A sassy smile belying his seventy some years, Mr. Stokes gave his consent to use the orchard for the evening, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed. "Here," he said with a twinkle in his eye, handing over a heavy cream-colored canvas sack. "Ma said you might be able to use this too...and to help yourself to what's in the shed." Topaz accepted the bag, both surprised and pleased at their kindness, and more than a little curious as to what Mrs. Stokes had packed in the bag. Impulsively she leaned over and kissed his wizened cheek. "Thank you, sir, and give my best to Mrs. Stokes!" He looked after her thoughtfully as she went out the thick wooden door, the twinkle never leaving his eyes.

Just a short walk from the mill and thru the orchard, Topaz arrived at the picnic area and set her sack and the one from Mrs. Stokes on one of the nine wooden picnic tables. Unable to contain her curiosity, she peaked into the sack, spreading its contents out. There were fresh apples, both green and red varieties, several ears of indian corn, three bright yellow gourds, a gallon jug of cold fresh cider, and an unfrosted apple cake wrapped in a linen towel. "Oh!" she smiled, putting her hands together in delight, "Perfect!"

In the shed she found ten torches, topped with copper oil lanterns, a weathered sky blue milk crate filled to the top with little multicolored bucket type citronella candles and a gallon bottle of lamp oil. A stack of firestarter "candles" (like we used to make in girl scouts with newspaper and wax) and a goodly sized bundle of applewood and other logs stacked neatly in the corner.

Grabbing a towel from her own sack, she headed off to the left of the picnic tables where there perched an old fashioned red water pump and a silver metal bucket. Up and down with the handle and out gurgled water into the bucket where she washed the sweat from her hands and face, waving away a mosquito as it tried to bite her leg. Refreshed, she set about the preparations, humming Stevie Nicks tune "If you ever did believe."

Surveying the area, she mentally decided where everything should be placed. Retrieving a small round compass from her own sack, she confirmed the directions and placed four torches accordingly around the outer perimeter at each cardinal point, making sure each was filled with oil. She stacked the wood up teepee style inside the pit and placed the firestarters next to the stones in preparation for the fire later.

The milk crate was emptied, flipped over, and placed facing north near, but not too near, the stone ring enclosing the fire pit. Over the top of the crate she draped a deep scarlet oblong tablecloth, letting it puddle to each side and down the front. In front and around the sides she placed Mrs. Stokes' apples, corn, and gourds atop the cloth. From her sack came several things which she prepared and placed on top of the altar: an altar cloth made from squares of yellow, green, red, and blue fabric, a mini cauldron filled with sand into which she put three cones of sandalwood incense, a palm sized silver dish with a spoonful of dark rich loam, a 3" miniature vase filled with spring water, a red votive candle inside a glass holder, and a shiny brass bell. Last she placed two tall tapers, one black, the other white, in two crystal holders. An oval shaped abalone shell she placed on a sitting rock nearby, filled it with a bit of sand, and placed several handmade smudges of rosemary and lavender wrapped tightly in black embroidery thread. Here she placed two more torches, simulating a doorway to the circle.

"What else?" she said to herself looking around with a wrinkle in her brow. Her own private celebrations were simple affairs, but having attended enough open circles with the local CUUPs chapter, she knew a lot more preparation went into group rituals and she worried about missing something. "Ah, the apple cake!"

The top of the altar was somewhat crowded (wasn't it always? ), but a bit of shifting cleared room enough for the wrapped apple cake and her ceramic blue chalice. (this was delightful gift a client had brought her on one of his trips to England - there was a bell inside the base - she'd never seen a chalice that jingled). Next to the alter she placed the insulated jug of cider in between some apples and a gourd.

Waving away another mosquito, she placed the miniature buckets of citronella candles on the nearby picnic tables just as the day was beginning to fade into twilight. She looked at her watch and decided there was still plenty of time to get home, bathe, and dress for the evening.

