A month prior to the ritual, Morgan had paid a visit to some friends who own a boat rental and ferry service located in the main tourist center (which is called the English Village) of Lake Havasu City. The Village is situated just off the highway that runs through the city, with boat docks located in the Bridgewater Channel, which was dry land when the famous London Bridge was dismantled in London in 1968, shipped to Arizona, and rebuilt stone by stone.

Morgan's friends have been more than happy to oblige her request for the services of their largest and newest ferry on the evening of the full moon ritual, and will make two trips (the second for any latecomers!) to the site of the ritual. Upon entering the Village, the dock is easy to spot; a large flag emblazoned with a blue crescent moon flies above it!

"Havasu" means "blue water" in the language of the Chemehuevi, which is the local Native American tribe. The lake, which was created when Davis and Parker Dams were built, changes many color of blue throughout the course of an average day, but at mid-afternoon on a cloudless day, the lake and the sky are a perfect reflection of each other. The ritual site will be a small island called "Friendly Island," which is located right in the middle of the lake. Morgan thought it would be an absolutely perfect place to share with all her friends. She has been there on several occasions (the last just a few weeks ago) that have not only been fun and filled with shared laughter with friends, but also relaxing enough to experience the serene aura that surrounds the island. When seen by the light of the full moon, it is truly a magickal place.

Unlike most of the other islands that dot the lake, this one actually has some greenery on it; stately Tamarisk (also known as Salt Cedar) trees resembling Weeping Willows stand guard. Other shrubs grow there as well, and many of them are now in the last stages of blooming. On this, the eastern side of the island, there is a large clearing just a few feet from the water, with picnic tables off to the side as well as a fire pit. It is here that the ritual will take place.

Late in the afternoon on the day of the ritual, Morgan takes a smaller boat to the island to prepare the ritual site for the arrival of her friends later that evening. Except for a picnic table (which would just be too big), there really is nothing on the island that would serve as an altar, so she has brought a folding table as well as some additional items that she will need for the ritual.

After a leisurely cruise through the no-wake channel, Morgan, finally able to get the boat's engine out of low throttle, enjoys the feel of the wind, coming in cool off the water, on her face and in her hair. It's around 90 degrees today, but it should be a balmy 75 degrees or so later on. A true Pisces, Morgan feels most at home on or near the water. On her way to Friendly Island, she passes Copper Canyon, which is the magnificent red rock canyon where MTV filmed their Spring Break special a few years ago. At one time, the canyon would have been a beautiful place in which to do a ritual, but now it is tainted by the deaths of so many people who have foolishly braved a dive off of its rocky cliffs. She continues on past the breathtakingly beautiful craggy red mountains that ring the lake, once catching a glimpse of one of the wild burros that live in these hills.

Arriving at Friendly Island in a mere 30 minutes (hopefully not long enough for any of the ritual attendees to get seasick!), Morgan anchors her boat at the shore and begins to unload her cargo. It being a weekday, there are no watercraft anywhere near the island, and the still beauty of the island and the water surrounding it contribute to the calm mood that has overtaken her.

Breaking off a branch of Tamarisk after thanking the tree for its contribution, she begins to sweep it over the area in which the circle will be cast. The sand here is coarser than ocean beach sand, but at least it's not rocky and should be easy on the feet of anyone desiring to go barefoot! Having swept the perimeter of the circle, Morgan passes the branch under the picnic tables sitting off to the side. This is purely precautionary; she chuckles, reminded of Christy "Sunspider" while remembering one occasion when an enormous Sunspider crawled out from under one of these tables and continued right up her shoulder! It's been a while since she's moved THAT fast again!

On the banks of the islands of this lake, there are millions of tiny white clam shells strewn all over. Morgan picks up a small bucket she has brought along, scoops up some of the shells, then proceeds to draw a large circle with them, encompassing nearly the whole of the clearing within it Having finished with this task after a couple more bucketfuls, she sets up the table that will be the altar facing north and scatters the rest of the shells in the bucket upon its surface. Upon the altar Morgan then places a large Abalone shell and lays within it a smudge wand of white sage, which she will soon be lighting preparatory to cleansing the circle. Also upon the table are placed a large round white candle for the Lady, a large red pillar candle for the Lord, an incense burner with some of Morgan's favorite incense, a bowl of water from the lake, a bowl of sea salt, and a lighter. There is plenty of space left over for the various offerings that the other ritual attendees are sure to bring!

