Mote It Be!

Owl then turns and Waits for the South Quarter to be called...

...Jess wipes droplets of water from her glasses. Phhhpt! She had been apprehensive, unsure of herself, this being her first Quarter-call. "Ah, now, this is home," she thinks, "These are my people." She takes a deep breath and steps to the South.

Arms raised, she calls: "Guardians of the South, Watchtower of Fire, join us at the season of the Quickening. Stir our hearts, our loins, and our souls as Spring stirs to life in the Earth. Join with us now as we celebrate the Moon in her fullness." A warm breeze squirrels through the gathering, making candleflames dance, and leaves as quickly.

Jess turns back to the circle and waits for...

...Nym' had wandered away from the others earlier on feeling a need to be one with the mountain. It was obvious that this land, long neglected, was now lovingly being nursed back to health and splendor by those that could feel it's life's energy.

A chipmunk scurried under foot then turned and looked a Nym'. She could see by the twinkle of it's eyes this little one know the hidden mystery of the land. Watching silently Nym' waited to see what secret treasure her little brother was to reveal. The mountain was laced with streams and springs... but it was the underside on a large stone that the chipmunk seemed intent upon. Rounding the stone Nym' spotted a steep path hidden by the stone. At the bottom of the path was the answer Nym' had sought. She knew that a powerful source of the Mother's life-force lay near by. Scattered chunks of quartz sprung up surrounding a glistening pool. Here where the mossy earth met the crystal clear water, warmed by the sky's fire overhead, Nym' felt at one with the mountain. Curiously the little chipmunk sat strangely silent, gazing into the pool...

"Who are you my little friend?" thought Nym'... "Let me gaze through your eyes." It was then through foreign, yet familiar, eyes she knew...

"I have been in Annwyn
And Tir na n'Og
I have danced the Spiral Dance
And drunk from the Hierlas at daybreak."

"I am brother to Dragons, companion of Owls;
And I know the Secret Name of the Cat."

"I am the Oak tree, strong to the storm,
And I am the grass growing in the cracks,
bending to every breeze."

"I am the lovers' whisper, in the deeps of love
And I am the shout of the captains on the battlefield.
I am the Song of the Birds
And the endless murmur of the mountain stream."

"Many names have I, but only one Nature;
I am the Singer, and the Song,
And I hold Three Things in trust."

"The words of the scholars are clear to me
And the secrets of the Ollamhs"

Nym' scooped up a handful of the cool water and gently kissed it's surface, then allowed it's cleansing spirit to wash between her breasts... Thanking her little brother for his guidance, Nym' removed a flask from within her robe. Filling it from the pool... she then returned to those gathered.

Owl had certainly surprised them all with the unexpected shower... but it reminded Nym' of the many forms this mystery of life can take... From the raging ocean tides, the Mothers womb, the deep serenity of the river or the playful child of a bubbling brook...

Approaching the alter, Nym' removed the flask of water from the sacred pool. Pouring some in the chalice, she then pour the remainder on the earth... returning this hallowed gift to the Mother. Then facing West she invoked an ancient symbol in the air -

"Western ones of water's flow
Help to guard us here below
I do summon, stir and call you
See these rites and guard this circle!"

"Come to us and heed our call!
By the Power that made us all;
By the Power that blesses Thee:
Come to us; and Blessed Be!"

Nymue' returned to her place, a bit inquisitive at what else was up Owl sleeve... And unlike her impatient Arian nature... waited patiently for...

...Red Deer, who quite simply (and without mischief) took to the northern point of the circle. He too had collected water from the hole, without knowing just why it would be required. "Idiot," he'd thought at the time, "you're calling North - Earth, no need for water." Never the less, his inner voices had directed him and he'd learned to follow. Along with the skin of water, he'd been moved to scoop up a hefty pouch of the wet, sitly earth from beside the hole as well. "You know the dirt in the clearing is far to rocky for our purpose," Myrlen had taunted - displaying her knowledge a bit impishly. Now, Deer remembered tousling her spotted ears and jokingly thumping her nose, before beginning the steep climb up the Western way. He'd missed the procession with the others, but had needed the time alone (well almost alone) before tonight's ritual... and he sincerely hoped that Will had thought to bring one of the sand candles up for him, as he forgotten to ask for one.