She arrives back at the orchard, refreshed from her ritual bath and dressed for the cool of the evening in a cotton russet-colored dress with a flowing skirt. It could be worn off the shoulder, but it was a bit chilly for that on this cusp of autumn night so she'd tucked them up - better anyways, she thought, no worrying about anything falling out. Her belt, a new trinket from the Renn Faire, was supple black braided leather with a black pouch attached with a leather loop strap. Black lace-up sandals, silver anklets with tiny bells, and a pentacle strung on a black ribbon complete her ritual garb.

The moon hangs low and large just above the tree line, its glow smiling upon her as she sets about starting the fire, which crackles at once with the scent of wax and apple tinged smoke. She lights the "doorway" torches with her bic flame gun then circles round to do the same with the citronella candles. The altar bell she tucks it into her pouch, then surveys the site one final time.

The candle and fire-light flickering among the apple trees creates an illusion of being surrounded by graceful shadow dancers. Little yellow-green "lamps" join in their dance, flitting here and there among the branches, while crickets sing unseen among the underbrush. The smell of apples, clean and sweet, is heavy in the air and she breathes deeply of their earthy scent. She hears laughter and voices from a distance and realizes, no, it's not the Fey, its time, people are arriving and she must greet them.

By ones and twos and more they come. Old friends and new. The tables fill with food and drink for the potluck afterwards, and there is the sound of laughter and talk. After a comfortable while to greet one another and put mundane chatter aside, the time seems ripe to begin so she heads to the altar for last minute prep. With the flame gun she lights the incense and red votive candle then fills the chalice with cold cider and unwraps the apple cake from its linen cloth. Unsure whether Nymue and Red Deer would like the Goddess and God candles lighted, she whispers to them she will leave them unlit. The quarter torches also remain dark for now.

Moving to the doorway torches, she lights the smudges and rings the bell to invite everyone to process to the circle. People begin filing in and soon all are gathered in a complete circle. With a smile to the person at her left, she lifts her left hand to join theirs and says to them,

"We are the flow,
we are the ebb,
we are the weavers,
we are the web."

Around the circle the chant passes, each person adding their voice and their hand to the next until it comes round to join at her right hand and Topaz calls out:

"The circle be drawn,
the circle be bound!
In sacred space
we stand our ground!"

Ringing the bell once more, she replaces it on the altar and moves to the torch. Turning to face North, she raises her arms skyward and says:

"Hail good guardians of the North -- Keepers of Air and place of the hidden sun! I call upon you this night to ward our circle and witness our rites. Merry met and welcome!"

She then turns to wait for the East quarter call...

…Dancing Skygazer steps forward, silver ankle bells tinkling with each step of her bare feet. She is wearing a green sarong, one around her body, and one draped over her shoulders against the cool night air. Her long red hair is loose, and flows down her back in a cascade. She is crowned with a garland of honeysuckle vine, and another garland is around her neck. As she moves, in the moonlight, one can see little glints of body glitter sparkling against her tanned skin.

She holds salt in her clasped hand, and as she speaks, she lightly sprinkles the salt, allowing it to filter through her fingers, toward the East.

"Hail and Welcome!
Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East,
Power of Earth, join us in our Circle this night."


She then lifts her right hand, and in the air, traces an invoking pentacle. She steps back to her place in the circle, and waits for...

...Red Deer, who looks somewhat sheepishly about the circle of friends. Determined to keep himself toned down a bit this moon, which causes him to grin momentarily to himself as he considers, Deer sweeps the circle with his smile before facing outward towards the South.

Deer's hair dances in the evening breeze as he welcomes the Southern Guardians:

"Hail and Merry Meet, Spirits of Fire. You who embody the light of sun, moon and stars; the fierce heat of a summer noon and the pleasant warmth of a lover's embrace. Powers which drive thought and perception, ward our Circle this night and join us in our revelry."

Deer solemnly turns back to face inward to the Circle, and watches for...

…Morgan steps forward from her place in the circle and, after nodding a greeting to the others, approaches the altar, where, in honor of the God of the Harvest, she lays a small but fat orange pumpkin from her own garden. This was grown from seeds she and her family asked the Goddess and God to bless at their Ostara ritual, and despite the fierce Arizona summer heat, their pumpkin patch in particular has thrived.

