Nym made her way up the trail with Morgan wandering in and out of the woods, scurrying after the local wildlife. This was the first circle that Nym' had felt Morgan was well behaved enough to join her. The unexpected morning storm had drenched them both on the way up to the falls, a welcome cleansing bath courtesy of the Great Mother. The circular clearing at the base of the falls seemed a natural setting for this moons rites. The treetops merged overhead opening back up directly over the center, giving clear view of the Mother Moon. Earlier in the day, while Morgan did her duck impersonation in the lake, Nym' had set out a table of refreshments...wild berries, gifts from the neighboring bushes, fresh cheese, shortbread cookies, Brigit's bread and cold raspberry wine to round out the evening.

Reaching the clearing Nymue' placed the wicker basket upon a large rock...hoping the Gandolff would soon be behind her with the torches to mark the quarters and light there way back down the hill. An old tree stump and a nearby fire ring would work well for this nights workings. The basket she had carried contained the additional items they would need. The crisp newly washed air was cooler than normal for this time of year and the rain had kept the vacationers away. They would have the clearing to themselves.

Nym' walked the clearing with outstretched arms listening to the message the earth had to tell...this was a peaceful spot, full of growth and the silent echoes of all of the children that had played in the waters of the falls. Hearing the voices of the others approaching Nym knew it was time to hurry. Candles for the quarters were carefully placed, a basket of blue corn and herbs on the altar. A silver chalice, filled from a near-by stream, an abalone shell full of sage and a lone white candle completed the altar. Then from the bottom of the basket she removed a large amethyst geode, the size of a bowl and suitably shaped. Nym' took the earth's bowl to the falls and thanking the spirits within, filled the bowl with the clean, cool water. Placing the amethyst bowl on the tree stump she removed 3 star shaped floating candles from her basket.

The fire ring still needed a bit of cleanup...thankfully Morgan had decided to grab most of the chard remains of past fires and playfully run off with them. Nym' had know most of the woods she needed would be provided by the forest; oak, ash, willow, birch, yew, alder, holly and vines. As Nymue' lit the fire, she drew a sprig of mistletoe for the pocket of her robe and added it to the flame saying,

"I kindle this fire today In the presence of the Holy Ones, Without malice, without jealousy, without envy, Without fear of aught beneath the sun, But the High Gods."

Then lifting a willow branch from the growing fire lit the three star shaped candles in the amethyst bowl.

All had assembled now and the appearance of a chipmunk on the tree stump signaled to Nym' that it was time to begin.

Nym' held the lone candle to the night sky,

"Mother the light of this flame has seen many moon and traveled many miles. It is the light of Bride your daughter, she of poetry and inspiration...we ask her light to inspire us here."

"Radiant arrow of flame, noble foster-mother of gods,
Brigit the daughter of the Dagda,
Dagda the Good God, the son of Ethlinn,
Ethlinn the daughter of Balor,
Balor the king of the Fomoire.
Every day and every night
That I say the genealogy of Brigit,
I shall not be killed, I shall not be injured,
I shall not be enchanted, I shall not be cursed,
Neither shall my power leave me.
No earth, no sod, no turf shall cover me,
No fire, no sun, no moon shall burn me,
No water, no lake, no sea shall drown me,
No air, no wind, no vapour shall sicken me,
No glamour out of Faery shall o'ertake me,
And I under the protection of the holy maiden,
My gentle foster-mother, my beloved Brigit."

Nymue' circle sunwise around those that have gathered. Then lighting the sage she again circles the gathering,

"Let the purity of this smoke cleanse our space and clear our minds, fill us with its sweet aroma."

Returning to the altar, she then picks up the chalice of water and circles the gathering for a final time,

"May the clarity of the earth's lifeblood guide us on our way."

Stepping to the center she raises the burning willow branch high:

"Valiant Nuada of the white sword,
Who subdued the Firbolg of blood,
For love of the Tribe, for pains of Danu's children,
Hold thy shield over us, protect us all,
Hold thy shield over us, protect us all."

The circle is now cast and Nymue' returns to her place to await the calling of the first watchtower...