Kneeling before the Northern quarter point, Deer held the skin and pouch before him and wondered just where this was leading. Several long green stalks swayed beside him in the breeze, but as he turned to look inquisitively at the little Aussie waiting in circle for him, Deer was suddenly elsewhere. A great kitchen, filled with the scents of the rural south in summer, and the backside of a rotund old woman working at her stove. Deftly, her narled hands wove strips of dough dyed light green over the top of dish of unseen contents. In response to his inquiry, the old woman had picked up the dish and shown it to him - saying, "Why, I've made just what you wanted dear, a lattice pie." A young Deer had burst into tears, reflecting on the arduous labor of picking the many, tiny blueberries from her bushes, and stammered, "But grandmama, I wanted a BLUEBERRY pie, not a LETTUCE pie!" And with that memory of she who'd taught him so many of the secrets of the green world, Deer began his working.

The stiff silt and water he mixed and worked into the form of a flat circle - about a foot in diameter and three inches high - fluted around the edges just as his grandmama's glass pie pans had been. All but the outer half inch he covered with a smattering of rounded black stones scooped up from the ground, before plucking several of the stalks and deftly weaving them into a "lettuce" over the top of his work. He grinned to himself, then, "Thank you for everything grandmama," he thought silently, before standing and facing the north candle with arms raised to the night sky.

"Northern spirits, guardians of Earth
Ward our sorrow, join our mirth
Thee I do summon, stir and call
Watch this circle, and us all."

Deer stood silently for a moment, reflecting upon the many memories of she who'd been so central to his childhood, but long absent from his thoughts. And wondering just what had been the implication of her spirit rising in him this moon. He then turned and returned to Myrlen's side - waiting to see what would befall them next...

...Owl felt the "setting in" of the Elements... and with a smile she gazed around the Circle. Old friends and new, gathered once again at the Call of the Full Moon. But tonite, a difference... for behind those of the Pagan Paths, she saw too the faces of those who gather in this place every night. There, the inquisitive face of Fox peeked out from behind Jess's cloak. So quietly, so still, Jess hadn't seen him yet... Owl had to grin at the similar expressions on their faces.

Oh!... Racoon, and her babies! Welcome little mother... I see you eyeing some of the glittery things on the Altar... well just keep your nosy paws to yourself! And don't let the babes grab for the fire!

Hmmm... now what's that moving behind Nym... it looks so large... Ah Ha!! "Hello, Tom Turkey... Just how old a bird are you?" If Nym were to turn around, and Tom stretched to his full height, they'd be looking eye to eye!

"Psssttt... Reddeer... look behind you! The Stag just moved forward, and you can see the Doe and fawn close behind. And a little ways back, about 15 more of the Doe are waiting to see what will happen.

The wind stirs the tops of the Pines .. yet as Owl lights the Cauldron fire, the smoke drifts gently upward in a straight column. In the distance, the low growl of Thunder echoes from the Ridge... and the air is moist with the promise of rain.

In the moonlight, the earth within the Circle glows softly. On the night of the Seed Moon, we celebrate beginnings. But to know a beginning, we must understand the endings. We remember what has gone before, and those who shaped our lives. It is here, with the new growth of the forest, and the animals who call this place "home", that we come together to sense the magick of the Earth. It is here we come to feel the promise of old... In Her name we witness the turning of the seasons... and in the changes, we see the constancy. The Magick of the night enfolds us... and with deep emotion Owl commits to the Mother to strive to maintain the Balance of Life, so that we all continue.