Turning from the altar, Morgan moves to the Western quarter. She stands grounding and centering for a moment, enjoying the scents of apples and autumn that permeate the air. Reaching into an inner pocket of her warm, loose dark robe (which she had chosen after hearing about Michigan weather from a few co-workers!), she pulls out a small blue candle, from which the scent of an ocean breeze briefly wafts over the assembly. Pulling out a lighter from another pocket, she touches the flame to the candle and watches it spring to life. Laying it down gently, she then straightens and raises her arms heavenward, as if she could reach out and touch the glowing orb hanging in the velvet sky.

"Hail, guardians of the Watchtowers of the West! Spirits of stream, lake and sea, I call upon you to charge and guard this circle! In the names of Brigit and Yemaya, I bid you welcome!"

As Morgan speaks the last words, the flame on the little candle flutters, then intensifies, and she knows that her call has been answered. Smiling, she returns to her place in the circle, and waits...

…Nymue' steps to the altar cloaked in a saffron robe. A ring of oak leaves entwined with a ribbon braid or red, yellow and green encircles her hair. Nym' places acorns, hazelnuts and wheat beside the Goddess candle before removing a small stone oil lamp and a beeswax taper from a leather pooch at her waist.

The taper carries the flame from the fire Topaz has set to the oil lamp beside the candle.

"We look to Brigit, Lady of the hearth, Beloved Goddess of the sacred flame. We ask your blessing."

Spreading the flame from the lamp to the Goddess's candle, Nym' bows her head silently for a moment, then raising her palms to the glow of the moon..

"Mother, Danu, Demeter, Gaea,
Lady of a thousand names we honor you.
We honor the Mother of the harvest,
Full of splendor and crowned with grain.
The beauty of the shimmering lakes,
The glory of the forest,
The majesty of the mountains,
The blossoms and the fruit are all bestowed by your gracious power.
The water of life flows from your palms.
Great praise and thanks we give thee.
We ask your blessings and guidance this night.

We hail the Mother of change,
By thy power magick gained,
Hail to love and passion's fire,
Fertile magick of desire."

The flame of the oil lamp jumps as the candles flicker, a sense of compassion embraces the gathering.

Nymue' softly whispers "Welcome, my Mother." Before returning to her place in circle to wait…

…Windwalker comes to the circle after sitting outside in the darkened area just outside. Listening to the crickets and feeling the warmth of the earth as she sat. She had taken the extra time to get the feel of the power of the area and enjoy the sounds of running water. Dressed in forest green tights and a matching cable sweater. Windwalker walks softly to the circle wearing on her feet doeskin moccasin. Woven into her short auburn hair are ties of late summer flowers and leaves of the changing trees. With the strange weather some of her local trees had turned early while the zinnias in her garden and autumn clematis are still in full bloom. On the picnic table she places a bowl of autumn stew, made with Brussels sprouts and large hunks of squash and beef. Windwalker enters from the east and walks to the altar. She places on the altar an early pumpkin ...small, but carved into it the waxing, full and waning moons on one side and her sister's great skills carved a version of the Green Man for this occasion on the other. She lights it using the lighter there. She stands before the large harvest moon and feels the power. She takes out a carved horn from her pack...made from the hollowed out bone of a 6 point buck by a friend. She turns to the East and lets out a blast, then to the South, West and North. Placing the horn on the altar she raises her arms to Father sky and feels herself become one with Whitehawke.

"Welcome to the spirits of the forest. To the spirits of the trees and to the animals who depend on these for survival. Spirit of the forest, that the old Europeans called the Green Man, gather us into your embrace. Be one with the mother who guides us and feeds our souls. You, whose power and growth come from the sun, lift up your shining light to guide us and put flight to the darkness that surrounds us. Let the reflection of your light show into the corners of our lives, so that all may become clearer. And as the green of life and the whisper of the trees speak of your presence, honor us with your joining, for we welcome you into the Goddess in us all."

With that Whitehawke lights the final candle set by Topaz and gives three short bursts on the deer horn to signal the presence of the Green Man. Then steps to the side and waits for...

...Topaz, who comes forward once again to the altar and rings the bell.