At each of the four quarters, Morgan places a colored pillar candle appropriate to the direction; green for north, yellow for east, red for south, and blue for west. Next to each candle, she places a "London Bridge" lighter for each person (which they are welcome to keep) who will call the quarters. She then turns to the boat once more and draws from it some wood for the fire pit. She has also brought a bag of charcoal and mesquite chips to throw on later for those who'd like to indulge in some of the chicken or meat she has brought along. These are in a large cooler, along with all kinds of fixings (including a veggie tray and cheeses), as well as wine and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages and juices. There are also a couple of cakes and some bread as well as plates, cups, etc. As she places the food and coolers upon one of the picnic tables, Morgan prays it will be enough for the many people that she hope will attend this ritual.

The last things Morgan unloads from the boat are eight tall Tiki torches, seven of which she plants firmly in the ground a short distance away from the circle. These should add just the right amount of light to complement the moon's own bright presence!

With the weather being so warm, Morgan has dressed for this occasion in a swimsuit, covered by a matching wraparound skirt and crocheted top. Resting for a moment, she removes the skirt and wades into the lake, delighted at how warm the water is. She stands grounding herself and joining with the elements for a while, her feet entrenched in both earth and water, breathing the clean air and feeling the warmth of the now setting sun on her face.

Regretfully, Morgan leaves the water and ties on the skirt once more. She goes to the fire pit and begins to build a fire with the wood she has brought. After the fire settles down to a steady burn, Morgan turns from it to find that the moon has begun to climb in the sky. She smiles, knowing that she will soon be greeting her friends. She picks up the eighth torch from where she laid it and lights it. Then she walks to the other seven and lights them from the one in her hand. She then plants the eights torch in the sand.

Morgan takes her athame in its deerskin sheath from the bag she has brought it in and ties it around her waist. Off in the distance, she can see the lights of the ferry boat bearing the attendees for this night's ritual. As the boat draws near, Morgan advances to the altar, lights the sage wand, and walks the perimeter of the circle with it held high. Arriving back at the altar, she replaces the wand into the Abalone shell and lights the incense, afterwards placing the lighter alongside of the Lord and Lady candles. The smoke rises in the windless air, undulating like a gray serpent as its fragrance wafts over the circle. The boat comes to rest on the shore, and everyone on board, new friends and old, comes forth to be greeted by Morgan to this small slice of paradise and to participate in this "FMR on the Lake!"

As the ferry departs for the mainland so as to be available for any late arriving attendees, everyone takes their place around the circle. Morgan advances toward the altar and lifts her face and arms to the full moon, which climbs ever higher in the sky.

"Blessed Lady and Lord, I thank you for bringing my friends safely here to this place and this time, so that we may all share in your love and blessings on this night while your light shines full upon us. We are now between Beltane and Midsummer, and as the seeds sown at Ostara now begin to take root and flourish, so too we hope that the endeavors we began at that time will grow in likewise abundance."

She continues,

"Here upon this altar are represented the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water, while all around us water flows, barring the way to any negative forces and influences, and purifying this rite."

Looking around at those assembled, Morgan continues:

"Welcome, all ye who enter here, in perfect love and perfect trust."

She advances to the northern quarter, and after lighting the green candle stationed there, raises her athame in the air, and says,

"Hail, guardians of the Watchtowers of the North! Powers of Earth! I call upon you to charge and guard this circle! In the name of Demeter, who has again brought the hope of Spring to the earth, be here now!"

After a moment, Morgan retreats to a place in the circle, and waits for...

…After sprinting to catch the second ferry to the island, an out of breath Topaz made use of the ride to feel out the area and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the day. Like Morgan, she found herself feeling quite at home on the smooth blue waters they were gliding across and wished she might while away the night rocking in it's gentle embrace. It seemed only the space of a few minutes when the ferry arrived at the island and she disembarked with a heartfelt thanks to the captain for waiting for her.

Off in the distance the twinkle of lights and a fire beckoned and she was soon in the circle and saw all was beautifully prepared. Morgan's special touches were everywhere (especially her preparations for the feast afterwards!) and everything was at hand that needed to be. She was glad she'd brought her drum and hoped she'd learn a tip or three from some of the others.