Owl Steps forward wearing a feathered cloak and headdress. Raising her arms to Mother Moon, she calls "Lady, we gather here tonite in your honor. From those who have gone before us, we repeat the pledge to your service. To those who will come after us, we commit to pass on the truths of the old ways. With the cleansing sage smoke, we send our thoughts to you on the winds of the Earth."

Owl then takes a stalk of Sage, smudging the circle and wafting the smoke along the pathway of moons' light with the aid of a large Horned Owl's Feather. Owl gazes around the Circle til she meets the eyes of her brother - Reddeer - and nods...

Then bending before the Altar, she places the sage on the Pentacle Circlet, and lays the Owl Feather alongside the Chalice... and steps back to wait...

...and the Highlander thinks, "I'm happy to see the animals, their pure and genuine curiosity, life is not complete without them as Mama raccoon stops next to Owl and stands on her back legs, looks at the altar and then back to Owl. "I'll try to keep from bringing disarray to your altar, but I can't promise anything," she seems to say, "it's in my nature".

"You and the otter", Highlander thinks, "our little clowns!"

The gentle doe take a few steps closer, so gingerly, looking to the stag for reassurance, her fawn at her side, tail flashing. He looks to her and tosses his head to say it's alright, no one here will hurt you.

"I'm back on the mountain, gratefully out of the city. It's been so long. I'm closer to your mountain, grandmother. Back in Doe Hill. I can hear you, the whispers in the breeze. How much I've missed the mountain.

And we bide...

...until Red Deer, done basking in the warmth of friends and memories, and the light from both mama moon and distant lightening, steps forward. First he turns to the old stag, only to find his gaze fixed upon the man standing among others. From other ears Deer perceives the faint ring of bells each time the man moves, and from other eyes he sees a dancing shadow - hooves meeting feet where they touch the earth and the silhouette of seven-tined antlers sprouting from the shadow man's forehead. Deer falters for a space, as always such dual perception is somewhat disorienting, before turning his attention back to Owl and the friends gathered here.

Deer looks up into the deep night sky, reveling in mother's light, and even more so in the flashes of lightening which he feels more than sees. Spreading his arms, palms facing forward, he calls, "Lord of the Hunt, Master of All Wild Things, Father - we gather here tonight beneath a full moon in the myriad names of You and our Mother. Help us to keep alive the memories of those who went before. Lead us to cherish our relationships with those who share this turn of the Great Wheel. Teach us to commit our awareness and energy to those who will follow." Deer turns to Myrlen and takes the small antler - shed last fall and found in the woods near their home - and the strip of freshly shed velvet which she has been holding the last few moments. He turns about the circle, approaches the Altar and places the velvet beside the black flint blade he'd left there earlier, then lays the two pronged piece on the hardening strip. Deer paws the ground thrice - and hears the scrape of a cloven hoof upon the mountain's rocky soil from just outside their space - before turning to his sister Owl and whispering, "So mote it be!"

Retaking his place among the circle of celebrants, Deer pauses to hug the little Aussie who has become his faithful companion. Then, addressing the night, and the wild ones gathered about them as much as the friends to either side, he calls, "Our Circle is cast, our Quarters are called, and our Lady and Lord have been invoked. Let any who would come forward to celebrate the moon, offer of self, or request that needs be met." Looking again to Owl, he waits for the first petition...

...After smiling a greeting to everyone present, Morgan steps forward to the altar and places upon it a red rock with tiny quartz crystals embedded in its surface from Sedona, Arizona, along with a small white and black speckled clam shell which was just collected this past Sunday from the shores of Lake Havasu. Along with these offerings, Morgan also places a pot of tiny white spring flowers called 'Easter Bonnet.' After silently standing in the center of the circle and grounding for a moment, Morgan raises her face and arms to the moon's Divine light and says,

"Oh, blessed Lady and Lord, I thank you for the blessings granted to me and mine since the last Moon, particularly the happy reunion with good friends and the opportunity to spend time with them while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the sky and water. I also have a couple of requests for you this Moon. My first priority now is my youngest daugher, who has lately had some trouble. I pray that she is able to find her way back onto the correct path while at the same time learning from her mistakes. I also pray that my legal matter finally moves forward from the stall it has been in. I will never, CAN never rest until I see some justice done! Lastly I ask for your continued strength and guidance, not only for myself, but for all my friends and loved ones. Your strength is MY strength; your power is MY power. So mote it be!"