"By spirits of Air and Earth, Fire and Water, and Spirit within, and in the presence of the Goddess and God who have joined us here, we rejoice now to celebrate the mysteries of the Great Mother, She who is known by many names and seen in many faces."

Arms skyward to embrace the moon, she calls out, voice pitched low with the cadence of chant,

"Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecateeee -- Demeter-Kali-Inn-aaaaaaan-aaaa!"

As the last syllable ends she begins again, pulling Robin and Morgan by the hand to begin a spiral dance, the chant rising as others begin to take it up and join in the dance. Someone strikes up a drum, she isn't sure who, then another echoes it, and another. Bells jingling, drums drumming, and the ever rising pitch of the chant fills the air. More join on the spiral dance as it writhes around the circle, still others stand in place and chant, clapping their hands, stomping their feet. The pitch of the chant and dance resonate into crescendo and then its sound soon begins to fade and the movements to slow. Topaz sinks down to the ground, her breathing still a bit hard, beads of sweat on her brow. Palms down she closes her eyes and earths the energy, letting herself relax and allow her breathing to return to normal. A moment, perhaps a little more goes by and she opens her eyes to find WindWalker grinning like a bobcat (was she hiding The Trout under her robe or a wet noodle?) and catches a glimpse of Fairymoon's mirthful eyes shining brightly as the Fey in the firelight. She moves to the altar once more setting aside the urge to giggle for the moment and thinking the cake will help with some additional grounding.

Taking up the apple cake she says with a smile,

"Gracious Lady and Gentle Lord, we ask your blessings upon this bread, and give our thanks for the bounty of this harvest. So mote it be!"

Breaking a piece off the cake, she sprinkles it into the fire whispering "for the Gods**." Breaking off another piece, she eats it, then hands the cake and its cloth to WindWalker to share and pass on around the circle. (Its not a sticky cake, but more like a Sally Lunn bread, very light and airy with no sugar or frosting on the top.)

She then raises the cup as says,

"Gracious Goddess and Gentle God, we ask your blessings upon this drink, and give our thanks for the bounty of this harvest. So mote it be!"

Sprinkling a few drops of cider into the fire she whispers,

"for the Gods."

She then takes the cup with her and sits in the circle.

"In times past," she says, her voice carrying around, "the Cup was held sacred. In many cultures it is a symbol of healing, of renewal and rebirth, and some say, Cerridwin's Cauldron of Inspiration. It was once solemnly offered from host to guest with words of welcome and exchange of blessings and for some, accepted with no little amount of faith. Therefore, as you share in this Cup tonight, I invite you to share a few words with us, if you will, as is the tradition in our circle. For this is the season of harvest, when we gather seeds from our gardens so that our plants may be reborn on the next turn of the wheel, and, it is through the cauldron of regeneration we plant seeds in ourselves that will winter within and manifest to be reborn anew. What seeds of inspiration will you harvest?"

She takes a sip of the cider and passes the cup to her left to...

Topaz takes a sip of the cider and passes the cup to her left to...

…Epona who holds the cup steady in her hands for a moment as she thinks of how to begin this night. So much has happened in this month past that the emotion and intensity well up until it is ready to burst forth. The tears of release slide down her cheeks and she takes a deep breath. Finally finding words Epona pulls a handful of apple seeds from her pocket and lets them fall from her hand to the ground beneath her feet.

"Mother Goddess, thank you always for the bounty of harvest, may these seeds return to you to take root and blossom, as they have in me. Father God, your strength this past month has been immeasurable and so very appreciated as I struggle to reconcile the aspects of my self. Please I ask of both of you for your continued guidance as I begin this new path. Please help me to find the strength to follow the destiny I know is there. Please help me to have clarity by which to see the choices which lie ahead of me. Please help me to know that my worth is inside me and my spirit is unbreakable. Please help me to remember that the love of friends is all the diamonds I need. And to know that those who have animosity toward me are merely the wood by which to light my fire. Please protect my child as she asserts her independence and help her to find her path in life with ease. Please protect my friends and business partners as we embark upon this incredible journey...All these things I ask with the blessings of you Lady & Lord! Blessed Be!"