…Windwalker comes towards the circle, her short hair softly blowing in the breeze and a mist caressing her face from the falls. As she stands before the altar she takes from her pockets a handful of small shells that she has accumulated from every shore she has been to. From the north in Maine to NJ where she calls home to North Carolina where she has family, to the Bahamas where time seems to stand on the edge of forever; Westward to the Mexican coastline to LA to Santa Barbara to San Francisco. The borders of this land she is bound to being covered in so small an article as a shell and as great as one that it represents: The Spirit of the water. She also sets on the right side a tall sea green candle that she has made especially for this offering. It holds some native sands of a local beach, some pine needles she found on the shore and when lit gently engulfs you with a scent reminiscent of the oceans from which we all came. The salt water in her veins calls out to the oceans and this is why she can never seem to live far from them. Something comes to mind that she read recently:

"We all come from the Goddess
And to her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the Ocean."

And she can almost feel the vibrations as her blood circles and feeds her being with this essence that is so important to mankind. Windwalker now stands and feels the powers of the earth ground her, envelop her and change her into the form which represents her affinity to this earth. As she clears her essence with the smoke from the burning sage, her form shimmers and slowly the moon appears to weave a cloak of white feathers about her. Whitehawke raises her arms; outstretched to gather in the rays of the Mother, to feel her warm embrace as she calls out:

"Hail Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, I call upon the powers of Wolf. I beseech the Keepers of Knowledge and Dreams to guide us and to lead us in our journey of birth, growth, death and rebirth like the path of the waters that flow in our veins. Mighty ones of the East, Ancient Powers of Water be witness to our rites and guard our Circle. In the name of Coventina, Triple Goddess of the healing river waters of the Old World and of now. Hail and welcome."

Waiting for what seems eternity, but which she knows is simply human seconds, Whitehawke feels the answering call in her heart and knows she has been heard. She bows softly to the raging waters and steps back to the edge of the circle. As she steps, she withdraws her focus more inwardly and as she reaches the edge Windwalker turns and waits the next call...

…Cailean steps into the circle and stops. She drinks in the beauty of the place, letting it fill her parched city-bound spirit. Slowly, she turns looking at each person gathered here -- some old friends and others new friends to be made -- greeting each with a smile. It seems too long since she has shared sacred space with these cherished souls.

Finally, she approaches the altar, so beautifully prepared, lugging her medium-sized cast-iron cauldron. Placing the cauldron south of the altar, Cailean kneels and pulls out of it three candles, one each in red, white and yellow, an places them on the altar. With a grin, she pulls her handy-dandy Aim'n'Flame gun out of a pocket -- no burnt fingers for this clutsy witch.

After lighting the candles, Cailean watches the flames flicker. Since being asked to call this element, she has been thinking much on fire an how if fills our lives: fire of spirit, intellect and passion; fuel for warmth and cooking; light to safeguard us in darkness, blazing sun to give warmth and growth.

Catching herself, she hurries to continue. She sets the cauldron securely away from the flammables and breaks up sage and small tinder containing juniper into the cauldron, set it aglow with the ever-present Aim'n'Flame, and sprinkles incense of cedar and frankincense & myrrh in the flames.

Cailean rises, faces south, raises her arms and eyes.

Hail Guardians of the Watchtower of the South
Powers of Fire and Energy
We invoke you and call you
Red Lion of the noon heat
Flaming One
Spark of Life
Come
By the Fire that is Her spirit
Send forth your flame
Be here now

Cailean lowers her arms, stops to sprinkle more incense in the cauldron fire, waits till the fragrance fills her lungs, drops the Aim'n'Flame nearby for everyone else to use and slowly returns to her place in the Circle…

…Still a little out of breath from hurrying to get to the ritual on time (having dawdled too long enjoying the beautiful green scenery, which is a treat to eyes that have become accustomed to the tan and brown tones of her desert home!), Morgan looks toward the west for a moment and sees lush, verdant forest land instead of the water she's used to seeing back home. She now understands Nym's placement of earth in the west.

Pausing at the altar for a moment, she draws from an inner pocket a small chunk of red rock embedded with tiny quartz crystals. She found this on her only trip to Sedona, AZ ten years ago, and since it came from the most beautiful piece of earth she has ever seen, she felt that it would be an appropriate offering. She lays it gently on the altar and then crosses to the western quarter.