The night sky and full moon was so intoxicating, jaggedly framed as it was by the darkened mountains and reflected back in the stillness of the lake. Mesmerized by its stark beauty it was the sound of no sound that brought her back to the reason she was there. That and the somewhat disconcerting feel of expectancy focused on her. She frowned wondering what was up and then raised her eyebrows as her internal light bulb switched on. With a silent Homer *doh* under her breath, she moves quickly to the east. Whispering to the night breeze she lights the yellow pillar candle with the lighter at hand, watching its flame spring eagerly to life. Despite being late, she takes the time to compose herself and fully focus before calling out,

"Hail good guardians of the East ~ Keepers of Air and place of the rising sun! Join us here this night to guard our circle and witness our rite. Welcome and well met!"

Stepping back to her place, she mouths an apology to Morgan, and waits for...

…the call to the South. Turning toward the South, she raises her arms to greet, palms facing outward, and calls,

"Watcher, Protector... You of courage and strength, valor and honor. Rise up and join as witness and guardian of our rite. We bid you welcome and peace."

Anais returns to her place in the circle, remembering her bond with the Spirit of the South, she smiles a personal smile and waits…

…Epona takes a deep breath before beginning, nervous for her first public ritual. She exhales and opens the leather satchel that rests on the ground next to her feet. Inside is a very large chunk of rose quartz that was found on her father's property in the McDowell Mountains of Phoenix. A gift to Morgan for hosting this ritual. Epona walks over to Morgan and places the crystal in Morgan's hands. Epona returns to her bag and retrieves another rock. This one, a rather dark agate from Kilenney Beach. A lovely beach just South of Dublin, Ireland, it was a gift from a friend that she now passes along to the guardians. Epona moves to the North of the circle to place the agate among the objects on the altar. As she walks, bare feet peek out of a long blue silk East India-looking gown that swirls about her in the lake breeze. (A swimsuit hides beneath for some post-ritual swimming.)

Setting the agate on the altar, Epona then pulls a large etched chalice, a blue pillar candle, and the head of a daisy from her bag of tricks. Walking over to the lake she walks into the warm pool, dipping her chalice into the water. She then sets the flower on the water and with a little shove sends it off on a journey to the river.

Epona walks back to where the Morgan has placed her circle boundary of the tiny white clam shells and places the candle next to the one already placed in the sand. A small scorpion scampers past on the rocks ahead and Epona smiles to herself. An acknowledgement of her deeds. Scorpio child that she is. She lights the candle with help from the gift from Morgan, then sets about calling the quarter.

Epona pulls a small vial of sea salt from her skirts, uncorking it and pouring the contents into the chalice. She raises the cup toward the extremely bright desert moon...

"Guardians of the West, we ask that you bless this circle and all who enter tonight. Help us to find serenity and balance as we move from one season to another." Epona turns back toward the water before continuing; "Cliodna, Water Mother, we ask that if it is your wont, please bless this circle with your cooling waves and help us to remember always that life is a gift. We ask that you keep watch over us but especially all those in need on this full moon. Blessed Be!"

Epona takes a moment to gather her thoughts before stepping back into the circle and awaits the next call...

…Owl steps before the altar and waves her hand over the Candle of the Goddess. Grasping the flame in her hand, she allows the fire to play around her fingers. Moving her hand slightly, she invokes the element of fire, and weaves the sigil of the Dragon in the flame of the Mother's Candle.

Raising her arms she calls: Mother, as fire brings warmth to my hand, so does the Sun bring warmth to the earth. Your seeds, deep within the earth, are beginning to awaken. This season of growing, and birthing has begun. We invite you to join us tonight in celebration of new life coming on.

We welcome you to our circle, and we rejoice in your promise of rebirth. Blessed Be the Goddess of Old… and of Future.