Epona raises the cup to her lips and lets the liquid slide into her soul like a warm blanket. She lowers the cup then passes it to her left to...

…Windwalker takes the cup of cider and first pours a bit to the earth, then offers the cup to the sky before taking a sip. She smiles at Topaz and nods towards the darkened edges of the circle where bobcat sits watching...then drops a soft noodle in her lap as she passes. Also present are her teachers: wolf sits close by and Hawk watches from above. Windwalker nods to both and thanks them for their patience in teaching her the lessons she has come to learn. Then she places on the altar a fetish of ivory to represent Eagle. "O'siyo brothers. I stand before you Grandmother, happy in the path I have been walking. Though the decisions that opened this door were hard, I have trusted in your greater wisdom. And if it seems that at times I falter, allow me the time to continue in the climb before you feel the need to move me along. I see the need to travel forward, but fear still binds me to the past, and for this I would seek your help. For now as always I find my peace and strength in you" With that Windwalker lights a small smudge of sweetgrass so that her prayers will be carried by smoke and Eagle. And she leaves on the altar a small offering of tobacco for the other spirits present. Then turns to pass the cup to...

…Harmony looks around the circle to the Guardians and at her Brothers and Sisters, then into the glass as she seeks the Lord and Lady.

"Lord and Lady,
This pain help cease,
My nerves, help calm
'Pon surgery Mon' Morn
The dr. do his work with ease,
Help me find some peace!
So Mote it be!…

When the cup of cider comes to Morgan, she raises it to the shining moon.

"Gracious Lady, Great Lord, I thank you for all the blessings bestowed upon my family, for the lessons I've learned this past month, and for helping me rid myself of that which no longer serves. And, although she is no longer a part of my life, I pray that a certain person is able to find her own true path, one which can ease the bitterness in her soul, and that she can feel enough confidence in so that she can walk it with a clear conscience, and without feeling the need to constantly defend it to those who revile it."

"I also ask that my pursuit of justice begins to move forward once more, and I would be especially grateful if my family could stay healthy for a while! Thank you, great Mother and Father!"

Still holding the cup, Morgan says, "May the Gods bless this cider and all who partake of it," takes a sip, and passes the cup...

…The cup comes to Redstar, he raises it to the moon, both hands holding it firmly.

"Gracious Lady, Great Lord, I thank you for the blessings bestowed upon my wife, myself and the child you have brought us. I ask the blessings to continue for our growth as parents, and growth of our child. May we do the right things. May we make the right decisions. May we protect and nurture his spirit as well as our own. As I embark upon my task tonight, I thank you for the Gifts you have given me personally. The Spirit, the knowledge, and the wisdom, of how to use the talents in this body, in these hands. I ask you bless my endeavor once again, so that all may benefit from my labor. That these mortal hands, this mortal body, once again becomes your tools in this world. To do your bidding until the work has finished."

"So Mote it be."

Redstar takes a sip, and passes the cup...

...and Dancing Skygazer takes the cup, and notices it is getting a little low. She refills the cup from the large jug, and inhales the crisp sweetness. She holds it up to the Moon, and says:

"Lady Rhiannon, I thank you for your past blessings and your wisdom. Although the events of the past month have been stressful, I know this is a necessary part of my growth. Even as I may resist it, I trust that you know that which I need most at this time. You, who have struggled, know the name of the adversity which faces me. Help me to have the strength to handle all you need send me, and help me grow stronger with every step I take on your path."

"So mote it be."

And with that, she raises the cup to her lips and drinks. She steps back to her place and returns the cup to its origin...

…The cakes & "ale" passed 'round and petitions stated for those who wish (so mote they be!!), the circle casting is reversed to open the circle and bring this full moon rite to a close. Nymue & WindWalker graciously thank the Lady & Lord for their presence while Morgan, Red Deer, Robin, and Topaz thank and bid farewell to the guardian spirits of the directions. Topaz then steps forward one last time to speak the words of parting. She rings the bell, letting the sound reverberate into silence before calling out...

"The circle is open but never unbroken! Merry we met, and merry we part until we merry meet again! Ho!"

"Now, let's feast!"