Morgan takes a deep breath, raises her arms and face heavenward, and speaks:

"Hail, guardians of the watchtowers of the West! I do summon and call upon you to charge and guard this circle. Spirits of the element Earth, our Mother, be here now with us! In the name of Demeter, hail and welcome!"

Feeling and even smelling the presence of the earth spirits, Morgan smiles and retreats to her place in the circle, smiling fondly at old friends and new. She turns and watches...

…Suz steps forward carrying a small windchime of abalone shells and a soft silver-gray feather. The beauty of the circle with the falls murmuring softly behind stops her in her tracks. As she lifts her face to the glory of the full moon, an errant breeze snatches some of the spray from the waterfall and throws it in her face. Suz laughs softly...this breeze has been teasing her ever since Nym asked her to call a quarter in this ritual. It seems to making fun of her nervousness. There is a small birch tree to the north of the circle. Obligingly it offers a silvered branch, the leaves chuckling as birch leaves seem to do, almost giving off their own light in the moonlight. Suz hangs the windchimes on the proffered limb, and the shells immediately begin a small dance. The music is faint but sweet and clear. The breeze seems to be indicating its approval of the offering.

Facing the north, Suz lifts her arms and her head falls back.

"Guardians of the North, Spirits of Air! I call upon you and ask that you attend us this night at our rite. Your gifts of intellect, intuition and fresh new thought are welcome. We thank you for the new life with which you refresh and renew us with each breath. We are grateful for the excitement and opportunities you sweep into our lives as you whisk away the old and stale. Winds of the North! We welcome you!"

Suz lays the feather on the altar near the amethyst bowl. As she returns to her place in the circle, she stops and gives Nym a quick hug. "Thank you for trusting me with this, dear one." And then...

…Nymue nods to Anais to begin the calling of the Fae...

…who steps from the Circle with a wink and a smile. Wih a crystal chime, she rounds their Circle - pausing at each quarter to ring out the invitation. Finally, Anais whispers to the dark "Fae ones, dear to all of the cunning arts, gather here. Be gentle this eve."

With that, Anais returns to her place among the gather of friends and watches, as...

…Nym' returned to the center once more, picking up an ear of blue corn from the basket, she approaches the fire.

"Spirits of the forest, spirits of trees, air, water and earth.
We thank you for your hospitality tonight.
It is your spirits that aid us in the harvest,
And nourish us.
We give you thanks and welcome you to our gathering."

Nym feeds the blue corn to the fire. Then from the pocket of her robe she removes the resins of Frankincense.

"We offer this scent to the fire in tribute to those that have gone before and those yet to come. Ancient ones, we welcome you and ask for your guidance and protection. Aid us in our spiritual growth."

Feeding the frankincense to the flame and smelling it's purifying fragrance she says,

"Nodens of the Silver Arm, I feel your presence.. We welcome you."

Nymue' removes a spray of heather from her auburn curls and rests it on the waters within the amethyst bowl. As the flicker of the floating candles shines on the sprig she bows her head,

"I am bowing my head
In the eye of the Mother who gave me birth,
In the eye of the Maiden who loves me,
In the eye of the Crone who guides me in wisdom,
In friendship and affection.
Through thy gift of nature, O Goddess,
Bestow upon us fullness in our need.
Love towards the Lady,
The affection of the Lady,
The laughter of the Lady,
The wisdom of the Lady,
The passion of the Lady,
The blessing of the Lady,
And the magic of the Lady
To do in the world of Abred,
As the Ageless Ones do in Gwynfyd;
Each shade and light,
Each day and night,
Each moment in kindness,
Grant us Thy Sight."

Looking up to the unearthly glow of the moon in it's fullest she speaks these words,

"Goddess, give charge to the blessed Sidhe,
To keep guard around this stead tonight,
A circle sacred, strong, and steadfast,
That will preserve and contain this spirit-shrine.

Macha we call to you tonight, join with us,
guide us, bless us with your light."

A brilliant bolt of lightning pierces the night sky... and Nymue' knows that their request has been heard.