Morgan stands silent for a moment more before slowly retreating to her place in the circle, watching for...

...Nymue approaches the altar once more. Removing the branch of a Hawthorn tree from the braid in her hair she wonders at the wisdom of it. This branch was a gift given to her by the sacred tree, the tree that had stood sentinel of the hidden spring found earlier in the day. The blossoming had told her ancestors that Beltain was here. A time for new life to spring forth. Looking at the swollen buds she knew that time was near.

"Brightest Lady, Blessed Lord as the blossoms of the Hawthorn come forth, help us remember that this is a time for hopes and dreams to blossom... a time to look forward. Dear Uath, fierce guardian of sacred springs, as I knelt by the spring I heard your words, your sharp spears defend the sacred while your budding white blossoms mark the season of cleansing. Aid us in attaining the balance between self and connection with the universe."

Nymue' then places the wispy limb of a Willow across the Hawthorn "Sister Saille this is your moon, lend us your energies to facilitate transitions, to enable rebirth, heal the psyche and provide the energy to move on."

"Mother, Father... Help us to be open to the teachings of your trees." Nym' returns to her place in circle, finding to her surprise that she now must share it with a gigantic TURKEY!!! With a mischievous grin, she mumbles silently to herself... "How many casseroles can I freeze?" and then waits as...

...Fairymoon takes a deep breath before stepping up to the alter..the smell of spring is in the air. stepping up to the alter she places a pot on the altar with some of her newly sprouted herbs. she looks at the glorious moon and raises her hands high in the air.

"blessed lady and lord i thanks you for all your blessings this last month.. i ask that you continue to bless my family and to keep them safe."

fairymoon stands with her arms still in the air pausing to but what's in her mind into word the fairies are fluttering around her whispering to her she puts her arms down, and nods yes to the fairys. their glossmer wings flitter as they fly to the spot where she was standing in the circle and come back with an ivy crown decorated with beautiful flowers of different colors: pink, white, red, with twisted green ivy wrapped wildly around it. the fey place it on the alter and then come to rest around fairymoon. Fairymoon, unable to vocalize her thoughts at this moment, whispers a quiet "blessed be" and looks again at the fairies. as they smile so does she and then turns and returns to her place in the circle and waits...

...An owl flies silently overhead as Whisper steps forward from the shadows with his long black robe flowing gently in the breeze. Chanting softly as he approaches the lovingly decorated 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. He bends down to light the candle from the sacred flame, which he then places on the altar along with a single white rose. Retreating slightly to the center of the circle, he raises his hands and face skyward, his long dark hair glowing softly in the firelight. He pauses as if to grasp the moonbeam itself then draws it downward to his feet with a sweeping motion of his hands.

"Hail, O Lord and Lady of Many Names, hear my call upon the winds. Let your spirit descend upon me, filling me with your essence."

Sweeping his hands skyward once again, he calls out to the sky, "Hail O Shining Lady of Many Names, I offer my thanks for granting me a glimpse into the future showing me that a situation in my life which has brought me four years of pain will come to a satisfactory solution. As the mountain bursts forth with new life, so shall the long-dormant seeds within my life begin to burst forth with new life. As the first glow of a new dawn shines over the horizon of my life, I offer you my thanks for your help and ask that ye shall continue to grant me your strength, your guidance, and protection as I continue the long road that lies ahead. So mote it be."

Whisper returns quietly to his place, and watches as...

...Owl moves once again to the center of the Circle. "May all your petitions be heard! So Mote it Be!" , she calls out, as she gazes round the Circle.