Owl steps back to the circle and waits…

...Red Deer and Myrlen - having hiked at dawn to Havasu Falls - arrived at the docks just in time to catch the first ferry. Weary in the early evening from many miles of desert hiking, and not wishing to be less than social for the upcoming festivities, Deer had greeted and hugged friends old and new - then excused himself from the group. He took up a quiet spot on the prow, Myrlen beside him, and settled down to catch a few winks. Sensations flooded his dreams - the ululation of crystal waters sliding off stark cliffs and flowing down, the brilliant travertine blues of the waters in the pool at the falls' base, and the cool sensation of water sliding over naked skin in the hot desert morning. Splashing between the twin spills Myrlen had been, as ever, ecstatic with a newly discovered place. They'd lunched in the shade of a small cottonwood which sprouted from an outcrop of red rock in the pool, then swam again before beginning the return hike to easier transport. Deer was still enjoying the dream sensation of cool water when he felt something warm on his cheek, and awoke to find Myrlen excitedly licking his face. He noticed again how the ice blue of her eyes perfectly matched that of the travertine pool, and wondered once more just how many times and experiences they had shared which were now forgotten. He roused himself just in time to see Friendly Island approaching, and debarked with the other members of their group. Myrlen, of course, had led the way - leaping from the ferry and swimming to shore, then bouncing into Morgan's arms as though she'd rediscovered an old friend.

Red Rock country remained one of his favorite places, and though Deer had never been to Friendly Island before he felt instantly at home. Of the many beautiful faces of Gaia, none quite captured his senses as did the stark contrasts of earth, water and sky here in a setting that is both epic and yet close enough to touch, to embrace. Before they had entered the circle and the calls had begun, Deer took a moment to give Morgan an extra hug, and to whisper to her thanks for choosing and preparing such a beautiful setting for this moon.

In circle, Deer had listened quietly to the invocations, and had watched as she with whom he was so familiar called upon their Lady. Then, wearing a faint tintinnabulation as his ritual garment, Deer stepped to the altar and gazed upon the red pillar lit for our Lord. He too played fingers gently through the dancing flame, weaving a sigil of fire, flesh and spirit into the air before him. Close observers might have noted that as he did so, the flame briefly split in two and then branched into prongs similar to those of antlers.

Raising his arms high into the night, Deer called, "Father, the season of heat comes upon us. That which is not parched, grows. That which grows shall renew the Earth. Please join us tonight as we celebrate the beginning of long, warm months which precede the next arc into winter. We welcome You, we rejoice in You, we revel in You. Blessed Be, Horned One - Father of Old and Harbinger of the Times To Come."

Filled with the certainty that Our Lord had joined his Lady, and both regarded the circle gathered and cast with joy, Deer returned to Myrlen's side in the circle and waited for...

…Morgan wipes away a tear of joy and awe as Red Deer moves back to his place in the circle. Taking a deep breath, she comes forward from her place, raises her arms to the brilliant moon glowing in the serene sky, and says:

"By the earth beneath our feet, by the sweet air that we breathe, by the fire that warms our hearts and bodies, by the water that surrounds us, and by the Lady and Lord who are always with us, this circle is cast. We are between the worlds. The circle is now open for petitions!"

Morgan returns once again to her place in the circle, and watches...

…Dancing Skygazer looks around, wondering where everyone is, but everyone else seems mesmerized by the beautiful setting. She strides forward, little silver ankle bells tinkling with each step. Her long reddish blond hair flows over her shoulders, framing her face, which sparkles with her intent, and the silver glitter of body gel on her face and arms. As she walks, her hips sway, and another tinkling arises from the coins on the silver belly belt which rides just below her waist.

She has been holding a large fist sized chunk of rose quartz in her hands, in front of her heart, and she now kisses it and lovingly places it by the green candle placed in the North. It is warm with her body heat. She lights a stick of jasmine incense from the yellow candle, and sticks it into the ground in the East. She then lights a small pink votive candle, it has been anointed with jasmine also, and she places it alongside the red South candle already burning. Lastly, she pulls a purple cockle shell out, it is carved with dolphins on it, and it is placed next to the blue candle in the West.

"Oh Great Lady, You light my life as You light the sky. I thank you for Your blessings every day. Please continue to guide me as I walk this Path, protect me and my family from those who would hurt us, and help me to be open to finding love again. Let me allow the hurts and pains of the past to stay there, and to look at life again with a fresh eye. I ask in perfect love and perfect trust. So mote it be."

She smiles her little smile at her friends, and steps back to her place and waits for...