"So Mote it be…"

...and Red Deer, realizing it's his turn to move toward circle's center, speaks briefly with Myrlen before beginning. First, to the fire ring he goes, followed only by the jingling of unseen bells and the dancing of shadowed antlers upon the ground - both in rhythm with the fire's eddies and leaps. A long moment Deer stands before the fire, absorbing its radiance, its heat. Then, he turns to the remains of the ancient tree who graciously serves as their altar this eve.

There, he gently inhales the aroma of the still lightly smoking sage, and brings himself to center with aid of the flame over the lone taper. "Ah, stumps and roots," Deer thinks silently while digging his toes into the rich earth. "And, as always, continuity. I am again reminded in this time of fecundity that all which grows, withers. All which flowers, goes to seed. Yet all which dies, is reborn. Thank you, old one, for offering the remainder of this earthly body as our altar." Then, superimposed upon his perception of this beings waning state, Deer experiences a mighty one in its prime - massive boughs spread heavenward and leaves spread wide to catch the light. Many suns and many moons remain within the memories of this one.

Deer raises his arms high into the night, then spreads them wide. Finally, he descends to supplication - one knee upon the ground and arms folded across the other. Deer continues to look upward, however, as he calls out, "Horned One, Ancient Father, Lord of the Hunt - I call upon you this moon with invitation to our rite. As you proceed from the times of fruitfulness towards those of repose, join is in celebrating another turn of the Lunar Wheel. Come among us - stir our hearts, spark our thoughts, warm our loins - as we revel. Trust....Love....Lust....These we ask of Thee this moon. Let us resonate in that which You embody at this point of the Wheel. Let us move in the sacred Dance You share with our Mother. Let us shine in the divinity of all which surrounds us. I ask that You be here now!"

Deer closes his eyes, lowers his head and reaches forward to hug the stump upon which their altar is set. And as he waits, is filled with the sensations of the evening which holds them all close within its grasp. Millions of tiny voices echo through the night. Cascading water's song echoes among them. And suddenly, felt more than seen, a great energy detaches itself from the fire and moves to stand by the altar. "Welcome, Father," Deer whispers to that which hovers at his right, before standing and quietly returning to his place among the circle of friends...

…Owl steps forward and lays a lavender wand on the altar, then takes her drum and raises it to the Moon. Mother, Father, I ask your blessings on behalf of the Pagan Community. May the sound of the drums from many cultures call out to those who seek to find the Deity within.

Owl then begins to drum the heartbeat ....then the drum takes on a life of its own as the beat doubles and triples ...and those around the circle begin to dance and clap keeping time with the rhythm. With a final beat of the heart of the drum, all stop ....and the sound of silence is deafening .. until the small rustles, sighs, and whispers of the night ground us within Circle.

Owl steps back to wait...

…Until Nym looks about the circle and announces, "This rite is now open for petitions…

…JourneyWoman has traveled through air and across water to reach the circle in time to join her Sisters & Brothers, her physical form sits quietly as if asleep, in front of the waterfall that cascades gently singing its watery melody as it flows into the pond below....The sun (for it is day in the lands to the south), keeps her warm while her spirit self travels to the place of gathering.

As JourneyWoman takes form amongst those gathered at the circle, she shivers in the cool night air, woops! she forgot that it would be cold here....she tells herself "silly, you should have put on a warm cloak ....not this light weight one"...

It is time for her to petition the Goddess ....Stepping forward to the alter, she rummages around within the folds of her cloak, seeking the delicate offering gleaned from one of Bali's rivers, She finally locates and pulls forth a smooth seemingly "Goddess" shaped natural pink riverstone flecked with white, a stone which sings of the beauty of nature that it has witnessed as in tumbled gently in the waters it has laid in for generations, she has carried this with her as an offering to be placed on the alter from a land far away, a land that is blessed by it's Gods & Goddesses.

JourneyWoman raises her hands, palms up and whispers "Brighid, Lady of the bright flame, healing and poetry, I seek your assistance, it is time for immersion in a subject of choice, and I know not the direction I should take, Aid me with your wisdom in this decision, for it either the healers path or bards path that calls to my soul, I will bow to your wise judgment....and I thank you for the many blessings bestowed upon myself and my family....JourneyWoman kisses the beautiful soft pink river stone, and gently places it on the alter, She also pulls from her hair, a beautiful unmarked yellow, highly scented Frangipani flower, the ones used in the Temple offerings, this she places close to the beautiful amethyst bowl, bringing the palms of her hands together in the gentle namaste way of the east, she bows with grace towards the alter and the Lord & Lady, and also to each of the 4 directions....She turns, and says to all gathered, blessings of the Lord and Lady to you all...and steps back into her place in the circle, and waits...