Then once more standing before the Altar, Owl gazes up at the Full Moon. "Lady, we honor Your presence here with us tonite. Our thanks to you for constantly lighting our way through the darkest nights."

Then turning to each of the Quarters, "Thanks to the Guardians of the Elementals. We are honored by your presence. Stay if you will, go if you must. Know that your place is safe with us. Blessed Be."

And now... for our surprise!!!

Owl nods to Reddeer as he stands at the entrance to the Apple Orchard. She turns to the group still standing in Circle, wondering what's going to happen next.

"Let me tell you a story of a place not long ago.. where magick happened every day. Deep in an ancient forest, a shabby old building stood shakily on timbers long past their bearing age. Moss grew on the shady side, and weather beaten shingles slowly peeled back on the sun side. Ivy intruded into the mortar of the chimney stones, as moisture warped the wide pined floors. Grimy windows slept in the shadows, where once they sparkled like the eyes of a child."

"One night, some friends wandered into the weed choked yardway of the house. In the moonlight, the old building didn't look too bad, and they were hungry, tired, and needed a place to rest. They pushed open the massive front door, and walked in. An old sign lay sprawled in the dust of the parlor ...'CANDLELITE INN', it read."

"The people quickly gathered some wood and built a fire in the old fireplace. Although it threw a bit of smoke, soon the damp chill seemed to dissipate, and from backpacks, and pockets, bits and pieces were added to provide a meal. Sleeping bags were unrolled, and a flask of wine was passed around as each person settled in to spend the night as comfortably as possible."

"The next morning, the charm of the old place had worked enough magick to make the friends want to restore the Inn. So they rummaged, and scrounged, they scraped and they scrubbed... and soon, the Inn was clean and sweet smelling. They found an old vegetable garden... gone to seed, but still having some hardy plants bearing fruit. They found an old orchard, apple and pear trees laden with fruit... and blackberries, and raspberries... and a beautiful pond, not far from the house, with fresh, sweet, spring water."

"The friends worked together... and soon, there was warmth, and laughter, and Magick once again in the old Inn. When the friends were ready, they placed a Candle in the Window and the adventures began."

"One of the adventures was both frightening, and intoxicating at the same time. Tonite, thru the Magick of the Full Moon, Reddeer will take you to a special place before we walk back down the Mountain for the feast waiting to be devoured."

Owl then turns to the North .. and everyone looks a bit confused. The entrance to the Apple Orchard is now overgrown with a thick hedge. Reddeer is nowhere around! Where did he go??? Where is the Apple Orchard???

Wait!!! There's something moving just inside the Hedge! Those aren't branches moving! It's a large Rack of Antlers! REDDEER! REDDEER!!! CAN YOU HEAR US?????

...or at least the shadow of a noble rack, as all note when Deer pops back out of the maze from behind the hedge row. Fingering the evergreens, he states, "Box... the favorite of my forebears for hedge-weaving, and especially for mazes," to whomever of the group might be listening. As eyes already attuned to the night search out the verdant wall around him, those waiting in circle discerned - each in their own time - that what at first appeared a solid swath of green actually contained a massive arch a little better than a dozen feet high. The seeming magic of this particular disappearance and reappearance on Deer's part had occurred simply because he'd stepped through it and around the first turn of the maze - an ancient knot so well limned that even now some found it difficult to keep the open arch Deer stood in from disappearing into the next wall which stood, or rather grew, behind it.

Deer had always thought that Frank Lloyd Wright must have meandered here in the springtime of his creativeness. The maze, when viewed from "above", seemed to to embody the same balance of quadratic, sextepartite and octagonal geometries that Wright's Luxfer prism had. Since Elenya and the girls had given him a three dimensional rendering of the Luxfer for Yule, he'd also discovered that it embodied a pentagon as well and greatly anticipated searching for a five-fold path within the maze this eve.