...EarthChild steps forward. Her growing belly now shows through her loose dress. With her, she carries a black pouch and a small cauldron.

"Lord and Lady, I am coming upon a crossroads. I can see the new route I want and need to take. I can see the new things that will be coming into my life, and yet...they seem so far away. I am more than ready to move onto the next phase of my life, but it seems as if I am held in stasis where I am."

She sets the cauldron down, and when she does you can see some papers inside. "These are from a time best left in the past. I no longer need to carry the reminders with me. I will always remember where I've come from, as it has made me who I am. but I need not carry the physical reminders nor the burden in my heart of those times." So saying, she lights the papers within the cauldron. As the flames burn and the smoke rises, she feels a weight lifted from her shoulders. The old scars and pain do not seem quite so large or heavy.

"So many changes are coming, and I embrace them...even the one that seems so scary to me." EarthChild looks down at her pregnant belly and smiles.

"In a year, we will be moving far from all I've known for the sake of the father of this child. It is a move that I both welcome and fear. Help us to make ready for this move that all may be prepared for us when the time comes. I feel in my heart that this is right for us."

"Speaking of moves, we are trying to find a new place to live and time is running out. We need to find a new place in our current area before the baby is born. I have been so anxious about this. Help us to find what we need in time, and may the check we've been waiting to arrive come soon. The need to move very soon is high. " As she says this, she thinks upon her kitchen ceiling that is currently dripping and the soggy ceiling tiles on the floor. She can smell the mold that she is so allergic to, and all the leaks that have not been fixed in her building.

EarthChild lays the pouch on the altar. Contained within are various stones. "I lay these here as symbols to all that I am letting go and moving from (and to) both materially and otherwise."

"Lord and Lady, a life within me will within one and a half to two months be an independent life all of its own. I await eagerly her arrival. Help me to be patient in these next weeks. And may you continue to bless this pregnancy and insure that labor be smooth and safe for both of us."

She looks around and hope that all will forgive her for taking so much time. Then she resumes her place in the circle as...

…Jess steps forward with a chunk of quartz found on Owl's mountain. She runs her thumb over the smooth sides, into the rougher grooves.

"Thank you, for a safe journey and a wonderful weekend among new and old friends, some who feel older than others. We are working so hard to build a community, a consensus. We look to you both for strength, wisdom, and compassion as we move forward."

Jess places the quartz on the altar, takes a deep breath of sage and jasmine scented air, and steps back into the circle...

...Deer bends to whisper into Myrlen's ear, then holds forth a many branched stem of fragrant Melissa, which the little one takes gently in her mouth. Stepping - almost prancing - to the altar, Myrlen stands tall as she places it between candles of our Lady and Lord. The little Aussie lifts her head toward the full moon and keens thrice, before returning to the place by her Deer. Both watch and wait, for...

…Seeing that all who wished to submit petitions have done so, Morgan walks to the northern quarter and draws her athame from its sheath. She raises it level to her waist, envisioning the collective force that went into the circle casting flowing into the blade, and says:

"Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, we thank you for witnessing and aiding in our rite. Go if you must, stay if you will. But if you must go, we say Hail and Farewell!"

She follows suit with the rest of the quarters, ending back at the North. She stands still for a moment, seeing the last of the energy disappear into the blade of the athame. Then turning, she walks back into the center of the circle and plunges her athame into the earth, saying:

"I return this power to its source, the living body of our Mother, who has given of Herself to us this night, and with grace, shall continue to do so."

She stands and smiles to those assembled, tears of gratitude, not only for their gifts to her but most importantly, the gift of their love and presence in this, her first guided online FMR, flowing unchecked down her cheeks.

"This circle is open, but never broken. BLESSED BE!"

Whereupon all who have gathered here surge forward to join in the celebration of life and love! Eat, drink and be merry!

…Sunspider, arriving way too late to join in the ritual, black hair disheveled from the craziness of life and love, steps up to the altar. Although everyone is now enjoying the feast, she can feel the magic left over from the energies created in this space. She lays a single long stemmed rose on the altar, bows her head in thanks. Smiling, she turns to meet the others and join them in their merry-making, thanking Morgan for a wonderful ritual. She meets the warm arms of her trusted friends, knowing they understand why she seems to be late for everything these days