…whiteraven steps forward and raises her arms to the moon. "Dear Lord and Lady thank you for your blessing of making me see that i am beautiful no matter what." she tilts her head to the sky and lets the moon's soft silvery light wash over her. then she steps to the alter and places a rose quarts crystal on it after offering it to the 6 sacred directions. She then steps back to wait...

…Dancing Skygazer approaches the altar, ankle bells tinkling. She holds an armful of tiger lilies and rose of Sharon. How odd! She lays down this incongruent bouquet with a small secretive smile, only she knows the personal significance. From a pocket, she pulls out some orange colored fluff, harvested from the tail of her tomcat. She spreads it thinly between her fingers and allows it to be carried away by the gentle breeze. She smiles up at the Lady shining down on her radiant face.

"Thank you Lady, for hearing me, and standing so near as I traverse this Path. Your presence both comforts and strengthens me. I hear Your song, and I dance to Your beat. I embrace this life, both the bitter and the sweet."

Raising her hands as if in prayer, and with a quirky little nod of her head, she returns to her spot in circle, and...

…Sunspider approaches the altar, smiling knowingly at her friend. She lays a goose feather among the other offerings, symbolic of her quest. "Lady, I just need words. Words that will help me with this journey you're leading my feet upon. Thank you for this path. It feels good to be learning Your work." She bows her head for a moment, thinking of the others and their needs. She turns to take her place in the circle to wait for...

...EarthChild steps forward from her place in the circle. She looks around and is in awe of the beauty of the area. Tilting her head back, she looks at the beauty of the full moon and the brilliance of the stars.

EarthChild smiles at those assembled. "I have so much to be thankful for. I may not be monetarily rich, but I've come to realize that I'm richer by far than most millionaires will ever be."

"I have two beautiful children. They may at times drive me insane, but they are the joy of my life. I have learned so much from them. I've learned patience (or some, at least)...which was a commodity I never thought to have any of. I have learned from watching them, that there is joy in the smallest of things. I have two wonderful partners; who each in their own ways fulfill my needs and dreams. I love them both, and know that they each love me."

"I have been given the greatest riches in the world. I have been given people to love and care for, and who do the same for me."

"And soon, I will have another little person to love. If she doesn't come before then, Emily will be induced to greet the world next Wednesday. My one request this month is that her entrance into the world be both safe and speedy (for both of us)."

At that, EarthChild leaves some seashells and a candle on the altar. She steps back into her place in the circle as...

…The distant rumble of thunder calls Nym' to the center once more. All petitions have been heard and the night is growing old.

"As this rite draws to it's end, may the energy live on."

Placing a bundle of sage in the fire...

"Might Horned One, we thank You for you attendance. As the strength of Earth is in harmony with life, so may we walk in balance and strength."

Nym' then picks up a bundle of Black Eyed Susan from her place in the circle.

"Mother Goddess, Mighty Macha, these flowers were a surprise in my garden, the result of a gift of seed from the birds. As they were gifted to me. I give them to this place in hopes that their beauty will be reborn."

Laying the flowers by the stump of the tree, Nym' looks to the glistening moon.

"Mother, may the light of this place go forth and strengthen the Earth. May your ancient powers be reborn."

"I give thanks to the spirits of nature gathered here, to the Ancient ones that guide us, to the Fey that inspire us. Go if you must, stay if you will, we honor thee."

"Guardians, thank you for joining this circle and lending your strength. I give thanks to the power of Air, May the winds be blessed and the airs purified."

"I give thanks to the powers of Earth, May your beauty and strength be preserved."

"I give thanks to the power of Fire, May the sacred fires that honor the Gods always burn bright."

"I give thanks to the power of Water, May the rain wash the earth, and nourish the life that flows."

The threatening rain starts to fall...

"The circle is now open, yet unbroken, may the circle of the Goddess stand for all times."