"Each of you is invited to join in traversing this ancient maze," Deer announced to his friends. "Be sure within yourself when you enter, for self is all that one may bring here. And self is all that you shall have to guide you. During the Autumn, we (cloven hoofed and two legged alike) run this maze. We run in the hunt. We run in returning to the world about us energy accumulated during the growing light of Spring and the long hot days of Summer. We run and return to the earth, much as the trees in Autumn return the leaves formed in Spring.'

'But now, as Beltainn approaches, the traverse is more gentle. For in Spring we wander - taking the time to notice the beauty of this place older than any of us, to absorb from the earth strengths with which to build during the coming days of growth, and perhaps to learn that this place" he says while gesturing with an open left hand at the high wall about him, "is a meandering not of geography but of spirit."

Red Deer turned then to face the interior of the space he'd been discussing and saw a black, white and blue blur flash past his eyes. "Well perhaps the rest of us will pass gently through this eve," he thought to the little Aussie flashing back and forth - up one trail and then down another - "but I suppose such is not yet in your nature, little one." Then he knelt again, facing outward, and focused upon the family waiting patiently outside their gathering. "My Lord," he addressed the stag, "forgive that this little one with the zeal of youth has pressed on before you. And forgive that I - in the exuberance of finding a gateway here, have been likewise rude. If you would grace us by blessing the entry with your passing..."

As Deer waits, and much to the surprise of some present, the old one makes his way to the high arched wall, followed in turn by the Doe and her fawn and then the remainder of his harem. The stag snorted briefly in Deer's general direction, then nuzzles the spot on his forehead from which antlers might sprout, and made his way into the maze - followed by those who are his family. One by one they disappeared through the wall which all still have difficulty perceiving with a stable portal to its other side.

With that, Deer paused to pluck from the entrance the tip of a boxwood twig with a small compliment of leaves, which he tucked into his hair, and then gestured to the others to follow. Soon after choosing his own path, Deer remembered again the secret of this place - easily lost and just as easily regained so long as mind and heart remain open. For this maze possesses no specific solution, other than any path which the one traversing it might choose to follow. In that it was more a labyrinth than a maze. But where any traveler's path led would be a mystery, until its very end. And a path upon which one might easily become lost. So in that, it was more a maze than a labyrinth.

"Open my eyes, Mother Night, and my mind and my heart. For now, may my thirst to know be quenched, my hunger to feel be sated, and my desire to embrace be fulfilled." Then he set foot to the path he had chosen, slowly absorbing the sights and sounds, the textures, smells and tastes of the greening world about him. And as he did so, Deer became again aware of the music which always seemed to fill this place. Point and counterpoint endlessly reflecting each other and refracting into myriads of further melodies - music so complex as to seem more at cacophony than harmony to the unattuned ear. But to one who listened, it was indeed the music of the spheres - so long sought and so often discussed by the ancients - and simply hearing it was bliss. As he moved slowly along - aware of many twists and turns in the path, and many openings in the green boxwood walls which he *might* have taken - Deer found himself again remembering the rotund old woman who had appeared to him at the quarter call. He remembered snow white hair thick and full and hanging almost to her knees when loose, which he'd spent perhaps hours of his youth brushing for her. He remembered the care and the swiftness with which she might braid it or sweep it up into a bun to crown her sparkling eyes and broad smile. "A smile broad as a mountain valley," he heard from deep within the maze - and remembered the description she'd more than once offered of him, realizing that it was just as valid for her. And as he reflected, Deer suddenly became aware of a pair of ice blue eyes peering at him from around a bend in the path. "Grandmama," he called, before suddenly realizing that these were far to close to the ground and topped not by a white bun, but by a pair of black and blue ears. As Myrlen jumped into Deer's arms and began to lick his face, Deer again pondered the seeming familiarity of her spirit since the first time they'd met.

Before he knew it, Deer's peregrination had brought him to the now familiar center of this space. Passing under the final arch of this path, under the last circle of box and into the space which held the heart of the maze, he and Myrlen came face to face with the ancient trees. Here, if one was open to it, time flowed not at all - except as directed by the ineffable will of the maze herself. To and fro, forwards and back, even flowing into itself and becoming one - a vast river which moves ever in a circle, a turning wheel. Deer was, as always, overwhelmed with the sense that he was in the Summerlands, that he himself was the Dance of Lady and Lord, and that all creation was unfolding within him.

"Such power," he thought, "and such grace. I could easily decide to remain lost here forever." With that, Deer became aware of the little one tugging at his hand. He turned briefly to assay the progress of his friends, noticing that most have taken to the maze like trees to good soil. Then he took to the foot of the ancient oak and embraced her, before he ascended her lower boughs and gained the place where the bowls of great mistletoes sprung.

These reminded Deer of descriptions he'd read of mistletoe forests still growing in Wales, whose trunks - growing in aged trees ten men in girth - might be the size of a large man's forearm. As he climbed, Deer became more aware of the music, the harmonics which always had and always will emanate from this junction. Here, indeed, arose the melody of Lady's and Lord's dance. And here, once attained, a seeker could depart for any where and any when they desired. As he listened for a final moment to the music of oak and mistletoe, Deer murmured the words "Owl's house," and found himself sitting by a warmed fire among the savory aroma of soup and toasted sourdough bread. Showing somewhat better manners than at the beginning of this voyage, he settled down to wait for the others to arrive before digging in...

...Owl watches as Deer and Myrlin disappear into the maze... and grins as she watches the faces of those looking doubtfully at the arch. OK, now it's my turn! A soft HOOT sounds from the trees, and a winged shape glides over the entrance of the Maze. Winking at the huge Horned Owl now hovering above the maze, Owl laughs and enters the arch. OK, my friend, let's find our own path thru! Waving once more to those still hesitant to step in, Owl encourages them with these words... "Last one thru does the dishes!"

As she nears the first cross turning, Owl hears the "Hoot" which leads her to the left. From there, the path twists and turns, each step seeming to become more difficult and complex. Thinking to herself "Oh fine, everyone will get there before me and I'LL be the one to do dishes!" Scurrying forward, she finally breaks thru to the heart of the Maze.

There, on the soft pine needles beneath the old Hemlock, were two women. They were playing cards, and sipping a sweet wine. "What took you so long?" they asked. Owl ran to them and warm hugs were shared. "I've so much to tell you, Gram, Aunt Liz!... My life is so confusing sometimes... and my children, and my grandchildren... I'd love for you to meet them!"

With a chuckle, both women let her know that they were well aware of all her brood. And they would be around to watch over and protect as long as needed. Then another woman stepped from beneath the skirts of the old Hemlock. "MOM!!!" exclaimed Owl, running to embrace the tiny woman who had passed over many years ago. As Owl hugged her, she glimpsed more of the Clan still standing in the shadows of the branches... Uncles, Aunts, Cousins... all gathered to celebrate the Spring and promise of renewal. Uncle Norb came forward shyly. A quick hug, and a rub of cheek against cheek... Owl could feel the rough scratching of whiskers, just like in the old days.

They all began to step back under the Tree... with murmured wishes of "good luck, best wishes, we'll see you again." Owl began to follow them, but Gram took her arm and pushed her back. "It's not your time to come with us, dear. You still have much to do... and many who need you. We'll be here to support you, and we'll welcome you when your time comes. For now... go join you friends and family... and have a great Season. We'll see you at Samhain!" Gram stepped beneath the branches and was hidden from sight. Owl began to climb the old tree, and was high enough to see the top of the Maze. She grabbed a large branch and swung down... to find Reddeer and Myrlen by the campfire in the backyard of her home. Hugging both of them, she laughed, and grabbed the ladel to stir the soup pot simmering on the tripod. She got busy bringing out the fresh bread, sweet cream butter, and veggie trays. Reddeer was stoking the fire. An so they prepared the feast as the others began to arrive.